I executed with first buy order with them today. Normally I’m local or a New Yorker
but they were very responsive when I raised HO Rivarossi questions covering the
Walthers’ 12 month warranty procedure on the new FEF-3s.
Yesterday they were expeditious when I asked about the new price structure and
possible dely dates of the new HO Athearn Challenger.
They earned my business and deserved my Challenger order and I got it for a better
price than the other guy.
www.firsthobby.com
Thanks to MReditor for bringing this news release to our attention.
First Hobby is first rate in my experience also. They shipped my Super Chief cars as they came in and followed my instructions very well, since I was moving between shipments. I called them for a Cab Forward when they came out, and it was at my house in about three days.
I would recommend them anytime and believe their prices are great. Some other dealers I buy from are somewhat lower on specials, but overall, First Hobby is a class act.
I too have had a good experience dealing with these people. Very helpful over the phone, good pricing and prompt shipping. A first class act. I have an order in with them for the new Atlas Trainmasters when they arrive.
George
I’ve used them a number of times. Their prices are reasonable, although not usually absolutely the rock-bottom that can be found. They make up for any dollar differential with excellent service.
They have also handled several advance and special orders for me, without any issues. There is nothing more frustrating than waiting for something special and finding out someone was asleep at the switch and you missed out. First Hobby has always come through for me.
I got my Lionel Veranda and P2K PA/B set from them good price, and when I ordered they were one of the few who had stock of the Veranda at that time [tup]
I ordered my FEF-3 from firsthobby. Great price, good service, and it arrived in a phenomenal 2 days! I couldn’t believe it! I was going to order the Genesis Challenger from internettrains, but when I saw First Hobby’s lower price, I knew they’d be a better choice. They’ve earned my Challenger order as well.
I have never used First Hobby. Do they ship immediately or fool around for 2-5 days like some West Coast Internet Companies? I hate that worst than anything. The 2-5 days are work days so it could be a week or longer before they ship and then the shipping time is another 4-5 days or more depending rather or not they hit a weekend.
Their delivery success is contingent upon Athearn making prompt delivery.
In my case, I didn’t order until yesterday and orders will be filled in the order received.
I suspect because of the price change many orders could be over subscribed
and exceed their initial allocation.
Rex,
My experience is that anything they have in stock is shipped the same day if it’s in early enough. I live just down the road from Decatur in Urbana. If I order during regular business hours, my order is usually shipped out that evening and I get it the next day.
YMMV, but they have also been quick enough about shipping my advance orders. I saw the new Walthers DRGW coaches show up on Ebay the end of the week. I called them the next Monday and they were expecting them the next day from Walthers. I received them the day after, so they tend to get their stuff out the door to keep their customers happy. All shipments have also been very professionally packed.
I don’t deal with them exclusively since I’m a narrowgauger also, but for the lines they carry, they do a good job.
I too have had very good luck with Firsthobby. They really have their act together. Will certainly do more business with them. (This sounds like an eBay feedback post!)
Anyway, they are on my top five hobby shop list.[:D][tup]