Hi folks,
Seems like every time I order something from the big internet train suppliers (mostly detail parts) it takes about one month or so before they are even shipped. I will not use their names, but there are several I use. They are usually out of what I need or it just takes ions of time for them to ship out orders. Hey don’t get me wrong internet shopping is very convenient, but it also has it’s limitations. Does anyone out there have the same issues? Unfortunately I do not have a good train hobby supplier near where I live (about a 1hr. drive each direction). Guess I need to wait until I get a big list and then hit the road in search of parts or just put up with my situation. [xx(]
Many companies don’t stock items but rather wait until you order them and then place an order with their distributor. That is why the wait. You save money, but pay for it in time.
Most of the time, the items I order are in stock and shipped promptly. Hard to get items will usually require a back order no matter who you order from. If I don’t buy from my LHS, Trainworld is where I do most of my shopping. They are not really an internet dealer since they take orders by phone or snail-mail (Somebody correct me if I’m wrong). You can browse their website but I believe you still have to order the old fashioned way. It’s been my expierience that if anybody has it in stock, Trainworld will.
I have ordered alot from Toy Train Heaven and always got my order in 7 days or less except 1 time when they were hit with a major snow storm. And I ordered via snail-mail.
theres a lot of hobby shops local to other areas that if you have their # and call them and see if an item is in stock ,will be glad to send it out. When I’m in other areas I check out these shops and ask if they’re interested in shipping. It adds a little to the cost, but hey! if its available.