The first email I got from MTS when they reopened back in September had the header Model Train Stuff’s Official Grand Reopening Event is coming this Fall! Every email since then has had something similar with the latest saying Model Train Stuff’s Official Grand Reopening Event is coming soon!
Any idea why they would have a Grand Reopening Event now since they have been open for over 4 months?
It’s common for businesses to do a “soft opening” to work out any issue before a “grand opening” event. Four months does seem long though.
I have not placed an order since they came back. Maybe there are “issues” that are still being worked out.
Yes, four months seems a long time. Perhaps they were seeing through Christmas before ‘Opening’.
David
The website says they will be at Amherst this weekend, perhaps a forum user who will be attending could talk to them.
Model Train Stuff?
Oh yeah, forgot about them.
Will have to see if I can chat with them while there, hopefully good news will come of it!
Rich, I came back to view them immediately. But their prices are higher than many, which is the way it was when owned by the Klein’s, so I don’t think I’ve purchased one thing. I will look at their site once in a while. They just never beat others on price…which is the only thing I care about with retail items.
I honestly had forgotten all about them.
Rich
In-stock products, speed of shipping, and after-sale support are far more important to me than the actual price. I will gladly pay for lack of a hassle.
I’m at the point where most of my spending is on scenery and structures, and I can get most of what I need locally. Yes, in-store is usually a higher price but I can get things immediately and ask questions about products. A few months ago I went into the store (which is a general hobby store but has a decent MR section) and asked about plastic filler. I got a very helpful answer from the owner describing each of the 4 types he had in stock and what he would use each kind for.
I used to order from MTS/Klein’s, and was always happy with their service. I used Walthers a couple of times after MTS shut down and they shipped same day or next day. To me that service makes me want to continue to use them in spite of paying close to MSRP.
I bought a set of Kato N scale hoppers a couple of months ago. Then got some Atlas Code 55 N flex track. Both transactions were fine. I understand that their sales offices are in Ashville, NC, which means that they had to deal with the hurricane aftermath. They ship out of various warehouses, one package came from Pennsylvania and the other came from Milwaukee.
Mark Gosdin
I will definitely be visiting them at the show. I’ve placed a bunch of orders since FDT bought them, and have been giving them feedback on working through some of the issues. I do have to give them credit, they have been very responsive in every contact I’ve had. Will be good to pair a face to the person on the phone most of the time.
Without bashing can you give an idea of the issues beyond weather related? I was thinking about placing an order but can wait if they are having problems.
Speaking from my actual experience, I have never had a bad service experience with any of the 5 or 6 online stores I use. Since the service has been the same across all shops, price rules for me. Exchanges and returns have been as easy as local shops. Again, my experiences over the past 5 years or so.
MTS has traditionally been one of the slowest shippers, but its not like I need an emergency train-fix so its no big deal. Glad they are back though, to simply add more opportunity.
I can say the same thing. All are pretty reliable.
Rich
Sorry about the late reply, been stuck in airplanes and airports all day trying to get to MA for the Amherst show. All of the issues were minor and quickly fixed pretty quickly. Their customer service team was quick to rectify everything and just asked for a little patience. They had a daunting task in resurrecting MTS/MB Klein <and in my opinion are well on the road to bringing it back to what we were used to as customers.