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I really dislike this trend. I know why they require it, but I still don't like it.
How many of you preorder locos and cars comapared to how many buck this trend? I'm just wondering if the manufacturers are really the big losers here or what?....
I pre-order, on occasion. But, Caboose Hobbies lets me do it without putting any cash down. But it's only for things I know I'll really need/want, like the Rapido Steam Generator and WV Caboose in D&RGW markings, or the Walthers 130' DCC turntable.
Yes. I have the BLI Daylight cars on pre-order now, along with the Athearn GP7/9's. I also pre-ordered the Athearn FP-7, and have reserved new brass. I have never had to lay out any money until I pick up the goods, and my LHS usually cuts me a pretty nice discount. Many manufacturers are using this practice to gauge interest in various models, so by "bucking the trend", you may be signalling a lack of interest in a model.
I don´t normally pre-order, but I just had to do it to get the Fox Valley Wagon-top boxcars!
As I´m living in Sweden, there is no way I would do it on a "normal" basis.
I just have to see what is available when it comes to the dealers.......
Since there is nothing I absolutely have to have, I don't preorder anything. I thought about preordering the Model Railroader DVD set, but I'm not sure I want it.
I'll pre-order from my local hobbyshop for something that's essential to my plans and comes from a manufacturer that's a known quantity. My dealer doesn't ask for money until he delivers the product.
Nope, never. If I can't hold the item in my hands to examine it before purchasing I have no interest in buying one. There is no item offered today, or ever likely to be, that I'd regard as an "absolute must have."
NYW&B
Since there is nothing I absolutely have to have, I don't preorder anything. I thought about preordering the Model Railroader DVD set, but I'm not sure I want it.
Same here. I haven't seen anything announced for pre order that was of any need or interest to me with 1 exception. That was a National Locomotive RS36 by Atlas in a limited production run and I pre ordered it with Josh Mader.
One of the LHS will always mention anything new in upcoming items requiring pre orders. He'll bring in 6 or whatever he thinks will sell and if you tell him you want one of them he'll hold it for you. The remaining ones go on the shelf.
Nope, never. I'll pick it up from someone at a swap meet after it no long fits their needs. Toldly agree, nothing in these hobby I absolutely must have.
Sometimes but not very often. When I've been looking for something and it's finally available from a known source. I do the same with prototype automobiles.
I understand how it keeps the manufacterer from over doing certain items or not making enough.
Pre-orders are simply to keep the amount made to a minimum in order to keep prices high. You never see bachmann do pre-orders and they get a reasonable price for their loco's.
It's all about selling everything right away and not having to sit on any stock for more than a couple of months. It works in part because people play the pre-order game.
Nope, never. If I can't hold the item in my hands to examine it before purchasing I have no interest in buying one. There is no item offered today, or ever likely to be, that I'd regard as an "absolute must have."
NYW&B
Couldn't have said it better myself!
while i usually don't have the "ohh!!! have to have that one!" either, i must admit i felt for that intermountain ES44. although it wasn't a preorder per say, more like stating the intention to get one (no money deposited and no obligation).
NEVER 
You have
NO price leverage when you preorder,
because you're assuming
ALL of the risk,
while the manufacturer assumes
NONE.
Greg
Gomez Addams
Staff member
Nope, never. If I can't hold the item in my hands to examine it before purchasing I have no interest in buying one. There is no item offered today, or ever likely to be, that I'd regard as an "absolute must have."
NYW&B
What he said.
What risk? It's never cost me a cent. If the goods come in and I don't like them, I don't buy them. I did this with a BLI GS-4. It's just a way to make sure there's one with your name on it if you're interested. Brass importers can get fussy about this, but for typical stuff, there is no obligation to buy, at least not where I trade, and my LHS typically gives me a 20% discount.
Since I'm back to the hobby only a short time, I'm a little amazed at how things have changed, but I also caught on pretty quickly to the idea that if you really want something, it's best to get on the list and not have any regrets.
I did reserve two of the Athearn Genesis SP Black Widow GP9's, and because they're arriving sometime around November, I'll just call them my Christmas present.
I haven't preordered in the past simply because I could never afford it. I was also worried that I would be anxious waiting for them, and that I wouldn't handle the delays very well. I wasn't around during the "pre-pre-ordering" era of this hobby, for me, it's all I've known so I only have a one sided opinion.
Many people worry about not holding the models before they buy them. I trust the manufacturer and the gentleman I reserved the models with, I'm sure that any problems I may encounter can be corrected.
With that being said, I recently joined the preorder crowd though. I have both of the Walthers/Athearn Phase V P42s on reserve with Josh. So far I haven't had any problems that I thought I would have. Well see how the next few months go. This order is also a bit special that for the first time in my modeling career, I'll buy something brand new. This is way off the thread topic and it prolly sounds a bit corny but as a 15 yr old and 3 yr modeler, im proud of it.
I think part of the reason I never preorder anything is that I don't buy those expensive things. Now if Bachmann would make one of these,
I would preorder one in a second. The only reason I say that is that I know Bachmann wouldn't want my first born to have one.
I will not pre-order and I will not pay for a catalog. Thats like paying a sir charge to go into Wal-mart
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