I always try to order by a list that I maintain that includes everything from paints and hardware to track and buildings. When it gets to a total cost of at least $100, then I make an order. My local sales tax is 9% and many online shippers are now charging an $8.50 (sometimes more) shipping fee. You can see that the shipping in now covered by not paying the sales tax and my savings is what ever the discount is on the items.
Now, what irks me the most are those online stores (this is also Sears/Pennys/Cabela's/etc.) that the shipping charges are based on the total cost of the merchandise. Usually they are capped at around 12 - $15.00, but think about it: If I buy a transformer that weighs 8 pounds and cost $25, I will pay $8.50 for shipping. Now if I buy a loco and a throttle that cost $600 and weighs 1 pound, I will pay $15 or maximum shipping. There was a time that you got an added discount in the more money you spent, the less it would cost you to ship.
In defense of many LHS, I would like to say that I do understand that a reasonable, 'business sense' margin of profit is necessary. I have no problems with that, but there are so many that will charge an already inflated MSRP or higher price for their merchandise to the unwitting. I sympathize with an LHS trying to compete with online stores that do not have the overhead to pay out, but I don't think it is necessary for one to be located in a prime location shopping mall either. Have they ever thought about forming something like ACE hardware where they can order in large quantities and distribute to all owner members thus keeping their cost down?
I do not believe that the demise of an LHS is caused by you or I using online stores, but the rooted cause is instead the manufactures and distributors of model railroad items insistence to charge ridiculously high prices to the LHS. This is not only hurting the LHS, but also the hobby. Some economist will argue that this is based on supply and demand, turnover, shipping costs, import duties, and on and on ... Think again folks: Next time your in a WalMart, look at some of the "specialty" plastic items from China. Many have more materials used in manufacturing, more complexity than anything on your layout, and yet cost a fraction of what you would pay for an MR item.
Yikes! I have vented more than enough.
Now, what irks me the most are those online stores (this is also Sears/Pennys/Cabela's/etc.) that the shipping charges are based on the total cost of the merchandise. Usually they are capped at around 12 - $15.00, but think about it: If I buy a transformer that weighs 8 pounds and cost $25, I will pay $8.50 for shipping. Now if I buy a loco and a throttle that cost $600 and weighs 1 pound, I will pay $15 or maximum shipping. There was a time that you got an added discount in the more money you spent, the less it would cost you to ship.
In defense of many LHS, I would like to say that I do understand that a reasonable, 'business sense' margin of profit is necessary. I have no problems with that, but there are so many that will charge an already inflated MSRP or higher price for their merchandise to the unwitting. I sympathize with an LHS trying to compete with online stores that do not have the overhead to pay out, but I don't think it is necessary for one to be located in a prime location shopping mall either. Have they ever thought about forming something like ACE hardware where they can order in large quantities and distribute to all owner members thus keeping their cost down?
I do not believe that the demise of an LHS is caused by you or I using online stores, but the rooted cause is instead the manufactures and distributors of model railroad items insistence to charge ridiculously high prices to the LHS. This is not only hurting the LHS, but also the hobby. Some economist will argue that this is based on supply and demand, turnover, shipping costs, import duties, and on and on ... Think again folks: Next time your in a WalMart, look at some of the "specialty" plastic items from China. Many have more materials used in manufacturing, more complexity than anything on your layout, and yet cost a fraction of what you would pay for an MR item.
Yikes! I have vented more than enough.