U,S Shops

[two tone]

To All in US how do you find the sevice from the above I have contacted some asking about shipping to the UK NOT one of them have replied. You would think in this day and age they would be glad of sales  Still perhaps I will get an answer when i`m over later this year

[Anonymous]

Two Tone,

Funny you should say that because I sent a email to Watts Trains shop hoping they would have side rods for my used LGB 2010D because there very unstable (think it was a person like Byron who runs his trains to death, you know high balln). Not a word from them!

Did I say to that the gears need a coat of grease too? It is a kitbash engine and will just be a yard engine. Push/Pull.

Toadster

[tangerine-jack]

Sadly in this day and age instead of being happy for the sales, customer service in this country has become appallingly bad.  I can recount to you far too many examples of simple problems going unresolved for months on end due to a total lack of competence on the part of "customer service" departments.

I would much rather go face to face when making my purchases, but this is also going by the wayside as we become more dependant upon the internet to run our lives.  Perhaps the antiseptic relationship over the phone or emails enables even the mousiest sales rep to become a giant in the industry, whereas none would dare to pit their puny will against mine in person.  It's not that by any means I seek confrontation, in fact I prefer to live my life free of it entirely, but when I have been wronged by a merchant I expect resolution, not excuses.

All is not lost.  I've had great service from many online hobby stores and other merchants (Ridge Road, Rhode Island Wiring, British Only, Summit Racing to name a few) who understand that I don't HAVE to spend my money at their business establishment, but that I CHOOSE to do so when I have other choices.  Many times my purchasing decisions are based not on price, but the reputation of the merchant's customer service.  I would gladly pay a little more for the SERVICE as well as the product as both are being sold.

[powlee]

  John

  I have asked the same question in the past. I have on occasion visited the US through work and holidays. TJ for one has been helpful with sites but I have mostly been dissapointed when visiting some shops, prices are not much less than in the UK but they are available in front of you whereas you would have to wait an age for your local retailer to get them in Britain. 

I have used the internet shops mostly, you get good deals. Trainworld in New York have given me good service. I agree about ignoring emails. While some will dispatch an online order without a problem, they tend to ignore any questions sent by email.

It can be expensive ordering across the pond. Shipping costs and the deadly customs charges. I have found if you order a small quantity of items, the postage per item across the board decreases. 

 I will still be taking an empty case to the Phoenix Convention in the hope of spotting a bargain

  

[ttrigg]

Sadly, I must agree with TJ. The only internet store I've been able to have a "conversation" with is internettrains.

[Capt Bob Johnson]

I have found Robbie at RLD Hobbies to be very responsive and accomodating!

[enginear]

I think of the times that I tried to contact manufacturers and dealers. Most all the time with successful contact. Tony's (the owner himself) just helped me work out a speaker problem, MTH trains rep called my house personally. Aristocraft's owner I met at ridge road told me to call him if I had any problems and gave me his card with his number to speak directly to him. Ridge road Station, RLD hobbies, etc., etc., have all been very helpful.

I am trying to say that with patience, knowing how many people are trying to contact them and over something they could work out locally, you'll get the answers. How many calls must they get that are from people that never get back to them, or are too lazy to read their reply?

[dwbeckett]

I have found over the years USA TRAINS ( RO TRAINS) IS THE WORST. they take your money then backorder. still whating for a christmas gift  to be sent to Arizona MAYBE SHE WILL GET FOR CHRISTMAS 08.

Dave

[two tone]

Hi powlee Spoke to H M Customs other day there is a code for our hobby when bringing things into UK from USA we only need to pay vat

[Anonymous]

I have found over the years USA TRAINS ( RO TRAINS) IS THE WORST. they take your money then backorder. still whating for a christmas gift  to be sent to Arizona MAYBE SHE WILL GET FOR CHRISTMAS 08.

Dave

Dave, do you know what a refund is? Come on man, wake up!

Toad