IHC - Nice Website, Always Backordered

[HOScaleModelRailroader]

I have no idea how IHC stays in business. [:)]

Their catalog and website show *current* items they supposedly have on stock. At pretty decent prices compared to Model Power.

Then you always get the form letter with just about every item marked as "B" with no number. Meaning it's on backorder with no guess to a month or year when they may get it again. I think out of like 20 items - 17 weren't available.

Just wondered how IHC sticks around. Been trying to get that old Tyco Machine Shop kit for ages ..... [;)]

[ragnar]

You might try looking in the Walthers catalog for it or a similar structure,I order thru a local train shop which saves shipping costs too!,might take a bit of time but have always had pretty good luck myself.

[Anonymous]

I feel that it takes time to go thru the coding of a website and update it with current information. Perhaps this is a way for IHC to minimize the work and man hours of this task.

I see it that way because if I order a IHC item from my LHS there is usually no problem seeing it arrive from the warehouse within a few weeks.

[HOScaleModelRailroader]

Well, then the real question for IHC is why have a website catalog in the first place then if they don't want to maintain it. Just sounds like a case of "laziness" on their part. My LHS has had problems with IHC direct in the past though as well. I finally gave up on that machine shop and DPM'd something close to it.

[orsonroy]

I've ordered off the IHC website a few times (buildings, mostly), and you're right; they ARE often out of stock for things. But they ALWAYS eventually deliver a complete order. I once had a box of stuff show up two months after I placed an order, and after the initial delivery. So long as I can eventually get what I want, I'm not in all that much of a hurry. What the heck; this is a hobby, and there are lots of other things to do on a layout!

[Anonymous]

The backorder problem is horrible with IHC. They don't even answer e-mails. Their web site says the boss wants the best service. I guess "best" is relative. They shoud merge with Wholesale Trains.com (Lantz) and both go out of business.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by HOScaleModelRailroader

I have no idea how IHC stays in business. [:)]

Just wondered how IHC sticks around. Been trying to get that old Tyco Machine Shop kit for ages ..... [;)]

Hey guy,

I looked at that building. #4-7764. It's a neat looking little brick shop and would fit right in to a typical American town from the 1920s thru today! I'd like to get one to go with a diesel loco servicing facility. Matches the Walther's back shop pretty well.

Looks like our only other options are to check Ebay or have an LHS that's willing to e-mail other LHS owners around the country. (My LHS, Happy Hobo Trains does this).

IHC/AHM/Rivorossi has always been notorious for this, even back in the 1980s. Don't give up and try searching.

Take care!

[RMax1]

I usually call them and place my orders. They know what they have most of the time. I've always been happy with the service I get from them. The only thing I would like is for them to have more selection. They may show something and all but one be sold out. Their structures are on sale a lot and at good prices. Some are older Tyco buildings that I can get and combine or kitbash easily.

RMax1

[cheese3]

I cannot even get onto the site.[banghead][D)]

[Virginian]

But, if you want to have them proceed with the backorder, they will eventually ship it to you, and they only charge the shipping on the first order. And, if they make a mistake and you need to exchange something, they will pay the return shipping, if you ask.
You need to write it down though. Or you could end up with two of something... like me.