Once again I have resisted commenting on this type of discussion.
But I have the perfect answer to this problem. And yes it is based on my previous experience managing a train department in a hobby shop, running my own MATCO tool business, working other retail settings, being self employed most of my life, and my knowledge of the economics of manufacturing and retail.
All we have to do is start paying retail price for our model trains. Then the hobby shops will reopen, the mail order outlets will offer free shipping, they all will have plenty of product on the shelves and we will have model train heaven on earth.
Why? Because then there will be enough profit to find investors willing to put up enough money to make enough of this stuff, stock inventory for future sale, and not worry about selling it all in the next two weeks as per the current "preorder", limited production, 30% off list price business model.
There you go - problem solved.
Sheldon
PS - Once again, for the benefit of those who have only been at this hobby a decade or two, 40 years ago there was virtually no discounting in this industry. ALL those Mon and Pop hobby shops you all lament about loosing, all charged full retail prices back in the 40's, 50's, 60's and even into the 70's.
But what would I know, my Uncle owned one and I worked in two others?
alco_fan How is xenophobia on-topic in a model train forum?
How is xenophobia on-topic in a model train forum?
OK, the OP's question was answered and the rest of this is looking like stuff I don't want to know the answer to. Time to move on.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam