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I've read through this thread and see several interesting points. I've bought from ebay for a number of things and been quite satisfied. Of course, I've checked out the sellers as best I can and asked questions. Dealt with people who generally seem to know trains. Occasionally go to the online stores for things with a significant savings and no required support. I buy most of my stuff for my LHS. Again I shop around for price. Generally I find prices comparable to on line locally once the shipping, taxes, etc are all balanced. Like others I like to get my hands on things before buying. The fact that my LHS has limited stock (even those who specialized in trains) is a limiting factor. I recently ordered a few things and found I was paying full list when they normally discount off retail, and I had to wait over 2 months when I was promised delivery in a week, maybe 2. Service on orders stinks. And this is from a quality dealer who I give most of my business to. <br /> <br />I also keep hearing horror stories about problems the dealer has working with different distributors. Minimum orders, ongoing committment levels, and the like. This limits the number of distributors the dealer can or will work with. And, in turn it limits what I can buy. It also sends me to online sources for timely delivery. Now we hear of Athern being bought by a distributor who wants to further limit distribution channels. If the purchasing levels are set too high I expect to see the dealer drop Athern rather than change distributors (especially when Walther's is the MRR supply giant and really has to be on a dealers list). <br /> <br />I also keep a want list for parts, supplies, and equipment which I carry when I go out of town. I check the train shops where I travel and see if they have things I need.
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