Modelers, use "Caution" when shopping on Ebay!

[AntonioFP45]

Thank you, UK guy.

It seems that modelers in my area are fortunate in that my model railroad LHS, Happy Hobo Trains, honors the Walthers catalog prices till the arrival of the new catalog. There is another hobby shop that I visit that prices well above the Walthers prices.

Good advice about checking with other vendors!

Cheers!

[ukguy]

Antonio, please be careful what you believe, the Walters catalogue is released once per year (I believe) and prices do not remain as stated throughout the industry, the DPM kits specifically have increased in price significantly recently, and although I agree with your sentiment of 'beware and take caution' also check around the other online vendors for pricing. The DPM kits I bought in Jan 04 for $9.33 are now selling pretty much everywhere for $12 - $14, an increase of 40ish%.
I dont know if Walther honor their catalogue price throughout the year but if they do they will certainly be one of the cheapest I have seen for DPM kits lately.

Be safe & take care.
Karl.

[simon1966]

Antonio, I agree with the research part. It is a very rare day indeed when the "Buy it Now" price on an E-bay auction is a deal. There are a lot of retailers selling at list or close to list on e-bay these days and frankly, if I am going to pay street pricing the money is going into the pocket of my LHS not some faceless person on the internet.

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Crew,

First, I've got to say that buying a Walthers Catalog does pay off!

I was browsing Ebay for Walthers Cornerstone series buildings and DPM kits.
I ran across what appeared to be "Sweet Deals" as there's a bunch of these Walthers buildings up for bid. One of them was listed as follows:

"Robert's Dry Goods" by DPM. HO scale. Save over 20%!. It showed a "Buy it Now" price of $11.95. Shipping is a $1.50. Seemed like a good deal for an attractive bulding that fits in my modeling era.

Just before I clicked on it to buy it, I got the feeling that I should check my 2005 Walthers Catalog. I do and guess what I see! The same building on page 525 for $10.98! Same story with all the other buildings.....cheaper in the catalog! So much for the "so-called" 20% in savings! The sharks do swim in Ebay's waters with a smile, indeed!

I'm amazed that as much as I preach "caution" and yet I almost got taken by what appeared to be a deal that was dirt cheap! This is clearly a case where supporting my LHS is the thing to do. My LHS sells at the catalog price, and sometimes even lower! No shipping charges either!

Guys, I've purchased items on Ebay for low prices and have been quite satisfied ovearall. I also overpaid on two occasions. But, be careful and do your research when bidding on items, cheap or expensive! Whether seasoned or Newbie, non of us are exempt from temptation on deals that "seem to be good" at the moment.

10-4, Roger that! [;)]