Trainshows or Online?

[jacon12]

Where do you find the best prices, at trainshows or online? Greenbergs is coming to Atlanta in November but, for the things I'm interested in, the online prices look pretty good so I don't know whether to buy now or wait.
Jarrell

[nbrodar]

Trainshows can be hit or miss. I've gotten great deals at shows, and I've seen stuff for list. Online is usually constantly low, but not as low as some shows.

Nick

[JohnT14808]

I would have to say online will get you the best price....probably. Some shows do have specials that are hard to beat, but you may not WANT or NEED the special being offered. I go to the shows just to view the new stuff from the vendors and to get ideas for scenery and techniques on doing things. I also like to scavenge through all the junk boxes looking for beat up old rolling stock. Something dusty dirty doesn't need to be weathered too much by me. New couplers, wheels and it's ready to go.

[Rotorranch]

I buy most of my stuff at my LHS, but since I own my LHS that only goes without saying!

I've bought a ton of stuff at the shows, for less than I've seen online or otherwise. Just watch your prices.

Jacon, I'm guessing you are Atlanta area? Where and when's the Greenberg show this time? I haven't been in a while, and would like to check it out again!

Rotor

[skerber]

I went a few years ago to the Greenburg show when it was in Norcross, Ga. It was pretty good. What I enjoyed the most about the show was the layouts that were there. I have found as said earlier you can find some good deals, and some not so good deals. Steve

[MisterBeasley]

I mostly go to train shows to look at the layouts. I'll buy a few small things, but I try to focus my buying on what I really need now, not what I think I might want in 6 months. I've gotten some great deals on building kits, but now I'm struggling to fit them into the layout.

There is one guy at our Greenberg shows in Massachusetts with bins of figures and vehicles. I always browse through those, and usually I find some odd thing to buy. His prices are better than MSRP.

My best advice is to do some research before you go. Check the online price for things you're interested in, and make a list to bring with you. Overall, I think you'll generally do better with online prices, but train shows are just so much fun that I seldom miss one.

[joeyegarner]

I like the train shows because of the of the things they have there, I have got great deals at both places.

[RMax1]

The best train shows in my area are in Ft. Worth about 30 miles away. So that is $10 in gas. The cost to get in for 2 is $12. I am down $22 bucks without buying anything so far. The last one I went to was good and there were some very good prices and selection. The few previous to that had a bunch of dealers griping because no one was buying anything. Well duh!!! Why would anyone buy anything at list??? I can order from my local dealer. You could hear them talking about how people were cheap and not spending anything. Some of them were just flat rude. I agree with going to see the layouts. Most of the time there are a few bargains but not a great amount. I like to go to see the things I am considering up close and then decide to buy there or online or even my local dealer.

RMax1

[jacon12]

The Greenberg show is going to be at 1700 Jeurgens Ct, Norcross, Ga. November 5th and 6th.. 10 am - 4 pm. Even though I'm new to the hobby, I agree with what has been said. I've been to ... oh.. 3 or 4 shows and I did see msrp on a lot of stuff with a bargain thrown in here and there.... IF... you happened to need that item at the time. But, it is a good opportunity to see layouts, demonstrations, new products etc.
It's kinda like going to the Fair. You may not ride the rides or go into the shows, but the overall atmosphere is on the fun side.
JaRRell

[orsonroy]

For most new stuff, I find the best prices at Trainworld. Otherwise, it's a crapshoot between swapmeets and Ebay, with Ebay usually eeking out a better price on virtually anything new. But for older stuff, you usually can't beat the prices at swaps.

[oleirish]

I love the train show every year here in medford¢rail point area,but has grown real big and hard to get around in the building anymore,Ours is just after thanks giving.[2c]
grandson wants to go this year.
JIM

[Anonymous]

I've been doing great on eBay lately. If a show is mainly geared as a swap meet (no layouts) you tend to get more of the guys that are just cleaning up the basement, this is where you can really pick-up some deals. You can also find things that are no longer made and odd ball road names. Where as at the big shows, with all the layouts etc. you end up with more of the big dealers. The big dealers and local hobby stores that come to these shows have for the most part gone to 20 or 25% off. They also bring mostly road names that sell the best for the area their in at the time.

[SpaceMouse]

For new online. For out of production and hard to find stuff and used stuff, the trainshow.

I found a few good deals at Greenburg--mostly some flood damaged Atlas N cars and some dirty but otherwise good N scale track. I got an undecorated SPectrum GP-30 NIB for $12.50. Mostly at shows, I don't find the stuff on my list and buy stuff I don't need.

[Anonymous]

Like many of you I have had deals at both shows and online. I would say more consistantly online. But the experience of the trainshow can not be beat and I will never stop going to the shows.

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ppembroke

Like many of you I have had deals at both shows and online. I would say more consistantly online. But the experience of the trainshow can not be beat and I will never stop going to the shows.

Ditto, except that I often can get the best deal right at my LHS. The guy that owns the local hobby shop is a regular at nearby shows. He sells at shows for exactly the same price he sells the same items at his store. He told me that last weekend after he had paid for the table and space, put gas in his vehicle, spent an hour and a half loading, driving and setting up not to mention the same at the end of the show he figured he had cleared $15 for the day. He goes mainly for the exposure and networking that happens. He had one guy drive 200 miles to come to his store and pick up an item he had seen at his display at a show. The man couldn't believe it was the same price as at the show! The LHS gives regular customers a 10% discount on non-sale items and has many items priced at just over his cost.

An example: Last night I went over and purchased 3 Accurail cars. List price at Walther's is $10. 98 or $11.98, his price is $8.95 or $9.95 depending on the car. A well known Internet dealer sells the $10.98 for $9.33. Now add in $2.66 for shipping (if I was buy 3 cars) and the price is now $11.99 per car. So if I had bought from the internet dealer, I would have spent $35.98. At the LHS I spent $30.86 (including NYS and local Taxes). I also got to check out each car and make sure it has a built on date that is earlier than my layout is supposed to be. It is nice to actually hold the model and see what you are buying (a big advantage of shows). I guess what I am saying is that the buyer has to beware and do the math to see if what you are getting is really a bargain. I might add that I live just a few blocks from the LHS so I can stop in when I'm downtown..... (something to take into consideration, I know most of you out there are not that lucky.)

[jacon12]

I sure agree that there is nothing like holding something in your hand, maybe even putting it on a test track, before you buy it. Can't do that on the internet. But, if it's a known brand and model and a MUCH lower price, I take my chances and buy online. I still like to buy locally if I can but the LHS nearest me (within 100 miles) just doesn't carry that much and it is almost always full msrp.
I guess thats why so many 'hey guys, do you own X locomotive and if so do you recommend it?" questions. Can't blame someone that has to drive 2 hours to the LHS for asking... [:)]
Jarrell