My first ever preordered MTH premier engine is on its way to the my dealer. I'm super anxious to get it (Western Maryland 2-8-0) especially since others forum members have already gotten theirs. That made me think about the whole preorder process in light of modern 2 day Amazon and eBay shipping. Other than the discount and saving on shipping, why should model train customers walk-into a LHS, tie up their money with a deposit, then wait for item to be shipped to the LHS where customer has to go and pick it up? Wouldn't it be more direct and convenient for customer if manufacturer shipped directly to customer? My LHS is lunch hour drive (traffic permitting) away and only open the same time I'm at work trying to earn money for hobby. So only way I can get my item mid week is to take time off to travel to/from LHS. I'd gladly pay another $5-15 more (depending on shipping weight) if manufacturer shipped directly to me. Considering that preordered items are not yet in stock @ LHS so its not as if the customer can preview/handle item before ordering. The LHS ordering and pickup experience may be ideal for some. But today's Internet customer should at least have the option of paying shipping and having their item shipped direct as soon as its available.
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