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Reply to "Lionel 2014 Preview Catalog"

Originally Posted by Ansonnn:

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If people think Lionel is going to have blow outs on their products, you should think again.  I don't think there will be blowouts anymore given the fact that Lionel now will only make to order and will not produce extra given that their cash flow is tight. 

We've heard this type of thing time and time again.  And each time it's been proven WRONG.  Bottom line... just like gravity, ya can't fight the laws of market dynamics.  Until Lionel TRULY adopts a build-to-order strategy based on end-consumer reservations -- not dealer orders, there will always be blow-outs of some type.

 

Perfect example... it wasn't THAT long ago, that folks said we saw the last of the blow-outs earlier this year... and guess what?  Lionel is currently blowing out Shays and F3/F7 locomotive sets at pretty good prices.  Granted, the Shays and F3's weren't BTO items.  But all BTO does is move the "risk" further into the distribution chain -- perhaps to the large dealers and distributors.  If they ONLY order based on firm consumer reservations, then blow-outs will be scarce.  But if dealers/distributors order based on what they "think" consumers will buy... then Bang!  We're pretty much where we are today... except dealers will calling the shots on blow-outs instead of Lionel's warehouse in NC.

 

Now... hopefully, we'll be able to see this new catalog soon, if Lionel ever posts the darn thing on their website today.    It's 12 Noon as I finish typing this post.

 

David

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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