not bashing Lionel or any other mfg but in the real world there is something called planning(not really a new concept). a mfg has an idea what the normal percent of defects are, and when they bring in a product they should have the parts to support what they sell at the time of first sale. yes in the case of autos, wash machines and the like they are to big to send back to the mfg but a train that was shipped by ups should be handled by the mfg not the dealer. everyone on here wants the best deal when they buy and if a dealer is stuck with ups 2 ways on replacing damaged merchandise and then have to return the item to the mfg how much have they made on that item?
i import distributors and when i bought my first container i purchased extra parts that were in that container so that i could service what i sell.surely i am not smarter than the big train mfg's its because they know that we will defend them.
