@JD2035RR posted:While we are speculating...
...What about engine warranty / service work? They will just replace the whole unit . No different than when you return a faulty drill. Or they could contract with repair shops to perform the work on their behalf. Menards doesn't have to do the work themselves, just be able to fund it through proper warranty management.
...Bottom line, if Menards wanted to pursue engines at some point in their "Train Stuff" existence, Rail King would certainly be a good opportunity for them. In the end, the total cost and projected ROI informed their decision. Although, as a private company, if the CEO/President/Owner wants to do it, they are going to do it.
Speculating is fun...
IMO, the warranty work is the killer here. Menards isn't going to want to get into shipping stuff to service stations, which would leave it up to the customer to get the item to a shop, which will lead to unhappy customers. Also, as I understand it, repair shops get MTH parts for free, but don't get reimbursed for their labor (please correct me if I'm wrong). This arrangement kind of works because the shop also sells the product - I doubt that it would work in this scenario, nor do I think that Menards will want to start paying for warranty labor.
OTHO, the owner is a train nut, so you never know...
