A consideration when making purchases

Unless you are a U.S. Veteran, than shipping to Lionel is Free!

Shipping to Lionel is free for veterans?  How does one do this? Does Lionel require a copy of your DD214 or what?  Please tell us more.

Thanks

Lionel made this announcement last year. When you call them for an RA no. , tell them you are a Veteran and not sure of the proof you need to show and shipping is free.

Thank you, J Daddy.

I am an army veteran. All I have had to do is tell Lionel that fact and shipping was free of cost and hassle. Lionel even let me talk with a live technician before I shipped to see if I could resolve the issue. I have done this twice. Great customer service.

 I wish the VA could be run this well.

Douglas

I think we all need to be reminded of this wonderful service that Lionel offers to veterans.

Yes, this is a really nice gesture.

You are all very lucky. My Cab 1 Lite and base had to back to Lionel.   It had been used for 20 min.  My one way shipping was $ 32.45 Cdn or $ 29.00 US.  They paid to ship back the Brand New repaired item.

That's assuming you have an "LHS."

Yes, I know that but I'm not so it does not apply to me.

It is a nice gesture on their part but my comment also applies to every manufacturer not just Lionel.

So, does one need to have been a career serviceman to be considered a veteran by Lionel or does a single enlistment count.... anybody know???

That aside, my LHS is a Class I Lionel warranty center. There I can talk with the techie who will tell me all that he did and offer operating tips to avoid problems.

A Veteran is a Veteran.....yes I'm sure single enlistments count.  A great gift to service men and women who purchase from Lionel.  An example of "giving back to Veteran's".

Steve, Lady and Tex

Actually, this is not really a bad idea considering the number of out of box failures that are encountered today.  Failures seem to occur all too often even when the purchase is not a "good deal".

My problem with this is, you're sticking the LHS with the shipping costs instead of covering them yourself.Something doesn't seem right about that to me. It's not the LHS's fault that the product is faulty. Why should they get stuck paying a penalty?The LHS bent over backwards to make me a good deal on the product, and they'll be losing money if they have to pay to send it back. Some say it's a risk that's part of doing business. I think it's the least I can do to cover shipping on a faulty product.

I shop where the best prices and best selections are - online. There are 2 hobby shops within 15 minutes of where I live and outside of some smoke fluid and a few straight sections of track I haven't bought anything from them.

I can ship stuff for free anywhere from work.

Do I consider the cost if I have to send a item back? No! Why would I?  I buy the train knowing it may go bad or not work at all but that is the cost of doing business. 

Not to buy a train because I may have to send it back for repair  will never stop me from buying the engine or any other item. 

Same here!  I buy from dealers--local, if possible--I know and trust.  If something has to go back to the manufacturer for repair (not a situation I've had to deal with very often), I'll pay the cost of shipping and whatever else might be needed to make things right.

We live in an imperfect world.  I just deal with things as they come up and don't worry about my hobby items because they are somewhat low on my list of real-world priorities.

I don't understand your reply. I did not mention anything about a local LHS paying anything. I just suggested that price alone may not be the deciding factor.

Nearly all of my collection has been purchased on line and shipping costs do roll up very quickly. Early on I didn't pay much attention to this and then I added up the numbers. Holy cow! Unfortunately I don't have an LHS close enough AND I'm in California so considering gas + sales tax + 2 hr driving time in LA traffic shipping is still a bargain. Also I tend to restrict my purchases now to "eLHS's" like the forum sponsors or Mario's trains in Md. Typically, businesses have better arrangements with shippers and their costs are much lower. $10-15 is pretty common.

Very well stated, Allan.  I do the same and feel the same way. Thanks.