I asked this on another thread but couldn't get an answer. I'm wondering if Lionel will post what BTO engines they will be doing when they know.
In other words, if Lionel doesn't build an engine for lack of orders, will there be a way to tell? I don't like waiting 6 months to find out that what I ordered isn't being made. We all make choices and committing money to a product that is not being built, means that other wants that are available will suffer.
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I will post that info as soon as we get it.
If of course if they do. All deposits in that case are 100% refundable.
Yea,but if YOU change your mind I bet there is a service fee..
As I understand it, if customer changes his mind about VL BB BTO, he/she will lose deposit, correct?
I don't own a store.
That said, if the deposit was refundable, then what would be the point of asking for it?
I asked this on another thread but couldn't get an answer. I'm wondering if Lionel will post what BTO engines they will be doing when they know.
In other words, if Lionel doesn't build an engine for lack of orders, will there be a way to tell? I don't like waiting 6 months to find out that what I ordered isn't being made. We all make choices and committing money to a product that is not being built, means that other wants that are available will suffer.
If you order a built to order product, put down a deposit, have a confirmation of that order, unless there are conditions under which the order is accepted, such as force major, they need to produce the product. Once you place the order and pay a deposit that was required you have in facto a bi-lateral contract.
The party accepting the order, in this case the Lionel dealer, is acting as Lionel's agent. They should forward the order to Lionel and receive a confirmation of the order. If Lionel fails to produce the engine you ordered you may have several options.
Sue Lionel and the dealer and have the engine produced by a third party and Lionel pays any additional charges.
Seek monetary damages for breach of contract.
Or perhaps other remedies under the law.
Since Lionel conducts business across state lines these transactions may be subject to the rules governing interstate commerce. Otherwise known as ICC Rules.
If you order a built to order product, put down a deposit, have a confirmation of that order, unless there are conditions under which the order is accepted, such as force major, they need to produce the product. Once you place the order and pay a deposit that was required you have in facto a bi-lateral contract.
The party accepting the order, in this case the Lionel dealer, is acting as Lionel's agent. They should forward the order to Lionel and receive a confirmation of the order. If Lionel fails to produce the engine you ordered you may have several options.
Sue Lionel and the dealer and have the engine produced by a third party and Lionel pays any additional charges.
Seek monetary damages for breach of contract.
Or perhaps other remedies under the law.
Since Lionel conducts business across state lines these transactions may be subject to the rules governing interstate commerce. Otherwise known as ICC Rules.
????????? This concept goes on all the time in the world of brass locos. Not enough orders, no build. I think I'll sue if they don't catalog an engine I might want.
I can tell you for sure Lionel is going to produce the Big Boys this has been the best selling engine in their recent history. I think The BTO is good for some products and I think we will see how this business model works for Lionel very soon. If they would cancel an item someone had a deposit on, we would refund the amount of the deposit as soon as we were notified of the cancellation.
Thanks
Pat
The BTO model has actually been going on for quite a while....using MTH as an example. With the exception of having to place a deposit, MTH essentially has been producing product based on dealer orders for many years from what I understand...so this concept is nothing new.
Alan
Wow, interesting responses. I wasn't even considering deposits, etc. My interest was simple in nature, more of a road name/road number point of view. If you picked an unpopular road name or number, how long would you have to wait to find out if it was going to be made?
Taking that a bit further, I'm wondering what Lionel will do with their BTO info. Examples would be:
Many would like more than one road name for an engine but could only buy one road name at a time. You wanted a Rock Island E8 and a Santa Fe E8. You picked the Rock Island and it gets cancelled. You would have ordered the Santa Fe if you knew that was going to happen.
You ordered an unpopular road number for the Big Boy, Lionel doesn't produce that number. There is a number that is being made that would be your second choice but it is too late to order.
Years ago I did a lot of work with lost sales. I'm always amazed at how sales potential gets lost because demand never gets registered and/or is mischaracterized.
Any pre-order deposit we take is refundable if the item is discontinued by the manufacture. I’m sure most reputable dealers do the same. It’s not the customers fault if an item doesn’t get made.
In my humble opinion, I don't think any Forum members need to lose any sleep over this one.
Hey..there have been several bridal shops going bankrupt with dress deposits.
At least Lionel can't leave you in a feedsack at the altar.
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