I had to ask myself the other day why preorder? This was in fact the first time that I preordered any item. I boiled it down to a few things that were important to me. It will make sure that I can acquire the engine or rail car that I want to add to my collection. Now let me add that is if in fact they do manufacture that piece. Next it gives me time to plan the purchase so that the family budget doesn’t have to take an unplanned hit.
By looking at those two reasons preordering made sense for me this year. However I had to realize a few things about preordering. The first was not to get upset if the piece is pulled from production. I could live with that and since I still would have a pool of money saved I would be free to consider other options. The next was not to get set on a release date. That was another issue I can live with since nothing in my layout would stop running without that new addition.
[FONT="]I understand the train market far better today than I did as a rookie. I clearly understand that most of the manufactures are very small business with sales far under GM, Ford and Toyota. I think of train manufactures as the cable guy that tells you he will be at your house on Tuesday at 11Am but doesn’t come until Friday at 5PM. So I’m willing to give a very small manufacture in a limited marketplace some extra room when it comes to preorders. After all it is just a toy.[/FONT]
By looking at those two reasons preordering made sense for me this year. However I had to realize a few things about preordering. The first was not to get upset if the piece is pulled from production. I could live with that and since I still would have a pool of money saved I would be free to consider other options. The next was not to get set on a release date. That was another issue I can live with since nothing in my layout would stop running without that new addition.
[FONT="]I understand the train market far better today than I did as a rookie. I clearly understand that most of the manufactures are very small business with sales far under GM, Ford and Toyota. I think of train manufactures as the cable guy that tells you he will be at your house on Tuesday at 11Am but doesn’t come until Friday at 5PM. So I’m willing to give a very small manufacture in a limited marketplace some extra room when it comes to preorders. After all it is just a toy.[/FONT]