I've returned a few things (a few pieces of a rolling stock that I decided didn't work for me but were still new in the box) but I always return for credit as I always can find something else to buy at my LHS. My LHS never complains because they still get my money.

Had a very disturbing and surprising "RESTOCKING FEE" threat from a train shop in northeastern Ohio. I couldn't believe it especially since December I have bought from him: a full MTH Dealer appreciation ABBA KCS plus matching passenger cars; K-Line Hiawatha full set; Alton steamer and cars; plus several other engines,Premier passenger and freight sets. THERE SHOULD BE A HUGE SIGN LIKE ROBERT IN AKRON HAD ABOUT NO RETURNS BUT IN THIS CASE ABOUT BE FORWARNED ABOUT AN EXCESSIVE "RESTOCKING FEE".

I asked about not returning but exchanging an item (5 car passenger set, paid $379 plus tax for it) and he told me there would be a $57 restocking fee!!!. It amounts to a 15% restocking fee. The cars were not even placed on any rails and had them only a few days. Hard to imagine after being a consist buyer since started going there last December. Don't dealers think about the damage they can do to a customer relationship?

My plans are to never set foot in that store again and because of the unknown and undisclosed "restocking fee" to never take this risk again by shopping there again. This is the first time I EVER tried to exchange anything and it is clear I paid above the lowest possible price for every item I bought from this store.

This experience will result in me transfering the rest of my MTH buying to Jim's Train Shop where I could have paid $54 less in the first place for the 5 car MTH Premier passenger set. I'd like to shop locally but it is clear this dealer doesn't want my business. I have never ever had this treatment from the dealers I use for buying Marklin HO, not even close; they bend over backwards to please the customer.

quote:

My plans are to never set foot in that store again and because of the unknown and undisclosed "restocking fee" to never take this risk again by shopping there again. This is the first time I EVER tried to exchange anything and it is clear I paid above the lowest possible price for every item I bought from this store.

Maybe the regulations are state specific. I thought that in my area, retailers had to post their return policy if it was anything other than full, cash refunds.

Update...so I took a look at the model and it appears to have been run according to the roller wear marks. I put the model on the track and the odometer has excessive run time on it for a new item. Beyond testing amounts.
Dropped an email and was told "no returns or exchanges" and "call the company that made it". I sent it back confirmation delivery and insured. He emailed me back saying "no returns" and I stated it was used. He told be too bad "no returns". I also told him for the price as advertised the item has little add on detail and is a big time "plain jane". Think starter set model.
So I sent a letter off to Visa and when he ships it back I will refuse it. Not a dealer I want to deal with. There are two sides to every story but there must be some room for compromise here. I'll stick with the awesome dealers I know and love. Never again...I just want a reasonable resolution.

C.W. - Excellent point. I would guess there are certain disclosures merchants have to make on these transactions. After all a transaction has a contract nature to it and I'd expect some protections for consumers along these lines.

Thanks much.

quote:

Originally posted by johnshorse:
How low shall I start?

Ebay is Hot right now This past couple of weeks I have viewed the 99 cent starting price on most items go to actual asking prices. It is train season for the non seasoned! Sell it!

Now that we know it's an MTH engine, will you tell please us what specific model it is?

If you want a hassle free return policy, then we need to continue to patronize stores like Nassau Hobby (Charlienassau, also a member of this forum) which has a WRITTEN 30 day "MONEY BACK GUARANTEE" as stated in its advertisments in both OGR and CTT. It is the only written 30 day money back guarantee of any hobby shop that I am aware of.

Of course, a guarantee is only as good as the dealer behind it. When I purchased an engine at Nassau Hobby a couple of years ago, I ran it in conventional mode at the store and it worked. When I got it home, it did not cycle into reverse in command mode.

Having gotten tired of buying this company's engines because too many were broken out of the box, I returned it. Charlie's son, Chris took it back without any problem, and there was no restocking fee. Since they were very reasonable, I took a store credit and bought another engine shortly thereafter, a win for me and the store.

Before going through all the hassles with a mediocre dealer who has a poor return policy (and will eventually go out of business as his reputation will get around), or getting the credit card company involved, if you buy from a reputable dealer like Nassau Hobby in the first place, you will not run into these problems.

There are dealers out there who look out for the consumer.

Erol

Postwar lionel stuff is skyrocketing outa control,check ebay if you dont believe me,people are looking at these high tech engines now and cant justify the price tag,im starting to really love postwar engines and accessories,but the new stuff is the best if you can afford it.

I feel like this is an episode of " What's My Train" and Orsen Bean hasn't guessed what the engine is yet.


Okay it goes to Kitty Carlisle ..1 down ..9 to go.


rat

Bingo.. !!!

quote:

Originally posted by locolawyer:
If you want a hassle free return policy, then we need to continue to patronize stores like Nassau Hobby (Charlienassau, also a member of this forum) which has a WRITTEN 30 day "MONEY BACK GUARANTEE" as stated in its advertisments in both OGR and CTT. It is the only written 30 day money back guarantee of any hobby shop that I am aware of.

Of course, a guarantee is only as good as the dealer behind it. When I purchased an engine at Nassau Hobby a couple of years ago, I ran it in conventional mode at the store and it worked. When I got it home, it did not cycle into reverse in command mode.

Having gotten tired of buying this company's engines because too many were broken out of the box, I returned it. Charlie's son, Chris took it back without any problem, and there was no restocking fee. Since they were very reasonable, I took a store credit and bought another engine shortly thereafter, a win for me and the store.

Before going through all the hassles with a mediocre dealer who has a poor return policy (and will eventually go out of business as his reputation will get around), or getting the credit card company involved, if you buy from a reputable dealer like Nassau Hobby in the first place, you will not run into these problems.

There are dealers out there who look out for the consumer.

Erol

2 down 8 to go

question to Robert Q. Lewis



rat