Where is best place to buy Ross track? What kind of discount should you expect off suggested retail price. One dealer said10%. Can that be beat? Going to buy about 500 ft of track and 15 switches. Volume discount?
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Not trying to be a "wise guy"....but why not just call Steve at ROSS and ask him? Nothing like going to the source.
Steve is a very pleasant guy to talk to.
I purchased over 1000 feet of straights and curves plus 30 switches from him in the past two years. Keep in mind, if you are buying long straight sections, Steve sells full boxes of 36" Gargraves (contain 51 pieces I think).
Just my two cents.
Donald
I agree just call Ross directly.
Call steve tell him what you want to buy and ask him for the best price he can do on such a large order.
I had the same question and talked to Steve with a large order in hand, larger than those mentioned here. Steve's problem is that he does not want to undercut his dealers, some of whom probably charge list so he charges list. He does try to help in other ways but he has to look out for his dealers. To Steve's credit, he wouldn't reduce the price. What he said made sense and he was quite helpful.
We worked out a very fair arrangement with Steve Nelson at MrMuffins Trains for Ross track and switches and have been pleased. It led us to do quite a bit of additional business with Steve Nelson.
Bill Webb posted:I had the same question and talked to Steve with a large order in hand, larger than those mentioned here. Steve's problem is that he does not want to undercut his dealers, some of whom probably charge list so he charges list.
This makes absolute sense and does not surprise me in the least. Manufacturers do well to take care of their distributors and not cut their throat. Not that it doesn't happen but they do so at their own peril.
Check Ross's web sit for a list of dealers, then call around and see who will give you the best price. As stated above Steve will not discount his product to protect his dealers. But some dealers do give a discount.
...And don't forget to include shipping and handling charges (and taxes, if applicable) each dealer will charge for getting the order to you. They can be considerable and affect the TOTAL price you'll pay. Oversize/overweight considerations for some orders may come into play, too.
KD
If you are strictly budget minded, I highly recommend going with GarGraves flex. It's not that difficult to work with. Sounds like you'll need a little more than three cases. Case prices are around $380 these days, up $50 since the last one I bought, OUCH. Checked Charlie Ro and Trainworld both the same.
BTW, I have nothing against Ross, Steve's a great guy, and his switches set the industry standard. It's just my opinion regarding cost.
Gargraves stainless steel flex is well worth the price. I use GG Phantom too....but the SS is fantastic! I have Ross, GG and Right of Way switched.....Ross is the best. I'd at least look at the GG SS it works/bends so well....looks good.
Good to hear that at least Ross supports their dealers.
How many threads in the past year bemoaning the loss of LHS , etc?
Now you know why?
I bought all of my Ross track/switches/roadbed & turntable from him directly, great guy to work with. I saved on shipping by going to train fest in WI and brought stuff home. About an hour away, but the shipping on the TT alone more than paid for the trip. I have bought a few switches off ebay or my LHS when I just need something I forgot to order. Have 4 double crossovers and probably 25 other switches.
He does charge shipping, but it seems inline with anyone else.
