How does build to order work?

This used to happen all the time with Lionel's product supply system: Distributors ---> Suppliers --> LHS.  I thought build to order might fix it, but maybe not.  The way to make sure you got product in the old system was to place your order from one of the Lionel dealers at the Distributor level (Such as Charles Ro).

Well, I'll take this chance, because I will support my brick and mortar hobby shop. The social aspect alone is worth it. But it's a shame that build to order is just a ruse.   

You order...you pay a deposit...you wait..you wait some more...you have a few kids...they go off to college...you have some grandkids...you retire...you get your trains...you die the next day.  J/k

Is it really a ruse, or did someone in the supply chain drop the ball? And how would you know if someone dropped the ball? They probably would not volunteer the information.

These Berks weren't "build to order" so who knows why the hobby shop was left out.  It could be that the distributor decided to not ship to the small shop because he could sell them at his retail price and make more money when he found out about the high demand for these engines.

As much as people have complained about some of the aspects of this engine sales show that there is pent up demand for a product of this type and price.

My guess is that Lionel will announce a second round of these real quick to maximize their tooling investment and profit. 

Or maybe the small supplier was shorted so the mega-distributors could have engines to replace returned D.O.A. engines and to cannibalize for parts.

Roundhouse Bill posted:

These Berks weren't "build to order" so who knows why the hobby shop was left out.  It could be that the distributor decided to not ship to the small shop because he could sell them at his retail price and make more money when he found out about the high demand for these engines.

Wow, that's a bit of a stretch.  Sounds borderline unethical.  The person that REALLY gets hurt is the LHS.  If he can't trust his distributors to deliver, he might as well close up shop.

But, I also know it's not the first time Lionel's shorted a distributor.  

As much as people have complained about some of the aspects of this engine sales show that there is pent up demand for a product of this type and price.

So, create more of a demand by by not filling customer preorders and make them wait for a next run, if any?

My guess is that Lionel will announce a second round of these real quick to maximize their tooling investment and profit. 

They'll do it without me on this one.  I may wind up on the growing list of folks that don't preorder anymore.

But, I'll live...

Rusty