I think trains by mail order may go up for a while.

If things go back to normal, then my shopping will go back to normal.  Just train shows and York. 

I've purchased twice on the forum in the past year.  Dont remember ever buying anything "online" as in hobby store front, ebay etc.

Sorry, but I think it will only get worse. The problem here, and guess that it’s the same in the US, is that delivery is passed through multiple layers of subcontracting, ending with minimum-wage contract drivers under little, or no effective supervision. 

I like Amazon Prime, to bad they don't deliver for the small shippers. In our area they take a picture where the package has been placed and send the picture to you, so you know the location of your delivered package. They have the resources to eventually put a big hurt on UPS and FedEx.

   Bill

rattler21 posted:

seaboardm2 posted:

...way I decided to go check around my area.I found my package at a relative house.She has passed on no one lives in that house.Any one could tell no one lived there.I was really angry about that.I did not order any thing for a while.

Was the address label correct? Who did you call to discuss the mis-delivery?  John

Yes it was the right address.I had gotten a lot of trains that way.All have come down the road and delivered packages before.The UPS driver dropped my package at a house.That was clearly abandon house.Because of this I switched to FEDEX for a while.

Bill T posted:

I like Amazon Prime, to bad they don't deliver for the small shippers. In our area they take a picture where the package has been placed and send the picture to you, so you know the location of your delivered package. They have the resources to eventually put a big hurt on UPS and FedEx.

   Bill

I have not tried Amazon.So I really can not say any thing about them.

aussteve posted:

If things go back to normal, then my shopping will go back to normal.  Just train shows and York. 

I've purchased twice on the forum in the past year.  Dont remember ever buying anything "online" as in hobby store front, ebay etc.

I have done a few ebay.I go where ever I find a good deal.Plus the train store is about 68 miles one way.

Rockershovel posted:

Sorry, but I think it will only get worse. The problem here, and guess that it’s the same in the US, is that delivery is passed through multiple layers of subcontracting, ending with minimum-wage contract drivers under little, or no effective supervision. 

True.The subcontractor gets the money.While the people who do the work.Get not the best pay.

I order often from train stores and Amazon prime, package left at front door.   Only issue I  have last 2 years is they say a specific day and it is not delivered till next day, UPS, FEDEX AMAZON,   they are all guilty of this no matter what time of year.  This year they have all improved. 

I especially like the text notifications that its been delivered, Amazon  & FedEx are the best ones for that, UPS  still lagging  behind.

What few trains I've bought in recent years all came via mail order.  I would prefer purchasing from a brick and mortar store, but the nearest train stores with any kind of inventory are over 2 hours away.   I am concerned that there will be even fewer brick and mortar train shops once all this coronavirus craziness is over.

Last time I was in a LHS was Jim Sutter's joint.....in 1998. Everything since then has been online. Lots of eBay but more recently online LHS like Mr. Muffin's and Train World (for brand new stuff).

We are in small-town Western Ma. The only local stores are (3) hardware stores, MalWart, Tractor Supply and OC Job Lots so we use a lot of Amazon Prime. On the one hand I hate supporting Bezos because awful working conditions but not a lot of choice.

UPS, FED EX, USPS, AMAZON no problems. I live in a rural area. We have mostly the same delivery guys. No brick and mortar stores for 1/2 an hour or more by car.

I buy mostly on-line. Most sellers with good feedback, give honest descriptions, have good pictures, ship and package well. Average overall shipping charges help me make my buying decision.

I don't buy from a far away brick and mortar store unless they have my item in stock, " in hand" shipped next day. Again, shipping cost is part of my decision to buy.

There are many good vendors to choose from. I personally use Charles Ro, Hennings Trains, or Grzyboski, for a lot of my needs.