Why are they doing mystery boxes only in store not for on line buyers. This is the second time I have seen this in past couple of months
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Maybe they just want to clean out store stock. The store near me only has train stuff at Christmas.
These boxes have returns or items that come in with damage. the have one building and usually 2-3 cars and a automobile. theres normally about $150 - $200 worth of items in there, there not clearing out store stock. If that was the case I would think that they would just return to ware house.
Well if there only in the stores they could be using unsold Christmas store stock. I can't think of any other reason why it would be an in store only sale.
it makes no sense to combine good stock for basically cost. they would mark it down a little first. You must have no retail experience at all.
Why can't we use the on line rebate checks to buy on line?
GG1GUYY
RT this is not something to debate, you ask for a reason, I gave you my best GUESS. Why would they keep Christmas stock if they could unload it. And a bundle price Would be a mark down...No more I'm done with this one.
rtraincollector posted:Why are they doing mystery boxes only in store not for on line buyers. This is the second time I have seen this in past couple of months
Hi Bill,
Actually, mystery boxes are only sold online. Basically, when the item says "Sold in Stores" it means they are really sold out.
In a nutshell, mystery boxes are a very manual process. When mystery boxes are made, we have to enter the quantity into our computer system. Once they sell out, we have to manually remove the mystery box from MENARDS.COM. In order to shut off sales so we don't oversell (incase no one is able to remove the item from online), the computer automatically changes the item from available online to "Sold in Stores."
So, what you are seeing is more of a failsafe than anything. I hope this helps!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy
GG1guy that's the point I'm getting to they want our business but don't want to offer us the deals that others get. This is the second time I have seen it for in store only in about 3 months. Now this won't stop me from buying but I feel these offers should be offered to online as the ones who shop in there store to me it's like waving the red flag in front of our face say see what you can get if you lived here.
Jim 1939 I'm not trying to make a big deal out of this, was just going by what was explained to me months ago about what goes into these boxes. That's what I was trying to explain to you but your the one coming back insisting that they may be left over stock. I don't see a company marking something about 50% off right off the bat. maybe 10 - 15% But either way my real point was that it wasn't being offered to the online customers and I would bet if they ever looked it up they sell a lot more on line than they do thru the store. In fact I almost would say that's what keeps it afloat. If it wasn't for the online customers I'm not sure they still would be doing this. Not saying it would but just a gut feeling.
Menards posted:Hi Bill,
Actually, mystery boxes are only sold online. Basically, when the item says "Sold in Stores" it means they are really sold out.
In a nutshell, mystery boxes are a very manual process. When mystery boxes are made, we have to enter the quantity into our computer system. Once they sell out, we have to manually remove the mystery box from MENARDS.COM. In order to shut off sales so we don't oversell (incase no one is able to remove the item from online), the computer automatically changes the item from available online to "Sold in Stores."
So, what you are seeing is more of a failsafe than anything. I hope this helps!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy
We can't fault the online voice for programmer issues
Nice of you to offer the Mystery Boxes.
They must sell fast mark as I look at least two or three times a week for them. I guess somehow I'm just missing them. But thanks for replying with this answer. It does help.
why fuss and fume, OH, I forget this is a train forum. The mystery box, is a great outlet for sending the return
merchandise, out, and recoop, some of the cost of MFG. I sent my Alaska Hopper back in to get a leaning road number fixed,
they will send a new one, because the numbers are done, in China. Now my mystery box, which I bought at 0500 A>M>
one morning, has a Santa Fe, Tanker with no road number, ( so I will go), to Hobby Lobby , and take care of that,
but like most all folks state the Mystery Box have a building in them , and I am pretty certain, all boxes will have a hat,
and some kind of vehicle. My building is the Menards Power and Light , with a couple of other freight cars. SO, as has been stated
watch usually page, 10, late at night or early morning, and give some time for them to show up WONDER, who got my leaning
number Alaska Hopper. hahahahah
I wasn't trying to make a fuse just ask a question. it got blow out of proportion thou. I just have bad timing and when you always see not sold on line makes you wonder that's all. Now that Mark explained it, I understand it's just my timing lol
TGP posted:why fuss and fume,
Easy to when you're on the losing end of a wishbone 
Good luck , Bill.
