Train Store Website Inventory not up to date.

Not really, online is where most sales come from these days I'd guess, they should keep inventory up to date so people can buy (or not buy) what they think they are

This drives me insane.  There is one particular store I refuse to buy from for this reason.

Gotta admit this is a pet peeve of mine too.  Absolutely HATE websites that charge the credit card at the time of sale BEFORE items are picked, packed and shipped.  If that's how they want to operate, then they've gotta keep the website up to date.  If they don't, I avoid buying from them online.  End of discussion.  If they're a reputable, long-standing dealer, I'd call them and purchase that way... so they can confirm EACH and EVERY item is in stock.  

 

David

What could be worse that an out of date on line inventory?  How about when you call the store to confirm they have something before you drive the 45 minutes to the store, you get the confirmation and then when you get there its “Sorry, my mistake, we don’t have that in stock”.  It has happened more than once to me at a certain local store.  Now, I don’t go there unless they actually put their hand on it.

With charging the card before the inventory check by the store, I think that's a problem with my choosing Paypal...I guess there is no way to hold off the charge until inventory is checked live?

and this is the main reason stores need to keep their site updated.

How expensive is it to have the UPC scanner hardware and software to track items as they come in and leave the stores?

 

Andrew

Most shops do not have an IT person working there or even know how to go about getting 'up to date'

 

I have spent the last year updating my POS and website to talk to each other so the inventory is accurate in real time.  Shipping was the next hurtle.  Each product must be weighed and measured for a real time shipping calculator to work.  One manufacturer has made this information available to dealers and I was told that I was the first dealer to EVER inquire about using it.  The other manufactures that I sell products for have not been so free with this information or do not have it.

 

Most website plug-ins that use credit card gateways charge the card at check out. 

 

Service companies charge $100 plus/ hour to develop sites.  These companies also have to write code to access each manufactures files to load into a POS or web site.  Also keep in mind that each manufacturer has very proprietary file systems.

 

So as you can see, this process can be quite expensive and time consuming.  Much more expensive than a bar code scanner;  More time than you could possibly imagine.

 

Respectfully,

 

Dave

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi C, Jack

     What caboose are you trying to purchase?

Brand Name

Road Name

Stock Number

     Thanks

Gary - Cheers from The Detroit and Mackinac Railway

     

You shouldn't have that problem with us on our site. Our IT staff has software that updates our POS system with our EBay, Amazon and other sites with "live" updates every 15 mins. At the latest and instantly on our website. We spent a lot of money and time to bring you what we believe is the best and most accurate web site around. Thanks for your purchases! 

I finally got one purchase to stick I think from a store in Pewaukee, WI. It is the UP dark red with the black and white stripes on the ends. Just missed one in the sell forum. Lionel 6-27667.

Yes I like your site.

Yes, I agree with most replies.  It took us a year to implement our web site ordering system, and it still isn't one hundred percent.  Like Nassau, our web site is automatically updated by our POS system every 15 minutes.

In reading these posts, I originally thought that "POS system" meant something other than 'Point of Sale" system. As in a less than complimentary anacronym. Carry on....

I have experienced the same frustration and it is really annoying, especially when you are charged for something without even knowing if it's in stock.

 

On the other hand as an IT guy in a previous life I can tell you implementing a real time inventory system is both expensive and requires a lot of time to keep accurate.  You need all the hardware, software, training, maintenance, etc, etc.  I don't doubt Charlie's statement for a split second that they spend a lot of time and money on their inventory system.  I can easily see where the costs for such an inventory system might be too much for smaller suppliers to absorb.

 

Sometimes a telephone call saves any hassles.   I'm lucky that I live relatively close to one of our sponsors here in Georgia - Legacy Station. If there is something specific I am looking for and don't see on their site I just call them.  They have always been very helpful both in the store and over the phone to go off looking to confirm they have some thing I am looking for.  

 

As good as they are, my aim is not about plugging Legacy but rather to make a point.  Find a supplier you really like and try and stick with them if you can.   I've found doing that has eliminated so many hassels regarding sales and support and helps keep playing with trains fun.

 

Ed

 

 

Found it, but out of stock.......

Nice looking ride.

Gary - Cheers from The Detroit and Mackinac Railway - Click screenshot to enlarge.

I like the striped ends. And the deep almost not- red color. 

Well hopefully the Wisconsin dealer has it...I should have gotten the sorry email by now if not.