Trainz Auction Site

I think it is down during our current situation.  When I try to view it, I get transferred to their internet retail site, with a message that they are still open.

I think what you're referring to has been moved to their eBay Store.

Works ok  Just went on

Trainz sent an email out on April 29th about this (see screen capture below), everything is now on their eBay store.

Hope this clarifies things! 

Bryce

Will this mean the end of their buyer's premium?  If so, I might reconsider doing business with them.

If you only used Trainz Auctions (I did), you will need to create a new account on Trainz.com. I haven't looked at the new site to much yet to answer about the BP. It would be nice to see that fee disappear.

I received this reply from their CS team when I inquired

Thanks for reaching out. I am sorry to hear you are having difficulty with your login. Your Trainz Auctions credentials can be used at the new Trainz Community Website. If you are a Gold Member, your credentials will transfer to Trainz.com with the Trainz Reward program as a First Class Membership. If you only used the Trainz Auctions site and want to login to Trainz.com, you will need to create an account at our Trainz.com Site. You can use the same username and password as you have at the Trainz Community Site when creating an account at Trainz.com to simplify sign-in on either sight. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you and if  you have any issues creating your Trainz.com account, please let me know.

That's correct, the Trainz Auction site is no longer. Many of our items will be listed as buy it now on Trainz.com and our eBay store. Any auctions that we have will be on eBay. If you have any other questions, please let us know.

RS...

Thanks for the information. 

End of an era (bought numerous items from them over the years)...the auction site will be missed.

Me too....over 80 locos and cars. 🤯

Yea I looked the other day before they shut the old site down. Spent the last few years expanding my collection. 🤪

RSJB18 same here I found many items in my inventory on Trainz auction.  Fortunately just a few weeks ago I won a scarce 2 bay fish belly hopper of the same road number I had. I was able to trade it for the 1 road number I didn't have. 

It is an auction site that certainly will be missed, they helped me expand my collection! I got quite a few things at great prices. My favorite purchase Trainz was when I got a 20th Century Limited StationSounds Diner for $152 NOB

With their high volume of things on eBay now, I've been buying quite a bit of stuff through them. I find them really great to deal with. Shipping a little high in my opinion, and I wish they didn't use FedEx SmartPost.  For those of you familiar with the "family circus" comic strip, I feel like my purchases follow the same route.  😂

Sitting on Ebay auctions waiting for the frantic last 30 seconds of bidding is not for me. Trainz Auctions was low pressure, low stress. I placed my bids late on Sunday's (O gauge day), and would usually win. I didn't love the shipping and buyers premium costs but I weighed that into the choice to make a purchase.
I had a problem with one of the last loco's I bought and they took it back for repair under warranty. They sent me a prepaid shipping label too.
Items always ship within a day or two. Unfortunately my local FedEx Ground driver is an idiot and has caused some delays.

@RSJB18 posted:

Trainz Auctions was low pressure, low stress. I placed my bids late on Sunday's (O gauge day), and would usually win. 

Probably indicative of the reason for switching to eBay:  more eyes on merchandise, more bidders, more merchandise sold.  Instances of competing bids on Trainz Auctions were few and far between (maybe never) in my experience and appeared most listings expired with no bids.   

What, me worry?

@Alfred E Neuman posted:

Probably indicative of the reason for switching to eBay:  more eyes on merchandise, more bidders, more merchandise sold.  Instances of competing bids on Trainz Auctions were few and far between (maybe never) in my experience and appeared most listings expired with no bids.   

What, me worry?

 

IMO, to a large extent the lack of competing bids (or no bids) on Trainz auctions was because they started at too high of a price.  For most items, the starting price was already on the high end, then buyer's premium (whoever invented this should have a sub-optimal experience in the afterlife) and shipping need to be added.  So, if one was to bid at the minimum, they were already over-paying, and it seems that enough potential buyers understood this and stayed away.

@Mallard4468 posted:

IMO, to a large extent the lack of competing bids (or no bids) on Trainz auctions was because they started at too high of a price.  For most items, the starting price was already on the high end, then buyer's premium (whoever invented this should have a sub-optimal experience in the afterlife) and shipping need to be added.  So, if one was to bid at the minimum, they were already over-paying, and it seems that enough potential buyers understood this and stayed away.

Other the other hand, many eBay sellers have lower prices with outrageous shipping costs. 

Not sure how that is allowed as when I used to sell on eBay I was always locked into what I could ask for shipping. I never wanted to gouge anyone but it seems that eBay would often cause me to lose money at the post office.

@Mallard4468 posted:

So, if one was to bid at the minimum, they were already over-paying, and it seems that enough potential buyers understood this and stayed away.

Interesting.  I always took the Trainz' buyers premium into account on my bids, usually went low and "won" several.  My total cost was always less (at least not greater) than getting it on eBay through auction (eBay's Buy It Now prices are way high).  I had good experiences with them and only had to return one item, which went well.

I think their auction site was a good source and hate to see it go away.  Every now and then they would sell a collection with a lot of hard to find Pennsylvania RR items and my bank account would take a hit.

UPDATED:  reworded poorly worded return comment

@CAPPilot posted:

Interesting.  I always took the Trainz' buyers premium into account on my bids, usually went low and "won" several.  My total cost was always less (at least not greater) than getting it on eBay through auction (eBay's Buy It Now prices are way high).  I had good experiences with them and only had one return that went well.

I think their auction site was a good source and hate to see it go away.  Every now and then they would sell a collection with a lot of hard to find Pennsylvania RR items and my bank account would take a hit.

I do take the buyer's premium and other charges into account when bidding at any auction.  However, based on the prices that are paid for some items, I suspect that a substantial percentage of bidders don't.

Here are my Trainz auction experiences:

1) Bought an engine that I particularly wanted where the total cost was on the high side based on condition as described.  Unfortunately, the condition was not as described.  The adjustment offered was paltry.  Alternative was to send it back on my dime, so I took the adjustment.

2) Bought a couple of other items that I had been searching for.  The minimum bid (plus other costs) was high, but I was willing to pay a premium for those specific items.  Fortunately, the number of items for which I would do that today is very close to zero.  

I'm glad that others have had experiences that were more positive.

Definitely agree about the "buy it now" prices.  I view them for entertainment purposes only - especially the recent weathered Vision Line Big Boy for $6500.

I enjoyed the Trainz Auctions more than ebay,

The auction structure was easier for me. I could look at whatever times during the week I choose, knowing the bids are on Sunday. Bidding did not allow the last second swoop in, Trainz, clock reset for 5 min with any competive bids in the last 5 min, so you could walk away or stay in.

Most items were as described and fairly priced, you had to consider the auction 18% fee for sure.

I liked the way I could look at specific categories of items also.

The products that did not sell,  seemed to me to be the less desireable low end stuff, the reasonable stuff sold.

Ebay , I am  doing less and less. I have had some not so good representation of product and condition experiences, broken or missing parts, cosmetic problems, etc.   Last second swoop in bidding,   all different times of the day and week not as enjoyable for me.

I hope Trainz would reconsider and reopen their auctions.

Dean

 Trainz auctions vs. Trains on ebay. Some good deals and some not so good deals. Not suprising.

Those Stout auctions though. I don't care how high you place your bid. 1000 bids come in from the floor right before it ends and theres no way you can rebid much less win...LOL!

@RickO posted:

 Trainz auctions vs. Trains on ebay. Some good deals and some not so good deals. Not suprising.

Those Stout auctions though. I don't care how high you place your bid. 1000 bids come in from the floor right before it ends and theres no way you can rebid much less win...LOL!

Really,  I've never had that issue with Stout online.  There is always a fair warning period after bids slow.  I have never missed out on something I wanted unless it went over the max I was willing to pay; including the premium. 

@rdunniii posted:

Really,  I've never had that issue with Stout online.  There is always a fair warning period after bids slow.  I have never missed out on something I wanted unless it went over the max I was willing to pay; including the premium. 

Agree the experience I've had with Stout is just keep hitting the add $10.00 and you will see the fair warning until you win and get the "you won flash" but it can get expensive  

In my experience Trainz is certainly willing to misrepresent the condition of an item in order to get the sale and then offer a partial refund once it is in your hands. That is an awful business practice. It has happened to me on two larger purchases. This last one was awful as it was the Atlas 2-track truss bridge. It was advertised as used with some scuffs and scrapes yet when it arrived there were numerous broken pieces, and not pieces that would have broke during shipping. A main bridge support was snapped in half! They may be quick to respond to a complaint and offer money off, but they are doing so having already sold you a broken item. You can call that "great customer service" if you like, but I certainly won't. I believe transparency on the front end equates to great customer service, not offering a token refund to make up for a misrepresented and broken item. I'm done with Trainz, I don't care what they are selling.

My experience with Trainz has been good. Made several purchases without a hitch One item was returned for " not as described" and it was hassle free. 

I myself sometimes sell my " changes of heart" on Ebay.

Ebay now charges their sellers for both final value AND shipping costs, 11%. If using PayPal they get their 2% as well. Then the buyers state takes their sales tax, (Ebay collects the state sales taxes.)

Shipping is a crap shoot. Unless you have an account with a particular shipper. USPS,UPS, FEDEX all charge higher costs. I recently shipped a 4 car Lionel heavyweight passenger set from Hoffman Estates Il. , to L.A. Calif. Insurred for. $350. 

Cost  was approx $65.00.

New pricing by the shipping companies that is impacted by the outer dimension of the box, not just weight. Everybody wants pristine original retail packaging and if possible original shipping box. I could have shipped those 4 cars for half the cost without the packaging@!

I think Trainz is still in the growing stages. Their staff is courteous and do a good. Job packaging. They may be still "learning the ropes" when it comes to condition and pricing. Volume buying by a dealer and reselling has got to take alot of staffing.  Covid 19 makes it hard to employ anybody.

Some of the "changes" we experience and will experience will no doubt increase cost and aggravation for everybody.

I have purchased a few engines from them on EBAY but not on the auction site. I have found the EBAY pricing to go from very fair to absurd! The shipping charges are high for FEDEX smart post but all shipping costs are rising.

I have purchased only one item that was defective (MIB) but they sent a shipping label and full refund.

As always BUYER BE AWARE

Gunny

I think Trainz does a flat rate on shipping, so if you live in CA. it's the same price if you live 10 miles from them

@Sean007 posted:

Other the other hand, many eBay sellers have lower prices with outrageous shipping costs. 

Not sure how that is allowed as when I used to sell on eBay I was always locked into what I could ask for shipping. I never wanted to gouge anyone but it seems that eBay would often cause me to lose money at the post office.

As a frequent eBay seller, I would say that if you don't get fair reimbursement for shipping costs it's your own fault.  I've shipped over 1000 items in the last four years without a cost problem.  I always weigh my item and I know what is added by my typical packaging.  I use USPS Parcel Select, always the cheapest way unless it's 13 oz. or less and can go as a first class package.

Not more than twice in that 1000 shipments have I been asked to use expedited shipping.  

Another saving is that I never buy insurance.  The total amount that I have lost in six years in this business is much less than what I would have paid for insurance.  I'll think about insurance if the price is over $400-500.

I do think many sellers overcharge on shipping by using services that are more expensive.  It's rare that UPS or FedEx ground isn't at least a few dollars more.

@Mallard4468 posted:

Will this mean the end of their buyer's premium?  If so, I might reconsider doing business with them.

Only live auctions charge a buyers premium.  Standard eBay auctions do not charge a buyers premium.  I think you might be referring to the TRAINZ in house auction site which has been closed.   I cannot recall Trainz having live auctions on eBay not that I know everything about eBay or Trainz. I'm with you on that "BUYERS PREMIUM" thing.  Another thing which drives me away from live auctions the last time I checked the sellers doing live auctions did not give shipping charges or use the eBay shipping calculator. So your just rolling the dice.  No Way Dude !           j

I recently bought 2 K-Line baggage cars from them off E-Bay and there was no bidding or extra fees, and their asking price was below or equal to what others were asking for the same cars, mostly below. Shipping wasn’t bad either. I’m glad to see the auction thing go away.

The cost of shipping has gone up quite a bit.  I've sold plenty of items online and people complain about the high shipping charges.  I only charge EXACTLY what I am being charged, and I offer to ship via any of the services offered by USPS, FEDEX and UPS.  Depending upon where you live can drastically change the cost from one shipper to another.

Years ago I purchased a cheap digital scale (for like $25).  I always prepackage and measure and weight my items before putting them up for sale.  People who complain about high shipping haven't shipped anything in a while (or at all).  I think they are used to getting free shipping from Amazon or the like.

I have 2 items left to dispose of online and then I'm done.  I am SO glad about that!

Some good News for a Tuesday! Its not the old Trainz auction site but it is not eBay.

Bryce

@mlaughlinnyc posted:

As a frequent eBay seller, I would say that if you don't get fair reimbursement for shipping costs it's your own fault.  I've shipped over 1000 items in the last four years without a cost problem.  I always weigh my item and I know what is added by my typical packaging.  I use USPS Parcel Select, always the cheapest way unless it's 13 oz. or less and can go as a first class package.

Not more than twice in that 1000 shipments have I been asked to use expedited shipping.  

Another saving is that I never buy insurance.  The total amount that I have lost in six years in this business is much less than what I would have paid for insurance.  I'll think about insurance if the price is over $400-500.

I do think many sellers overcharge on shipping by using services that are more expensive.  It's rare that UPS or FedEx ground isn't at least a few dollars more.

Actually, If you sell on eBay by listing the UPC of an item, the system fills out the product data and would set a max shipping cost. It always ended up costing me a bit more for postage. At least that was the way it worked when selling video games, Hot Wheels and action figures.

I think that trainz pads their shipping costs a bit to cover packing and labor. I factor that into my bids too.

@Oscale_Trains_Lover_ posted:

Some good News for a Tuesday! Its not the old Trainz auction site but it is not eBay.

Bryce

I just got that spam in my email; did you see some of the pricing? Ouch!

I just got an email from them today (6/23) that they would be using their Trains.com website for all orders in the future, not using Ebay anymore either. Did any of you get this email today? Perhaps I misread it?

@Dave Warburton posted:

I just got an email from them today (6/23) that they would be using their Trains.com website for all orders in the future, not using Ebay anymore either. Did any of you get this email today? Perhaps I misread it?

Did they say specifically "We will be discontinuing eBay sales"  or did you read between the lines ?  I just checked and they have over sixty thousand ads currently running on eBay.  I have been doing business with them since about 2001 and bought hundreds of items from them.   I did not get the email.   Guess they could be letting eBay wind down though I doubt it.   If I had to bet I would bet they are in the top 5 domestic sellers on eBay.           j

Trainz has been operating two venues, their own auction site and their Ebay auction site, for a long time. There were better values at their own auction site, usually, and frequently if an item got down too low they'd move it over to their Ebay site. When something didn't show up the next week on their site after it didn't sell after a few weeks, often you'd see it appear on their Ebay site. Sometimes it would just disappear, too.

I suspect after reassessing doing 100% Ebay sales and calculating the cost (Ebay fees plus Paypal fees adds up to a LOT of fees charged to Ebay sellers), they decided to start selling at least some, and perhaps eventually all, on their own site. It may be that the mix will work for them, too - have to see how this plays out.

In any case, their new site looks like just a buy-it-now, with no auction. The bargain days are over. Even without the 18% buyers premium, overall it's going to be more expensive buying from them on Ebay (they have to raise prices to compensate for Ebay charges) and also now on their new sales site, than it was at their old auction. Trainz says it will be cheaper buying on their own sales site than buying on their Ebay site. Probably only to the extent they're able to offer a little lower price because they save paying Ebay sales fees. But in most cases, it'll still be more expensive - in many cases significantly so - than buying at the old auction site with the buyer's premium.

I found the email in my "Promotions" tab on Gmail. Check your spam folders too.

Sounds to me like they have quickly discovered that selling on ebay exclusively is not the best. My wife does some selling on ebay and the constant changes in their TOS, fees, listing rules, etc., are a PITA.

Looking forward to the new Trainz site. I've bought most of my collection from them and even though they are not always the cheapest, I've always gotten my items as described and usually on time.

Bob

The new site is all fixed price, so there are no bargains. Don't know if they're still charging their ridiculously high shipping, as I won't be buying anything from there.

@Sean007 posted:

Actually, If you sell on eBay by listing the UPC of an item, the system fills out the product data and would set a max shipping cost. It always ended up costing me a bit more for postage. At least that was the way it worked when selling video games, Hot Wheels and action figures.

I think that trainz pads their shipping costs a bit to cover packing and labor. I factor that into my bids too.

For me packing time and materials is a factor for low priced items.  For example, I have some junk switches and crossings  on eBay at $3 to 45 each.  I know they'll cost $3 to 4 each to ship as first class packages.  I will list an fixed shipping cost of $5 or $6 so that I'll be sure to have a few bucks left after eBay and Paypal fees.

Wait till this fall/winter and I would think that the marketplace auction place will open up. Our country is still healing very slowly.