Why has Menards been so successful?

How would that work in terms of the traditional train makers though?

You're either going to see a severely constrained selection of lowest-common-denominator product (i.e. no more 'contest-quality scale models' because that market is too fragmented), or having one or more of the major players go under due to having waaaaaay too much money tied up in a broad spectrum of product runs that may take 2-3 or more years to sell through.

Menards' has an impressive catalog of ready-to-ship product now. But does anyone remember how many years it took to build it to that point?  How much of their new product may have been already on-hand in one humongous shipment (remember the photo of the carton I posted earlier in this thead), and news of it simply being doled out one SKU a week? With a whole home-improvement superstore of other stuff to sell in the meantime--that they are waaaaay better known for--Menards' can afford to do that. Recall how Mark posted a video of a freight train composed entirely of military equipment, hinting that it suggested some of the upcoming releases?    

Of course, it would be fantastic to have all the product we see in the dedicated train makers' catalogues ready-to-ship as soon as you see them in those books. But this isn't the 1950's anymore and model trains haven't been THE must-have thing for over a half-century now (how many of you are still encountering folks who didn't know Lionel is still around?). if that business model were do-able when said product is your only revenue stream, I'd daresay K-Line would still be with us.

Actually there is plenty of ready-to-ship product out there. It's the current stock of previously-released items in the dealer network.

Some of it is even branded "K-Line"

---PCJ

They have some of the best buildings and most often original structures on the market that won't break the bank.  Their business buildings come with bases, plenty of lights,  and side walks.  What more can anyone want from a manufacturer.  I will agree they are hit and miss but overall quality if better than good.  I live on the West coast and the structures are still a bargain even after shipping costs.

I am going way out on a limb here but:

A - lowest price for performance and features

B - staying on low end of technology (little if any electronics)

C - Unheard of customer service and support

D - low overhead and residuals

E - all of the above ?

I would choose E

Here's one reason, this is their latest release for $49.99 for one or $179.94 for four.  They throw in a free truck as well.  Try buying something like this for anywhere near the price elsewhere!  They just keep upping the ante.

4-Piece 17" Double-Stack Intermodal Car with Two Shipping Containers Dealer Pack

For me, Menards offers superior value (combination of low price, high quality, speed of delivery).  A few months ago, I bought a box of flat cars with various freight loads (helicopters, ambulance, trucks).  The combined cost was way lower, the product uniqueness and "wow" factor was higher, and delivery speed was higher than what the competitors offer.  I spend a lot of time window shopping before I make purchases and I can tell you that Menards will be getting my business first for the foreseeable future.

Thanks

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Here's one reason, this is their latest release for $49.99 for one or $179.94 for four.  They throw in a free truck as well.  Try buying something like this for anywhere near the price elsewhere!  They just keep upping the ante.

4-Piece 17" Double-Stack Intermodal Car with Two Shipping Containers Dealer Pack

 

And remember folks, nobody outside of the Menards staff charged with its development:

--knows this car was going to be produced

--knows when the decision was made to go ahead with it

--knows how long this car was in development

--knows if there were any production delays or slippage in its shipment schedule 

Menards can afford to stay mum about developments like this until they're ready to ship--they've got that whole chain of home-improvement superstores raking in the dough selling "home-improvement stuff" in the meantime. Traditional train makers can't copy this tactic to any significant degree.

---PCJ

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Here's one reason, this is their latest release for $49.99 for one or $179.94 for four.  They throw in a free truck as well.  Try buying something like this for anywhere near the price elsewhere!  They just keep upping the ante.

4-Piece 17" Double-Stack Intermodal Car with Two Shipping Containers Dealer Pack

 

WOW.....Menard's fills another item I felt was over priced in the O scale hobby.  4 cars with containers  for less than $180 is unreal!!!! 

I think I have built my last intermodal car myself.......HmmmmmmI see a slight family resemblance too........

I believe this graph say it all:

Rusty

I think they have cut out a slice of the pie for them selfs.Just like industrial rail and lkine.They put out a good product and a good price.Not every body is gonna buy a boxcar for $65 to $80 dollars.They also make good looking buildings to go with the trains.