Where to buy?

[F Flinstone]

Iam about to start building this year, have decided to stick with 00, I need all new so a lot of money, track alone is about £1400, so where should I start making enquires? Will need it to be exported to France, or may be able to buy "Peco" out here but it will be more expensive. Can I expect a discount? the correct shop will get all my business for the foreseeable future, so I will need help in picking the correct item's and the correct equipment DCC, electrics etc. So is it best to stick to the big boys ie Rails/Hat or the smaller shop, they both have pros and cons, big shop more stable, but perhaps not enough personal one to one help, small shop perhaps prices up a bit, not the same choice, but more personal advice, don't know, any impartial advice would be welcome, and nice to be back, had lots of problems with the new house, but this summer full steam ahead. Thank Ff

[Walkingthedog]

I have always purchased from who ever has the best offers, anything from Hattons to a small shop in the sticks.

I don’t think you have a chance of getting any discount although buying in bulk can be cheaper. Peco is the best track by far so a box of their flexi would be a good start.

[teedoubleudee]

Your problem with buying from the UK at the moment is many retailers have temporarily stopped exporting to the EU since the rules around customs and duty following Brexit. John (Yelrow) may be able to advise best places to shop within the EU to avoid these additional costs.

[Rog (RJ)]

If you want the best prices for anything, it's a matter of shopping around. Hatton's are usually very competitive, as are Rails but places like Coastal DCC, Kernow, Model Railways Direct and Digitrains etc often have bargain buys. It pays to shop around but you will probably find some wont post to France now.

[Steve M]

Buying the ‘best deal’ from a UK supplier may not prove to be the best purchase in your circumstances. Any purchase from the UK with delivery to the EU will now attract higher delivery costs and import taxes and delivery may take some considerable time.

It’s the same for goods in the opposite direction by the way. Apparently in political circles it’s referred to as ‘sunlit uplands’ - if I say anything more I will be moderated.

Yes Peco is the way to go but you would probably find an EU based shop to be a better option for supply.
I think John (Yelrow), who also lives in France found a supplier in Luxembourg recently.

[brian1951]

I find Germany good, ordered a pile of stuff midday monday, it arrived on my doorstep 8-45 friday morning, no extras fees or custom charges.

[yelrow]

F.Flintstone, high, your homework, is wrong. I live in France and have just ordered 2 boxes of Peco, track, from 2 different suppliers in France, both cheaper than uk. First box was 100 euros, plus 8 for delivery. Hattons, Rails etc, wanr more than this, once you have added, post and customs. if you want more details, PM me,

[F Flinstone]

Thanks all yes well aware of the extra costs involved, but French tax is the same as UK so I dont pay VAT but I pay TTC in France, and yes again there is now import duty to pay but its not too much. Will take our advice under consideration, very quick replies, I thought you all would have had your heads buried in the ballast Ff

[yelrow]

I have sent you a pm, which fully explains problems. You will have a Mountain to climb, buying Peco flexi from uk.

[yelrow]

Yup, the Jura, and Strasbourg have peco full range, the latter with 20% off. I ordered mine from both, with only 8 euros delivery. Germany, was dearer. Uk, waste of time. Length of track, means no Post office will accept. Hattons, delivery and customs, brings tears to your eyes. Many others i tried, have stopped posting to Europe. I dont blame them, customs is a nightmare, of paperwork. I am actually, quite pleased , as both shops have full peco range, and can supply all my needs.