The perils of buying from a model shop you have never heard of!

[darkscot]

https://youtu.be/5dyYJVq1V64

[Walkingthedog]

Thank you for that, interesting.

[darkscot]

This has made me think about where people buy their bits and pieces from. My two local model shops have recently closed down, so my next closest (preferred) shop is about an 80 minute round trip away. Given the current price of fuel it makes more economic sense to order online, but I feel that is a very sterile experience.

When you go to your local shop to buy say a few lengths of track, you find they have a special offer on X or just got in a 2nd hand Y.

I foresee that more and more shops are going to be 'online' or 'exhibition stand ' only.

[yelrow]

Darkscot, some of us, have had to survive without going to model shop for years, unfortunately. The last time I visited one , was 20 years ago, just prior to leaving uk, to live in France. Over here, the nearest one to me, is 150 miles away, and only sells European makes. There are no exhibitions, or trade fairs. Fortunately, there is a site, similar to EBay, called Leboncoin, a bit like Gumtree, where private individuals, sell there surplus bits. I. Have spent many happy hours searching for bits to improve my layout. Brexit, has meant uk is ruled out to buy from, as customs charges, plus postage, are far too dear. I buy Peco track from model shop in Strasbourg. We moved here from Lancaster, so Hattons, was only just over an hour away, must admit, I miss visiting them, Old shop was good.

[Walkingthedog]

I also miss visiting model shops. I know exactly what you mean Darkscot there was always something that caught your eye. Think my last visit was about 15 years ago.

[darkscot]

When perusing most online shops there is usually something like ‘you may also like’ or ‘customers also bought’, but it is not the same as going into a ‘real’ shop and seeing something you never even thought of.

[Walkingthedog]

Bring me a real shop and I’ll go to it.

[yelrow]

You will need a posh Model Shop, now you have gone up market. Bet the selection in the average shop, won’t be very big.. Had 9 lengths of Peco o gauge flexi on Leboncoin today for 110 euros. Thought of building an extension? . Was that cheap.

[Walkingthedog]

Rails do 12 lengths for £91. Not sure of the exchange rate £ to €

[dtb]

if you have never heard of them, don't use them.

'really professional looking website' so have many other's
'always do some homework to see they are legit' try harder
'3.7 google rating' no not great but not terrible, half glass comes to mind here
'facebook page' anyone can create a FB page to scam.

Canns selling hard to find items at ridiculous prices to lure people in obviously. Currently appear to be not selling anything, the email link doesn't work either and no postal address so we can't go round and kick a**!

I also search the web for cheaper items and have done for many years, stick with who you know even it is cost's a few quid more. I know who I can trust.

he did everything wrong in my opinion, 3 google reviews and one from Adam Cann what was he thinking, but good of him to name and shame on social media, hope he gets what is is due.

further reading
https://www.google.com/search?q=cann%20 ... WTDb0lBw5w

https://www.ayrey.co.uk/find-a-retailer ... xDTd3ME1rw

https://www.facebook.com/John-Ayrey-Die ... 700903233/

https://www.ayrey.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR08e ... ifaXKTGJKM