Model Railway Forum

Brian, 0.88, makes yours cheaper. My box of 25 normal flexi from strasbourg, was much cheaper than uk, without customs. Pays to shop around.

I bought two items yesterday direct from the manufacturer, because my usual sources did not have both in stock. Usually though I prefer to give my business to specific traders, even if they might be a little more expensive.

I have worked for several companies that sold products via distributors and often customers would come to us direct expecting lower prices. However, it was actually much more profitable for us to sell 100 items to one distributor. even when the distributor was getting 20%-30% discount.

When I find something in a shop on line I always pay with PayPal I think they offer good protection although somebody will probably tell me otherwise.
We bought last spring 2021 a sofa from a shop in London. There was 8 weeks delivery which is quite normal. When it arrived it was faulty and we had hell stairs sorting it out. A letter from our Solictor was sent and they quickly arranged collection and refund upon reciept of the sofa in the warehouse quickly after the Solisitors letter. I was worried because we paid by Debit card which does not have so much security as a Credit card. But we did get the refund in the end. Am glad we had not sold our old sofa or we would have been sitting on bean bags.

There is a good Model Shop in Stanley County Durham.

Had a similar experience last year when trying to find a high level signalbox for West Orton.
It was an out of production style that commanded ridiculously high prices but I found one in a French online model shop. Ordered it and paid via PayPal.
But I got no confirmation and no reply to a couple of emails I sent later that week.
I raised a query with PayPal who reimbursed me in full within 24 hours. Full marks for their service.
Never did get any response from the French shop but I do tend to stick with known outlets now.

stick with who you know or ask before

Has anyone ever done business with DC Kits?

https://www.dckits-devideos.co.uk

They have a loco I want at a very attractive price, but I have never heard of them before.

If you google maps the address it's a private home. No sign of a business in street view.

Difficult decision. Contact address is defiantly a house but the stock me be kept in a storage facility.

On ukmodelshops.co.uk they are listed as an online retailer and have one 5 star review. I think I will pass for now, I don't actually 'need' this loco.