[Cavtanker]

I've only pre-ordered the Bald Eagle P-51B. That's because I love P-51Bs. On anything else, I wait to see what ya'll have to say before I buy a new diecast.

[timbo]

I voted to allow pre-orders, and if the entire production run sells out then OK. I think this is the only way theta the hobby can survive. Manufacturers and vendors cannot afford to keep massive stocks for years waiting for punters to buy.

I personally am not going to pre-order again (unless it is a very special release). I'm fedup of release delays and then models turning up with glaring inacuracies that I can't live with.

If that means I will miss some good releases then so-be-it.

[Berkut76]

No pre-orders for me. Way too much inconsistency in terms of production quality and unreliable release dates.

Regards,

Sergey

[FormerViperDriver]

I don't pre-order myself, but I'm absolutely fine with unlimited pre-ordering, even if that means the stock is pre-sold-out. This happens only very rarely anyway, from my experience.

Pappy put it best in his post.

Besides, I'm opposed, in general, to forcing people to do things unless it's to prevent actual harm to others. I don't consider it "actual harm" if someone is unable to get a particular model because it's sold out. In any event, in that case there's often the e-bay option. So if retailers want to allow unlimited pre-orders, let them.

FVD

[Cavtanker]

And let's not forget reliability in pre-orders according to expected release dates! (cough*dragon*cough)

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

I don't pre-order myself, but I'm absolutely fine with unlimited pre-ordering, even if that means the stock is pre-sold-out. This happens only very rarely anyway, from my experience.

Pappy put it best in his post.

Besides, I'm opposed, in general, to forcing people to do things unless it's to prevent actual harm to others. I don't consider it "actual harm" if someone is unable to get a particular model because it's sold out. In any event, in that case there's often the e-bay option. So if retailers want to allow unlimited pre-orders, let them.

FVD

Definitely, and if they want to keep a few in 'reserve', that is also their right ...

[jim]

I go with allowing pre orders,

It gives the serious collector first choice.

Its rare for me to pre order planes because I wait for you guys to report in first.
I dont have the luxury of being able to view before I buy so I need the members to post their reviews.

[Epapazian]

The idea that a vendor's total inventory should be sold on a pre-order basis assumes that all potential customers are aware of the offerings and/or willing to buy based on the limited and sometimes misleading information that is made available. Obviously, this is a fallacy. A lot of buyers, while intrigued by the announcements of new models, have learned to wait for detailed pictures and reviews before sending in their orders. I, for one, certainly fall into this category. While I continue to pre-order items marketed by more or less trustworthy manufacturers, I am more wary of others who have disappointed me in the past. Furthermore, it is unrealistic to assume that everyone is always paying close attention to happenings in the diecast marketplace. Some are closely wired in, but others, including those making their initial buys as an introduction to this hobby, obviously aren't. Just look at the threads on this forum asking for advice on what planes to buy and you will see what I mean.

If I were a vendor, I would sell as much product as I could via pre-orders, but also stock an additional 10-20% of inventory to service "late buyers". Clearly, this represents something of a gamble, but the risk of losing sales by those who do not pre-order poses its own problems. And what about those pre-orders that are canceled? Is this approach, in and of itself, really a guarantee of profits for the vendor? Frankly, I doubt it.

[jim]

You make several very good points there Epapazian,

They all prove the value of this forum for people like me that live in areas that are devoid of diecast outlets.

[Captain Eddie]

I didn't vote, as I really don't care, plus I figure that is the store's choice (though in this case the store owner IS asking. I've only pre-ordered three items, all at once. If I was unable too, wouldn't make any difference to me, as I likely will never do it again anyway.