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In This Issue: |
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- eBay Changes
- Trainz.com Makes Inc.com Top 100
- TCA Sponsorship
- Daily Updates
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eBay Changes
Boy this has been a busy year for eBay! They are implementing many changes on their website, which will affect buyers and sellers alike. I’d like to address some of these changes and how it might affect your buying experience at Trainz.com. You probably noticed that the feedback process has changed and that every seller is rated on a 5 star system. We appreciate all of you who have left positive feedback and 5 stars, and understand that our shipping costs are reasonable considering the increase in shipping costs everywhere. We strive to make your shopping experience with us a 5 star experience every time. Recently, we learned that eBay will no longer allow a seller to accept checks and money orders as a form of payment for eBay transactions. This was quite a shock for all of us. By doing this, they believe consumers will be more confident about doing business on eBay by excluding these two payment methods.
This is what eBay had to say when asked, “How will the change increase buyer confidence?”
Buyers will have a more consistent and secure payment experience on eBay. Right now, 1 out of 5 eBay transactions send buyers off eBay to complete their purchase. Buyers' experiences vary greatly depending on the seller and their payment provider. This lowers buyer confidence in eBay and leaves buyers more vulnerable to online fraud. By using only integrated electronic payment methods in eBay checkout, buyers will be able to stay on eBay to pay.
Buyers will also have fewer bad experiences, and if something does go wrong, they will have more recourse. Buyers who pay with a check or money order on eBay.com today are 80% more likely to file an "item not received" dispute, and 50% more likely to leave a negative feedback than buyers who pay with PayPal or a credit card. Starting in late October, eligible items paid with PayPal on eBay.com will be covered by PayPal Buyer Protection with no coverage limit and at no additional cost, and all other approved electronic payment methods' services will also include consumer protection.
Regardless of how we feel about this change, we will have to adapt. Once this change goes into effect, you will no longer be able to select check or money order for an eBay purchase within our checkout system.
Trainz.com Makes Inc.com Top 100
From Inc.com, magazine and online resource for entrepreneurs, Trainz.com has been rated as one of the Top 100 Retail Companies of 2008! Trainz.com also made the Top 100 list for Businesses in the Atlanta, Georgia region. The Trainz Crew would like to thank all of you, our loyal customers, for helping make this happen!
TCA Sponsorship
 The TCA Train Meet in York, PA has it all! The Meet itself is a place to lose yourself in a deluge of O gauge trains, meet new friends and join in the camaraderie of the model train hobby. In order to attend you must be a TCA member. You are required to be sponsored by two TCA members to qualify for membership. Scott and Milinda Griggs, owners of Trainz.com, are both TCA members and would be happy to sponsor your membership. To become a member of the TCA, please visit their website. For sponsorship, please email us here at sales@trainz.com with TCA membership in the subject line and we will be happy to help our Trainz customers.
Daily Updates
We're excited to announce a new addition to our website - The Trainz.com Daily Blog.
You can find the Blog in the upper right hand corner of our website right below "What's New".
We'll be adding posts daily, with the latest happenings at Trainz.com.
If you subscribe to our Blog, you'll receive alerts of new posts on your computers homepage! Just click here to Subscribe to the Trainz.com News Feed.
What is a blog? Take a look at Wikipedia's definition of blog.
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The MTH 10-1289-1 Black Tinplate 4696 Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0, has a name plate of Southern Pacific and a number plate reading 4694. MTH changed all the items from page 7 of the 2007 tinplate catalog. The blue engines will now be called Wabash and the black will be Southern Pacific. Click here to watch a video of the 4696 Steam Engine in action!
We just wrapped up our preorder program for the 2008 V2 Lionel Catalog, featuring the new postwar conventional classics line. Lionel hit the nail on the head with that one this year! The conventional classics turned out to be wildly popular and it just goes to show that nostalgia is still king. Over the next 3 years, Lionel will introduce additional pieces to this line. Be on the look out for your favorites!
The Trainz.com PreOrder Program offers you discounted pricing, delayed payment and Free Shipping. We recommend preordering before the deadline to ensure availability, but if you’ve missed the deadline we will still accept your preorder until the item is released or sold out. Keep in mind that occasionally Lionel can sell out of an item before it is even released.
“When will my preorder be delivered?” Is the number one question we receive here concerning a preordered item. Whether you’re waiting for a Lionel or MTH item to arrive, it’s always good to know how to get an update on what is going on delivery wise. If you save the shipping schedule to your favorites, or bookmark it, you’ll be able to check on the status of the model number you ordered at any time. Now, once in awhile you will see that the schedule hasn’t been updated and you may need to contact us at preorder@trainz.com for clarification, but for the most part Lionel and MTH regularly update their schedule. When they release their catalog, they only post an estimated time of release. They do this because anything can happen during production, and the schedule may get pushed back. But preordering is always the best way to buy, because you receive all the perks that way!
Shipping Schedule Links:
Recently released Lionel items:
21394 Rotary Beacon
21376 Passenger Figures
25496 Texas Special Diner Car
49833 Block Signal
48746 ACL Caboose
48734 PRR Caboose
36861 PRR Poultry Dispatch Car
29877 Southern Crane Car
22320 Baldwin Loco Works Tank Car
22319 Celanese Chemicals Tank Car
22313 SF Kansas City Chief Map Boxcar
36881 Christmas Music Boxcar
24228 Christmas Operating Billboard
K-Line by Lionel – When looking at the Lionel product line, please be aware that Lionel model numbers that begin with the numbers 21 or 22 are Lionel by K-Line items. This is a common question amongst our customers and we do try to adjust the titles accordingly, but sometimes we miss some.
The 11146 Pere Marquette Berkshire #1225 & 11151 LEGACY RailSounds Polar Express Tender will not be released until November or December according to Lionel’s sales department. It was originally scheduled to be released in August of 08. In addition, the 11146 is officially Sold Out at Lionel. Since this item was offered in V1, any orders placed after V1’s deadline are subject to availability. The last 4 orders we took recently for the engine, we had to cancel, due to the sell out at Lionel. We have contacted the 4 customers by email and we will contact them in the event that we have an extra one available.
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In the spotlight this month – You!
The Trainz.com Survey Results are in! Recently we sent out a request via email, inquiring about your impression of Trainz and how we might improve your shopping experience with us. The survey consisted of only 3 questions. We were pleasantly surprised to receive an overwhelming response from the majority of our customers. You guys really helped shed light on the features and improvements you’d like to see. We really appreciate the time and effort you put into answering the survey!
We would like to share with you some of the comments from the survey…
The search feature is very cryptic - when I select it brings up a catalog and is difficult to use.
- Don’t we know it! The search feature in the upper right hand corner of the website has a glitch. If you don’t click on the word GO! Next to the search box, it will not return the results you are seeking. We are currently working to fix this problem.
Better communication on the status of Pre-Order items. See the shipping link does not always work when it says the item has been shipped. If delayed (and my order is) a proactive status would enhance the experience.
- We absolutely understand how difficult it is to wait for an item to be released, only to then be told it’ll be another 6 months! Yes, this does happen in the world of preorders. What we do to help you stay informed is post the shipping links to both Lionel and MTH in nearly every correspondence. Whether it be in order confirmations, on the preorder website, in the newsletter, or the preorder listings on eBay; we always try our best to keep you informed. Although we would like to give you a real time answer every time, sometimes the train manufacturer just doesn’t provide us with that information. They do a good job of keeping their shipping schedules up to date though. So, that’s why we encourage looking there first. If the delivery date says April and it’s now June, please let us know we will, and have no problem, calling the manufacturer.
To be able to put in a LIONEL Number, and see if it is up for bidding, on sale, or buy it now.
- This is a great idea! We are definitely taking a look at how we might implement this feature as we develop our website.
WHEN I BUY MORE THAN ONE TRAIN AND BID ON MORE THAN 10 TRAINS MY COMPUTER GETS LOADED WITH EMAILS FROM YOUR SERVER THAT SENDS ME AT LEAST 3 LONG EMAILS PER BID..THIS ALONG WITH EBAY HAS STOPPED ME FROM BUYING AS MANY TRAINS AS I BOUGHT IN THE PAST ..I KNOW WHAT I AM BUYING AND KNOW WHAT I AM SPENDING AND SURE DON'T NEED AN EMAIL A MIN. TO LOAD MY COMPUTER..
- For some this can be an irritating nuisance. We understand your frustration, but we must deliver the terms of service in order for our buyers to understand how to checkout for the items they purchase from us. We only include the information that is the most pertinent. With any email your receive, you have the option to “opt-out”, this notice is usually at the very bottom of the email. However, opting out would unfortunately opt you out of any correspondence from Trainz. We will try to find some work around to help you with your concern over this matter. In the meantime, to avoid receiving many emails, we urge you to shop direct from our website. You’ll only receive one confirmation email and one shipping email.
I found the web site confusing (too busy). I do like the ability to combine eBay and store purchases.
- We have just begun working on the re-design of our website, focusing on many of your requests. The appearance will be less “busy” and each section will be more defined making it easier to find what you are looking for.
Postages have risen too high for customers outside the USA. could you find more economical transport.
- We are currently testing a more economical method and hope to offer that to our international customers very soon. We realize how important it is to save as much money on shipping as you can, but at the same time we want to make sure the package arrives safely to its destination.
Your check out procedure for items that you sell on eBay has become too complicated
- Good News! We’re happy to report with the re-design of our website, we will also be simplifying the checkout process.
The pre-order store. Wait is way too long for orders, in my opinion. Also, you may order something and learn months later that item is unavailable. In the meantime, had I known this, I would have bought a substitute.
- It is very disappointing when an order is delayed. Sometimes, there are difficulties during production that account for why release dates get pushed back. But one thing is for sure preordering is still the most cost effective way to save. Trainz.com usually offers items at a discount, but with a preorder we offer an added discount to incentivize our customers to preorder. Delayed payment coupled with free shipping, makes a preorder hard to beat. Of course, with any discrepancy you have with our process we urge you to contact us and just let us know. We are here to help!
Currently you break down by vendor / catagory which is nice. It would also be nice to have a view all icon instead of looking through each catagory / manufacturer
- We do currently have a view all link at the top of some of the category pages. For instance, if you select O Modern Accessories, you will see the link at the top of the page underlined in blue. However, we don’t offer that feature on every page view. In the coming months, as we work to redesign the website, we will be including a “view all” link for every page.
With pre-orders please add the ability to email tracking info. This is the last step of the ordering process that needs to be addressed.
- We hear you! We would like nothing more to offer you this feature just as we do for our other store purchases. We hope to bring you this enhancement soon.
You need to follow through with updates on both orders and wish list requests. I no longer have any idea where I stand on some orders I made.
- When you place a request via our Wish List feature, it stores the information until the item becomes available. When the item comes available, the program will email you and let you know we have it on our website or on our eBay listings. Every time you add an item to your list, you will receive an email showing all the items you have on your wish list.
I would like the pre-order store and reg store to be combined more. I understand billing is different, but shopping is a hassle between the sites. I just recvd some of the lionel alien cars and also pre-ordered their alien set. 2 differnt shopping carts and 2 differnt check outs is a pain.
- Good idea! This issue is definitely at the top of our list and we have our IT team addressing the issues surrounding the implementation of combining the two sites. We understand how much sense that makes! We are actively making improvements to our system and are working towards this goal.
Better sub categories under each category
- Recently, we broke down the categories to even more than we have in the past. Please see our website and if you have any suggestions, please let us know what they may be.
With your pre-order listings remove PAY-PAL from your ad. It is mis leading eventhough you have inserted a small clause stating that you do not accept PAY-PAL for pre-order. Also I was never aware that your pricing from your website is less than that listed on e-bay. I do understand why.
- We wish we could remove the Paypal icon from our PreOrder listings, but if we did, we would no longer be able to offer Paypal for our regular eBay items. eBay includes the icon automatically, and we have no control over it. Please preorder from our website, we offer items at a slightly lower price there :0)
I would like to see an index that lists the manufacturers and then the category of item. Ex: I would select MTH then boxcars or Engines. The more categories makes it easier and quicker to find items.
- We are currently working on your idea right now. We will soon have all brands broken down by individual categories. You will soon be able to search just as you described.
Couldn't find some items, like the z-stuff dz-1070
- Please check out our new Wish List feature. Enter the model number and your email address and you’re done. An email will be sent to you when we have the item available either on our website or eBay. Or email sales@trainz.com and we’ll record the wish for you!
Develop a page for each customer who has items on preorder to check the status of their order. Call it "MyTRAINZ" page or something along those lines. Sometimes certain items take a year to fill. I have at times forgotten I ordered something and was suprised when it came and what payment method I was using.
- When you place your order with us, we email you immediately with the items you placed on preorder along with your payment method. Please save or print this email confirmation. If you by chance don’t receive this notice, please let us know immediately.
In the coming months we will continue to keep you updated on the enhancements we are making to the Trainz.com website. We have only touched upon a small percentage of the suggestions we received and want you to know that we are listening! Even if we can’t fulfill your request right away, we hope to soon. Not only did we receive suggestions to improve our site, we also received numerous compliments. You guys are super! Thanks so much for all your kind words, it means a lot to the whole crew here at Trainz.
Sheri Burnett
Sales & Marketing Manager |
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Are you missing out?
I got an email from a customer the other day, describing how he lost his bid on a locomotive. Let’s just say he was less than happy. And reasonably so, especially since we carry a lot of unique items, it isn’t likely we’ll see that same Shay for awhile. He lost his bid by $5.00. Due to the nature of our business, we often times will only have one of a particular item. Not only are we an authorized Lionel and MTH dealer, but we also purchase large collections from private collectors all across the United States.
What a lot of people don’t realize about eBay auctions is that there are some seasoned pro’s out there who use software designed specifically to outbid the highest bid automatically down to the last few seconds of the auction ending. This software commonly referred to as a “sniping” program enables a bidder to enter the highest price he is willing to pay for the item and at the last few seconds the program actually places the bid for you to outbid the current bidder. Most times the sniping program is successful, unless the users proxy bid isn’t higher than the current bidders. As irritating as this tool can be to some folks, it doesn’t seem to be to the people who are using it, especially if you really want that locomotive! So if you’re tired of losing your bid to a sniping program, checkout AuctionBytes for some insight on how to win the auction!
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Fraud on eBay - Second Chance Offers, etc.
Just a quick reminder to let you all know that if you ever receive a second chance offer to purchase an item from us after an auction has closed, do not respond to it. In very rare cases, we may send a second chance offer depending on what the item is, but in most cases we just relist the item if we have a non-payment issue. If you receive one of these offers and you are unsure if it is us, contact us and we will validate the email. Do not click the reply button to the email you received, create a New email. |
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News Flash ... Cash Back!
If you use Paypal, you'll be interested in knowing that Trainz is participating in the My Store Rewards program. With this program our customers will receive cash back on their purchases, just by making your payment with PayPal, and agreeing to receive custom email notifications from MyStore rewards about other products you may be interested in you receive 1% cash back on all your purchases! To learn more about this great program please click on this link for more details http://www.mystorerewards.com/msr/rules.htm. |
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Visit our friends at O Gauge Watch for exciting news & updates on the latest happenings in the O gauge world of model trains! |
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