When are the US Dealers getting these?

[SuperSlab]

Jules

I appreciate the fact that you have responded to address misconceptions. Any comments on ETA of the Sunoco Camaro in North America?

[Ember]

Rob, I don't see that manufacturing to pre-orders is anything to be panicked by. It is already the way things are if you think about it...

How far in advance of receiving product do the shops have to order? In most industries the retailer is ordering 6 months in advance, some times as much as 12 months. The product certainly doesn't exist in any quantity until the manufacture receives these orders.

Retailers order numbers they think they will move from the manufacturers' advance catalogue in slot cars too. Cut backs of excess production really only mean that there will be less chance to have a second bite. If the retailer sells his initial stock there is less change of being able to get a second order. That is all.

[waaytoomuchintothis]

Not panic, disgust. By shifting the ordinary risks of doing business to the dealers by making preorders the scale by which demand is estimated, the manufacturers do harm to the industry.

And for the record, the almost transparent shade of meaning pointed out by Jules doesn't change anything. We are being asked, in effect, to trust the manufacturers, some of which have some dubious records, that anything they make is going to be acceptable by us at the price asked, to say nothing of prompt and dependable delivery to the dealers, which effects trust. So, sight unseen, we are to commit to buy something in order to coax the manufacturer to actually produce it as promised, at least in quantities that are sufficient to keep the hobby in reach of the hundreds of thousands of hobbyists today and in the future? That's nonsense and no amount of rationalization will change it.

[Ember]

Which is worse for the greater good? Supply outstripping demand, which means the manufacturers and retailers both suffer as they can not move stock? Or demand outstripping supply which keeps the market healthy but allows some to benefit by excessive pricing? The wish would be for a perfect balance, but is that possible without manufacturing to order?

[goosenapper]

Some manufacturers prerelease photos are a far cry from their actual production models. (Remember how we all had a laugh at Scaley using a photo of a diecast model in place of the Owens Corning Camaro?) Because of this, preordering can be viewed as too large of a gamble for some folks, myself included. I complete agree with Rob. I may be excited about upcoming releases, but will not plop down any money until I actually see the real model, be it in person or shots from someone I trust. (HRW members generally fit this category :) )

On the topic of this thread, what the hey is going on with the delays seemingly impacting US distributors?
Are we being boycotted due to the falling dollar? :think:

[dreinecke]

Before this de-volves further, I was simply asking when we would get them. I have zero insight into the methods that the major manufacturers are taking. I would just like a Challenger and Cougar before Christmas and from a US dealer so I don't have to spend $70 each to get them.

[HomeRacingWorld]

I was informed like Bruce mentioned that the Cougar and Challenger are in route. Maybe sooner than 2 weeks, but that looks about right.

So still just barely in time to stuff a stocking or two :)

Look forward to them even more now that I have seen some of the reports from others. Of course Doc has to tell me how many I should get :)

[Ember]

Aussie dealers are listing them as "Due this week" along with the Brut 33 XB Falcon which has been available in the UK for a couple of weeks. :(

Makes things that little bit more difficult for dealers in both countries when there is such a big gap between release date and availability.

[Cincyslots]

We were just given word that the Cougar and Challenger are at Scalextric and they are processing the orders as fast as possible. :auto-layrubber:

Bruce

[TuscoTodd]

Sweet deal!!! :D

[waaytoomuchintothis]

It looks like the Cougars will hit the 18th, 19th, or 20th. I got an email on mine today.

[SuperSlab]

[TuscoTodd]

[SuperSlab]

Hmm seems like my lame attempt at a joke fell flat there....

I was SHOUTING and dissenting just as a crude joke....

[waaytoomuchintothis]

To quote Firesign Theater (circa 1970), We're all bozos on this bus!"