Tamiya 1:12 288 GTO diecast

i think its a very good deal

 

just pre order mine,and cant wait until i get my hands on it
well done to roy for spotting tomotorsports.com

 

Any comments about the offer from tomotorsports.com for $499 CAD?

 

2 of us already ordered, read the previous few posts! And it is 449 because there is 10% discount for preorder! So my comment is, I think it is a great deal and I don't think it may get better soon, maybe after a year or so.

 

I think he was asking Morry why his price is so much higher...

 

i dont get it,how morry is charging the higher price,if tomotorsports are selling at a discount price of $499 dollars
why cant he.as I said yesterday in europe they will look for 400/450 euros for this model.

 

I think Morry is paying a premium to get the models early. Sounded to me like he would have them in mid-April... Which is at least a month ahead of the site that I found... That's just my guess - I don't want to speak for Morry.

 

You can also find 1/18 models at Wal-Mart, Toys R'Us and other discount outlets for $20 - which is less than my wholesale. Different sellers have different philosophies. I stock all of my merchandise - there is $3M worth of inventory in my gallery. So I don't choose to sell things I can only get in limited numbers for 10% over cost! Those of you in business can understand why. That philosophy is for high volume or mail-order outlets with no or few operating costs.

My price on these 1/12s is still way less than MSRP and trust me even when I sell 50 of these - which I will - it will be nothing to retire off of! I am also getting them earlier than most.

Sometimes it's best to look at the big picture. I have been in business for 17 years and while I cannot boast the best prices, I can say that I have unparalleled inventory and excellent customer service.

 

As a consumer (and someone that has purchased from tomotorsports.com, CollectorStudio.com as well as many others) I find Morey's post rather amusing. The "sometimes it's best to look at the big picture" is hardly a justification for paying more money for the same model you can buy down the street for a lot less. That's capitalism and competition. If Morey's business model dictates that he must charge more for every model.. that's certainly his business and right. But it's beyond me why someone pays for it when the same thing is available elsewhere for less money.

Morey's higher prices mean that most models sell out at his competitors sooner as they are better deals. After awhile stores like Morey's are the only ones with inventory left so people pay the higher prices. Stores like Morey's also often make arrangements to get a special early shipment.... and thus charge a premium.

However, it's an entirely different matter when you are looking for a rare model. I have purchased from Morey and found his customer service excellent, the condition of the model very good and the entire transaction very good. However, I'd never consider CStudio.com for a new release or current model that can be more cheaply sourced at stores like TOmotorsports, replicarz, pitlanemodels.com, etc. etc.

 

I too have put my pre-order in. I have bought a fair amount from this company before and have been very happy.

 

Having been in business for 17 years, I can't tell you how many times I heard people say "I found this item cheaper elsewhere....", and then once they have received it....all they tell me about is the troubles they had and how they will never buy from 'X' again (fill in 'X' with ebay or the internet business of your choice). What type of troubles? The item is not as described, or it arrived damaged, shipping and duties were exorbitant, etc. etc. And they had no recourse. Case in point - you CAN buy a 1/12 Enzo from Hong Kong for $399 - less than us dealers pay for them wholesale....but what if it doesn't show up - or is broken, etc. etc.??? Most of the time you have no recourse. End of story. I have personally heard this hundreds of times. That is why I say it is better to look at 'the big picture'. Most of my clients have no qualms to pay a fair market value, albeit not the absolute cheapest price, for peace of mind. They do not care to troll the net endlessly to save a few dollars and take a chance.

Regarding the 1/12 288s - at the end of the day I will be able to sell more than I can get - and where people buy them is completely up to them. All I am offering is early delivery and no risks regarding quality, delivery or service. I know that is worth something to a select few.

Thanks.

 

After ordering hundreds of models from various "X" sellers I have to say that I am yet to buy a "lemon". I just bought a 1:18 Schumacher "Brazil" on e-bay from Speedgear for $78 plus $15 for shipping. The model arrived factory sealed and as mint as it gets. Delivery time was like 4 days. Now that is less than 1/2 the retail price even after the shipping.
If you know the sellers you are buying from and you do your homework you can buy securely. I personally don't see any sense in paying someone's fancy showroom's rent or mortgage. Yes it is a pretty simple math that someone sitting behind a computer with a garage full of models can afford to make a lot less profit than someone with a big expense bill, but hey, why should I care about this and shell out $100-$200 extra?

 

You have been very lucky. However, your example is not really what I am getting at. Speedgear is a quality seller that has been in business for many years. So of course you can't go wrong buying from them, they are not really an "X" seller. You waited long enough to buy the MS Brazil model - over one year after it was released, and were lucky that they were blowing out old stock they could not move at retail. Job well done.

You can also wait one year after a new (real) Ferrari comes out, and get it for less than the guys who lined up to get it first....it's your prerogative. Different people have different needs....and different budgets. I don't criticize either, but at the same time I find it odd that people wonder why various retailers sell for different prices. Getting back to the 1/12 288 GTO, my regular retail is the same as many well known quality retailers - such as ReplicarZ, who do not own a 'bricks and mortar' shop or have my overhead. In fact, I offered several FChatters a price below the standard MSRP that most reputable shops are adhering to. This is much less than Tamiya's MSRP. But at the same time I do know that my price will not be the lowest. To quote Bob Marley..."you can please some people some time.....but you can't please all the people all the time".

 

This is my experience as well. I have a couple of "mom & pop" shops that have given me GREAT service at lower costs than other stores. I've had a few issues (thanksfully very rarely) and these guys have stood behind there product with great customer service.

I do not spend a lot of time "trolling" the internet for bargains. But I know quite a few reputable shops that sell at great prices with great sevice. I also know that if I miss my chance (as these stores sell out fast) or don't get my preorder in on time that I will probably end up paying a premium at a fancier "bricks and mortar" store.

Morey, I'm not trying to get in an argument with you or undermine your business (I have bought cars from you with great result and have publically stated you have great customer service). However, one of the purposes of this forum is to share information amongst the members. Since I've been at this game awhile I share my findings with other members. I'd hate for someone just getting into collecting pay more money for their passions when they don't have to.... Or at least make an informed decision.

 

I just put-in my pre-order. Looks like $458US including shipping (unless I did the math backwards)

It'll be my first 1/12 scale model, almost bought the F50 a few times...but this is THE ONE I really want


.

 

Congratulations. Great model at a very good price.

 

Thanks guys... for all the help.

Now the countdown begins LOL

 

I have. Just purchased last month a Alonso McLaren. Derrick is a nice guy and he does wathever is needed to help you out in case of a problem. I have had no problems with Toronto Motorsports so far.

 

What is wrong with ExotiCar??? I was thinking about ordering some stuff from them.

 

Everything is wrong with them. A lot of lies, no customer service, whatsoever and different reasons for a big-time headache

 

Since I pre-ordered from Derrick, he has emailed me 3 times to keep me up-to-date on my pre-order status.

Toronto Motorsports seems to be very well organized and helpful.

 

...And they are on SALE right now!

"SPRING HAS SPRUNG" CLEARANCE SALE

 

Anybody have one yet?

 

Are they? None on Ebay.

 

Anyone found "live" (non-factory) pictures or a review?