I just wanted to verify that this was the case, so I called one of my
"distributors" this morning to ascertain the extent of this commentary. No
offense, Joseph, but the internet is a haven for mis-truths and
misrepresntations, so before I forwarded it on to the CB&Q list I wanted to
make sure everything was "kosher".
Yes, it is true. Someone I know who does a considerable amount of internet
business has inquired into a Horizon Hobby distributorship, and been
informed this very thing. Photos, leases, tons of information required
where previously it was a handshake.
While I think that I understand that they are trying to help the "brick &
mortar" stores, they are not really helping them that much. Putting a few
internet distributors out of business will not help a local hobby shop,
especially when now you've removed their ability to do creative pricing on
somethings if they choose to.
Not only that, but with this continued policy of "let's build only a few
things and force everyone to buy up front if they want it" it is going to
hurt the local hobby store even more.
Contact information for Horizon Hobbies in Joseph's email below.
Cheers!
Jan Kohl
Castle Graphics - http://www.castlegraphics.com
>On Fri, 09 Jan 2004 04:34:37 -0500 (EST) fish_76@webtv.net wrote.
>Gentlemen,
>
>I truely apologize for all the cross-posting but I feel this is
>important enough to risk my hide for..
>
>Many of us are model railroaders in one scale or another. As you may or
>may not know, Horizon Hobby has acquired Athearn and its line of model
>trains.
>
>It has also become public information that Horizon Hobby has no
>intentions on selling their product to anyone other than hobbyshops who
>actually have stores, that have an ad in the local yellow pages, and
>that will only carry a certain level of merchandise in the confines of
>their store.
>To further prove this, they are sending disposable cameras to current
>dealers, and expect them to send photos of their retail locations.
>
>We all like to support our local hobby retailer as best as we can, but
>as we all know, many are basement operations, who do strictly internet
>order, or train shows, and cannot afford a storefront to house their
>product in.
>
>I ask that every modeler, reguardless of guage, railroad preference, or
>era modeled, will please take the time to call, write, or email Horizon
>Hobby and let them know of your displeasure as a model railroader on how
>they intend to railroad many fine hobby retailers by forcing them into
>storefronts, or forcing them to give up the Athearn line of trains.
>
>Even if you feel your voice dosen't count, I urge you, please, for the
>sake of the hobby, and in support of your local retailer, take the 5
>minutes to reach out to them.
>
>I am a believer that we all can make a change, and I have included all
>the information below to help make this task a bit easier. Also, please,
>forward this to other email lists relating to our hobby. The more people
>who get informed, involved, and voice their opinion, the better off we
>as a community will be in the long run,,.,
>
>Horizon Hobby
>4105 Fieldstone Rd.
>Champaign, IL 61822
>Phone: (217) 352-1913
>Toll Free: (800) 338-4639
>Fax: (217) 352-6799
>http://www.horizonhobby.com
>
>Thank you for your time, and again, I truely apologize for the severe
>cross posting. I just would hate to see several hobby retailers hit even
>harder times because one of the most popular brands will become under
>heavy restrictions as to who can carry the product line, and who cannot.
>
>Joseph D. Fisher
>
>
>The list for the Burlington Northern Railroad from 1970 To 1995 ( NO BNSF
ALLOWED )
>
>
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>
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>
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>
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>
>
»» Jan Kohl ««
computer security consultant
The Pits - http://www.theuspits.com
Castle Graphics - http://www.castlegraphics.com
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