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interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:05 am
by ScaleCraft
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MTH-20-3017-1- ... 2935129970
One looks at the pricing, one might think Trainz dropped their price for a quick sale by $750 bucks.
Except they didn't.
The LIST price listed is what MTH listed it for new. NOT what Trainz listed it for and then dropped.
Nasty.
Opinion.

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 5:03 pm
by G3750
I am sorry to say that my opinion of Trainz is much diminished.

George

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 5:36 pm
by robert.
I’m going to venture out in a limb here. That’s CV an EBay feature. When you list something with a buy it now and use an eBay product listing. They will show how your price compares to others.

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 5:48 pm
by Rufus T. Firefly
Not "new" in any sense and routine for years on eBay.

And, again just another reason to embrace caveat emptor in all things whether they be on eBay, Trainz, or anywhere else.

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 7:05 pm
by ScaleCraft
Rufus T. Firefly wrote:Not "new" in any sense and routine for years on eBay.

And, again just another reason to embrace caveat emptor in all things whether they be on eBay, Trainz, or anywhere else.


Never seen evilbait ever find and place a 25-year-old MSRP in a listing then claim $750 off new for used.
In all those Trainz BS things I have posted, never seen that.
I re-iterate: For Trainz, it's new.
Reprehensible, but new.


Makes folks purchasing something old and non supported think they're getting a really good deal.

I don't think evilbait did it, but rather Trainz, and have you seen them do that before?

Everything except one or two that have been bids with minimum starting points I have posted have been BIN with no reference to prior MSRP or "savings".

Point it out to me, I'll learn something.

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 7:47 pm
by ScaleCraft
How's this?
Lobaugh Berkshire, MSRP $125, YOU Pay $750 MORE!

Or any automobile going across the block....now cost is 200% MORE than MSRP.

Ever priced out a 1911? Know what they originally cost?

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 7:54 pm
by ScaleCraft
Next Trainz listing I came across:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Right-of-Way-5 ... 2859892945

First revision July of this year (still not sold), this is before the "new" marketing ploy....no bids, no mention even in fine print of MSRP, no "saving" hundreds of dollars over original MSRP.

I can do hundreds of these.

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 9:37 pm
by jlong
3rd Rail was smart to buy out ERR. They are making a butt load of money selling kits to upgrade all of the MTH junk being dumped on ebay.

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2020 1:53 am
by E7
I don't think there's all that much to b*tch about. The listing states pretty clearly what it is:

This item has been graded per TCA standards C-8: Like New. The instruction manual is not included. Overall condition is Like New.

This item has not been tested and is sold as is.

Condition: Like New (C-8)
Operational Status: Not Tested
Original Box: Yes (P-7)

Trainz.com Popularity: Extremely Popular

Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 20-3017-1
Years Manufactured: 1996 - 1996
Road Name: C&O
Original MSRP: $1395.00

Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Steam Loco

Only two things not quite accurate: It's hardly a "Modern" era loco, and somewhere in the hype it states "exact 1/48 scale". I rather doubt that.

It does have a 30 day return.

The "1996" is the elephant in the room.....24 years old! But, they mostly got it accurate.

Unfortunately you can't save money by spending $628.31 :wink:

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2020 2:01 am
by ScaleCraft
There is no question as to what the unit is. There is actually no discussion of the value, quality, usability or functionality of the unit.

The issue is to throw up a price, line through it, and SAVE! $747 for a BIN of what, $695?
The MSRP is useless on used items. Especially when it's almost 25 years old.

The issue is Trainz embracing that kind of BS.

(I'm remembering numbers, didn't bother to re-look)

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2020 8:17 am
by robert.
Used car salesmanship. When i sell my 1995 mustang cobra. i can say " $ 18,000 below MSRP' :lol:

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2020 10:51 am
by healey36
jlong wrote:3rd Rail was smart to buy out ERR. They are making a butt load of money selling kits to upgrade all of the MTH junk being dumped on ebay.
Who is ERR?

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2020 11:16 am
by ScaleCraft
healey36 wrote:
jlong wrote:3rd Rail was smart to buy out ERR. They are making a butt load of money selling kits to upgrade all of the MTH junk being dumped on ebay.
Who is ERR?

ERR is the sound the DCS unit makes when it crXps itself and dies, isn't it?

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2020 3:49 pm
by jlong
healey36 wrote:
jlong wrote:3rd Rail was smart to buy out ERR. They are making a butt load of money selling kits to upgrade all of the MTH junk being dumped on ebay.
Who is ERR?


Electric RailRoad is a manufacture of sound and command boards to work with TMCC. Originally bought and owned by Lionel. Lionel recently sold the line to 3rd Rail.

http://www.3rdrail.com/err-3rdrail/

Re: interesting new Trainz marketing

Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 3:35 am
by E7
ScaleCraft wrote:The issue is Trainz embracing that kind of BS.


Easy: Don't bid on their stuff! It ain't mandatory!