Below is an announcement that I just received from one of my on-line pushers. I decided to go ahead a copy and paste it partially because it references one of my favorite days of the year which is coming up shortly. In this case I have little reason to question it's authenticity. Unfortunately I'm afraid that this is only the first of a long string of announcements of this nature. Walthers - Price Increase on Walthers Products Attention: All Model Railroaders Walthers has announced a price increase of approximately 10% effective April 1, 2011. This is not an April Fools prank. Walthers has been trying to postpone this increase as long as possible, but with the increased cost of manufacturing and transportation (from China) they have no choice other than to pass on this price increase. If you are comtemplating a purchase in the near future, now is the time to act or you may be the "April Fool".
I suppose this applies to pre-ordered items, too. Ugh! China prices have gotten out of control Bring it back to the US. ~mike
Sad news, but not unexspected. Wait until the electroincs from Japan go up! I'm talking computers and DCC. Richard
Mike responded that he wondered if the Walthers 10% price increase applied to existing orders. One of my pushers (hobbiesusa.com) just posted the following which should answer the question. If anyone tries to pass on the price increase on something that you pre-ordered before March 31st, then if it were me I would question it. I might add the disclaimer on my part that I am NOT trying to promote one dealer over another, just passing on information for the good of everyone's pocketbooks. "We have been informed that Walthers will be having a price increase of approximately 10% effective April 1st on all their own lines, i.e. 433, 920, 931, 932, and 933 products (Lifelike, Proto, Trainline, Walthers Rolling Stock and Cornerstone). Now’s the time to order to save 25% off the current price, or 35% off the new prices. Go to: http://www.walthers.com/ We need to place your orders by Thursday March 31st to lock in the old prices, this includes advance reservation and preordered items as well as in stock items. What can we get for you????"
That's why I'm glad I never really got into DCC and computer control (CDC), they're nice, but HIGHLY vernerable to market conditions. Just wait until the price of rare metals like lithium goes through the roof, no more Lithium-Ion battery packs for your Ipad or laptop.
Here's yet another clarification post to the upcoming Walthers 10% price increase effective April 1st (aka April Fool's Day). That's only six days from now so BEWARE! Lines affected: Scenemaster Series...any item with a 433- prefix Shinohara Track/ Turnouts/ Accessories...any item with a 669- prefix Proto Series...any item with a 920- prefix TRAINLINE Series...any item with a 931- prefix WALTHERS...any item with a 932- prefix Cornerstone Series...any item with a 933- prefix Walthers Tools and Screws...any item with a 947- prefix Walthers Accessories...any item with a 948- prefix
