05-08-2021, 08:56 AM
(05-08-2021, 07:34 AM)ezdays Wrote: Sounds right with just about everything being sold. Had a Chinese buffet we used to go to. Business fell off a bit, so the pile of shrimp became smaller as did the size of the shrimp. They put out less and less food and of course, fewer people came back, so they put out even less until they finally closed for good. I've seen that happen to other businesses, a downward cycle. Don't know if offering more N scale would attract new modelers to that scale, but offering more choices should improve their business, you can't sell what you don't have, or can you?
What has always amazed me is that model railroading is one of the few businesses where the manufacturer can sell vaporware. "Our new (add product name here), will be available to the masses sometime next year. Place your order now for delivery six or eight months from now". Accompanied by very attractive photos of the "product". This gives manufactures time to tool up and build the product if sales are good, or just walk away if they aren't. This is true for any scale. I really like shopping, touching, smelling, tasting or what is appropriate, that's why I'm disappointed with the demise of the LHS, as well as that Chinese buffet...
I agree. That's why I don't buy vaporware, and I tell the manufacturers that. I also see no reason to be made an involuntary investor is a venture that might fail, using my money.