Kelly Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Always had great service. Fast dispatch and delivery. The article in BRM this month was also a good read. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold adb968008 Posted February 16, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 16, 2017 Who buys Airfix locos and Lima coaches these days ? Do modellers still use them, or is it for kids ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Brasher Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Hattons bought mine. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Colin_McLeod Posted February 16, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 16, 2017 Who buys Airfix locos and Lima coaches these days ? Do modellers still use them, or is it for kids ? I do. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium PhilJ W Posted February 17, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 17, 2017 Who buys Airfix locos and Lima coaches these days ? Do modellers still use them, or is it for kids ? I will buy Airfix wagons just for the couplings, smaller and neater than even Bachmann. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwich station Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 Who buys Airfix locos and Lima coaches these days ? Do modellers still use them, or is it for kids ? Possibly the same people who still buy Triang and Hornby Dublo. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stock_2007 Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 Gosh, Hattons dispatch time is terrible. Ordered yesterday and not dispatched today. #NotImpressed. maybe something simple...they just don't like you Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250BOB Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 (edited) I have had a similar experience, ordered an item which was in stock and it took them three days to dispatch it. They tell me they like me and central trains but hate some geyser called stock 2007 Guys, Wouldn't it be great for all businesses to be able to despatch same day.......but like the business I run, we try and despatch most items same day.....but when things get a bit busy, things have to be prioritised. Like Hattons, it is not reasonable to fetch in more staff on busy days to cope with workloads. So I don't think a 2 to 3 day despatch time is at all unreasonable. Orders DO NOT come in at the same rate all of the time...wouldn't that be nice though. The very nature of customer orders will go up and down on a daily basis. I thought I would add an edit to my post.........I am NOT a Hattons fan, and only bought from them once, that being a Beyer Garratt, because only they sold them. I am a supporter of my local model shops, preferring to pay a bit more to support them. Edited February 19, 2017 by 250BOB Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruston Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have just pre-ordered something from Hattons. I've never pre-ordered anything, anywhere, so I don't quite know how it works. I've given them my address and card details but, unlike when ordering something that's in stock, it didn't ask for the security number on the back of the card. Do they send an email and you have to give them that when the goods are in stock, or do they still send it out and take the payment without the number? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gwiwer Posted February 22, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 22, 2017 I have just pre-ordered something from Hattons. I've never pre-ordered anything, anywhere, so I don't quite know how it works. I've given them my address and card details but, unlike when ordering something that's in stock, it didn't ask for the security number on the back of the card. Do they send an email and you have to give them that when the goods are in stock, or do they still send it out and take the payment without the number? When ever I have placed a pre-order for a yet-to-arrive item my card is not charged because no sale has taken place. The details are requested, perhaps to ensure you are (likely to be) a genuine customer. An email is sent confirming the order number and value. When the item arrives into stock i receive a notification email then the picking. packing and despatch notifications but not usually any other request for card details. You should check your emails for an order confirmation and perhaps use live chat to confirm all is well if you have any doubts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sp1 Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 Guys, Wouldn't it be great for all businesses to be able to despatch same day.......but like the business I run, we try and despatch most items same day.....but when things get a bit busy, things have to be prioritised. Like Hattons, it is not reasonable to fetch in more staff on busy days to cope with workloads. So I don't think a 2 to 3 day despatch time is at all unreasonable. Orders DO NOT come in at the same rate all of the time...wouldn't that be nice though. The very nature of customer orders will go up and down on a daily basis. I thought I would add an edit to my post.........I am NOT a Hattons fan, and only bought from them once, that being a Beyer Garratt, because only they sold them. I am a supporter of my local model shops, preferring to pay a bit more to support them. Does anyone remember the 'Dark Ages' when we had to send a cheque or postal order - and many adverts stated 'allow 28 days for delivery. ? 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Colin_McLeod Posted February 22, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 22, 2017 Or posting a self addressed envelope to get the price list in the first place. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
'CHARD Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 Does anyone remember the 'Dark Ages' when we had to send a cheque or postal order - and many adverts stated 'allow 28 days for delivery. ? What was the shop that always had a half page or full page in RM - was it something like W.G.Norris Model Railways? There was something of an event about ordering from those traders back in the day, generally because it would involve parting with saved-up pocket money and having to do a justification to my mum who would then write and sign the cheque. Also the lengthy lists of whitemetal loco kits including the eternally disappointing MTK! In fact this was quite a painful process, so I rapidly learned to call into central Birmingham model shops at the relatively tender age (in today's terms) of 12 or 13, on my way home from school if there was some new release I had to have - not that these were especially frequent until the real advent of Airfix, Lima and Mainline in the mid seventies. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefromacrossthepond Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 (edited) 28 days for delivery? If I remember correctly here in the states the standard time back in late 70s was "six to eight weeks" which seemed like an eternity when I made my very first mail order (which required Mom signing a check for me). I still have the Atlas N scale hopper cars that finally arrived. Good times. Edited February 22, 2017 by davefromacrossthepond 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium newbryford Posted February 22, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 22, 2017 Who buys Airfix locos and Lima coaches these days ? Do modellers still use them, or is it for kids ? Certain ones are great for painting yellow........... And I'm waaaaaaaaaay beyond kid age. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 Certain ones are great for painting yellow........... And I'm waaaaaaaaaay beyond kid age. And for conversion to things like emu translation vehicles, or cutting and shutting for various mk1 emus (though replica parts are probably better to some extent) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Brasher Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I have just changed my email account with Hattons as my old account is closing. It took me a couple of minutes to do this and Hattons sent me an email to my old account saying it is closed and another email to my new account. Well done Hattons. It also took a couple of minutes to change my email account with my energy supplier but they have not sent me a confirmatory email. Neither has BT but it took me 20 minutes on an on line chat with an Indian gentleman to change my email account. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Blue Streak Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 (edited) Once again. I have to thank Hattons for their excellent service and packaging. Once again my package arrived in Country Western Australia quicker than orders from Melbourne / Sydney do and despite the airlines and various postal agencies best efforts to crush,kill and destroy. The generous box and substantial packaging ensured my Locomotive arrived in Excellent condition. :good: Edited March 1, 2017 by The Blue Streak 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250BOB Posted March 14, 2017 Share Posted March 14, 2017 I have just changed my email account with Hattons as my old account is closing. It took me a couple of minutes to do this and Hattons sent me an email to my old account saying it is closed and another email to my new account. Well done Hattons. It also took a couple of minutes to change my email account with my energy supplier but they have not sent me a confirmatory email. Neither has BT but it took me 20 minutes on an on line chat with an Indian gentleman to change my email account. Another Orange user...??? What a nightmare. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernard Lamb Posted March 14, 2017 Share Posted March 14, 2017 I have just changed my email account with Hattons as my old account is closing. It took me a couple of minutes to do this and Hattons sent me an email to my old account saying it is closed and another email to my new account. Well done Hattons. It also took a couple of minutes to change my email account with my energy supplier but they have not sent me a confirmatory email. Neither has BT but it took me 20 minutes on an on line chat with an Indian gentleman to change my email account. Try and change your email with the likes of Amazon or Pay Pal if you want some real headaches. Not only do Hattons send you information when an order is about to be processed, they also give you reminders that a model is due in several months time. Very handy in the case of the Stanier Mogul, as I had completely forgotten about it as it was two layouts ago. The only downside is you can see your order history from years ago and the amount spent can be a bit of a shock. Bernard 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
john flann Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 I had to return an item to Hatton's and it cost mr $22.50 which I thought was a lot of money. I inquired if it could be re-funded and it was agreed to without hesitation. More excellent service. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
classy52 Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 Just wanted to say that I ordered an analogue power track & a short straight from Hatton's and took 4 days to deliver but to me totally acceptable and the service is quite good with updates. One thing that did make me laugh was the size of the box and extensive bubble wrap packaging for 2 very lightweight items which could been put into a jiffy bag, the box was quite sizeable probably also used for those twin pack locomotives from Hornby or Bachmann. The good thing is I'll keep it in case I decide to sell any locomotives I suppose. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevelewis Posted April 2, 2017 Share Posted April 2, 2017 (edited) Checking back on some of my recent Hattons invoices I note that their Prices ( although still competitive) for some PECO L&B 00-9 items of rolling stock have increased by £1! No doubt in anticipation of customer orders increasing when the Heljan 2-6-2T finally arrives! Mind you it is quite possible like myself many will already have more than enough L&B rolling stock accumulated over the last few years!!!! Edited April 2, 2017 by Stevelewis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crantock Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Hattons have piublished their results (as they did this time last year). Details are here https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/northwest/hattons-slips-into-the-red-during-transformational-year Indeed this is not much more than a belated write up of the accounts that have been at Companies House since April 6. Headlines are £500k loss on £12m turnover. Bit Hornbyesque but interesting and hopefully a genuine one off. Be interested to know what the written down stock is and whether it was move related or is an indication of the costs to retailers of manufacturers picking wrong uns. Otherwise, staring at the accounts, I note the significant increase in stock held £2.9m->£3.6m, notwithstanding the write down, much of which is financed by trade creditors. Hopefully a sign of a bigger business going forward. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 ...Be interested to know what the written down stock is and whether it was move related or is an indication of the costs to retailers of manufacturers picking wrong uns.... Reading that linked article I'd take a guess that it is a consequence of the unplanned complete move away from the previous location to Widnes: "September 2015, the company relocated its contact centre to a site near Widnes as part of a longer term plan to improve its store on Smithdown Road. However, due to the condition of the building, this plan was subsequently revised and the business decided to relocate in its entirety. The Hattons store moved from Liverpool's Smithdown Road to Widnes in January 2016. Richard Davies, managing director of Hattons, told Insider: "The loss is mostly due to a revaluation of aged stock." What happens when you move lock, stock and barrel is that you near inevitably discover 'stuff' and are forced to evaluate it to see whether it is worth the cost of moving and re-racking it at all. Do wonder how old some of that 'aged stock' might have been? It doesn't sound like it was reasonably recent productions to me. Good news: In general, we are trading up on 2015/16 revenue and indications for 2016/17 are that we will return to a more regular trading and profit profile." Got all the pain over in 2015/16, return to business as usual. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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