i`m sure i read somewhere that in japan (i mite be wrong) when people who want the same luxury car, they all get together then hit the dealer with a bulk order, inreturn getting more money off. i know we`re talking alot of money for cars and i know of a website that does it for mountain bike buying, but does anyone know or heard of modellers/groups doing this? do you think its a idea shops would be interested in?

Never heard of it with modellers but I am doing it with a new TV next Monday with a neighbor, we should get a better deal on 2 TVs.

Unlikely that model shops will do this unless they are charging the full RRP for products.

When I took early retirement I received a retirement present of £600 to spend on something that I wanted. Obviously I bought a lot of N gauge stuff. I bought it all from the Signal Box in Rochester.

My first question was "I'm going to be spending near to £600 in your shop today what kind of discount will you give me?"

Their reply was " Sorry we can't do that as our prices are already heavily discounted."

Sometimes it will work. A case in point is etched kits where a guaranteed sale of a production run of kits can make it a lot easier. It's one reason some kit producers announce and require pre-orders for etched kits. It's also extremely true for custom work. The setup and design cost of a wagon or coach is measurable and

Small parts are another case in point but then only if the person buying is going to get one large bag and sort splitting them out amongst friends. Often that body of course is a society like the 2mmSA or NGS.

Alan