Talking T Gauge

learningtobelost · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 11

This morning I set up my two sets on the counter of the shop to see what people thought of them. The response has been very positive so I'm quite keen to start stocking them. I have previously e-mailed Eishindo about setting up an account but have not had a response.

Does anyone know of another distributer? Or even a better way of contacting them?
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Regards,
Chris

shashinka · Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 24 Location: Maryland

Establishing distributions networks with the Japanese can be very difficult for American companies.Due to conflicts between Japanese and American expectations from business relationships tend to often lead the Japanese away from doing business with the states. On top of that at the moment their demand in the home market is going to be their main focus. W.K. Wathers I had been informed were in the process of trying to secure an exclusive distribution deal with Eishindo but are encountering some difficulties as it were explained to me byte one of their reps last week. My suggestion is to keep trying, but do not expect a lot of progress. It often takes a good deal longer when working with Japanese companies.
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Do not feed the densha.

learningtobelost · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 11

I should have mentioned that I'm English really, although in practice I doubt that it will effect the outcome that much! Thanks for the informative reply though.

9 hours straight and my 2 units are still going strong, I've never seen so many amazed faces in my life!
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Regards,
Chris

pray59 · Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 88 Location: Fremont, CA

I have emailed Eishindo 3 times with questions, and have NEVER received a reply.

Life works that way... those that want something the most are always the last to get what they want, if they get it at all. At least in my case. Cool

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-Robert Ray

shashinka · Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 24 Location: Maryland

learningtobelost · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 11

Success!

We've just received the parperwork through from Eishindo. It took them the better part of a week to get back to me, but I can forgive them. Their terms of trade are, interesting to say the least!

Thanks for the help guys.
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Regards,
Chris

B 67 · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 11:48 pm Post subject:

learningtobelost · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 11

Well, without wanting to go into too much detail on an open forum:

They do a nice dealer starter pack which contains the entire range for you to make a diorama / layout from which they re-fund with the first propper order. This is of course a very good thing Very Happy

The only really bad side I can see is that the minimum order amount is US$1000, not too bad I suppose, I guess I'm spoiled by all of these european manufacturers having minimum order amounts of around US$200.

The markup may end up being fairly slender once you figure in sales taxes / import duty and the like, especially if you want to compete on the internet.

A bit of a mixed bag, certainly not all bad though!
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Regards,
Chris

B 67 · Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks Chris, certainly sounds interesting. Yes, the minimum order seems a bit steep, but I guess you wouldn't need to order so often. I like the dealer starter pack idea. Oh the decisions. What kind of diorama to build? I could have fun with that. Very Happy

Oh well, I shall look into it.

B 67 · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:39 am Post subject:

I sent an email to KK Eishindo last night and got a reply and price lists this afternoon. You chaps must've done something wrong. Wink

Well, I suppose they're just really busy keeping up with demand. Yes, their terms are a bit different to what I'm used to too, but still seems worthwhile. Think I'll go for the promotional pack and proceed from there. Very Happy

Dampflok · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 8:22 pm Post subject:

Well, I've taken the plunge and bought a 120mm rad oval with a few extra straights and, most importantly, a train. :o) Hopefully, it will arrive in time for the Elgin MRC Modelfair on 22nd next month - should generate some interest.

Interesting that their radii are not much smaller than Marklin's Z scale (1:220) minimum radius of 145mm.

When are they going to market steam outline; that's what I want to know?????!

Best wishes to all.
Chris.
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Chris from off the west coast of Scotland
http://trains.manvell.org.uk/

Dampflok · Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 9:13 pm Post subject:

Well, the train arrived today! I'll need more than a magnifying glass to see that! But, how is it that a parcel can take 4 days to get here from Japan and the US takes 4 to 6 weeks? Even Europe takes longer.

Chris
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Chris from off the west coast of Scotland
http://trains.manvell.org.uk/

pray59 · Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 88 Location: Fremont, CA

EMS is Airmail
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-Robert Ray

JohnDMJ · Joined: 21 Sep 2008 Posts: 34 Location: Hampshire - UK

Have heard from two separate sources today that Gaugemaster / Engine Shed / Bahnhof Europa have secured the UK distribution 'rights'.

Watch the press and check at Warley!

Toni Babelony · Joined: 21 Oct 2008 Posts: 46 Location: Bonn, Germany

http://japanmodelrailways.com From Germany (from whom I know the owner) has the distribution for Germany and beyond covered. I don't know yet if he can supply spare parts yet (I need these things in the future badly), but I'll inquire when I have time to do so.

Good luck getting another distribution source open!
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Tree Gauge? Three Gauge? Tea Gauge? Let´s just T this place up!