wholesale source for model trains who drop ships

Am in the process of beginning an eBusiness specializing in model trains .

[tmaven]

I am looking for a wholesaler (a true wholesaler and not just a "middle man") who drop ships. I know there are lots of brick and mortar stores who have wholesale sources, obviously, and I know there are legitimate sources available for eBusinesses. I have gone through the Google and Yahoo listings and there are some big train stores on the Internet. Can anyone direct me?

[Philip_M]

There are far too many online purveyors of model trains already, and the market is fiercely competitive. How do you plan to break into this market - by offering even lower prices than those cut-throat ones already around? As you say, there are some big train stores on the internet. Many wholesalers give rebates and discounts based on volume, which you do not have. My advice is forget the idea unless you want to lose a packet.

[tmaven]

Thank you for your response and for your opinion. I am aware that there is a fierce market, but part of our enjoyment is dealing with the trains themselves. I also believe that marketing makes a significant difference, no matter how many cut throats are out there. However, I am still going to find that wholesaler somewhere, somehow, and then we'll see.
Thanks again for sharing.

[TheDave]

Well, you're on the right track in choosing an area that interests you. I would suggest that you need to approach this with a content oriented site. Forums, stuff like that. Go with it for a year, and don't worry about sales. If your site becomes popular, you may then have a chance of breaking into the market. That's just my opinion. Good luck :)

[jimbeetle]

And you have to get to know a little bit about how the industry works. Happened to have a couple of trade-related magazines around (never know when that dusty old stack comes in handy) and found a few things that might help get you started:

Associations
Model Railroad Industry Association
National Retail Hobby Stores Association
International Model-Hobby Manufacturers Association
Toy Industry Association
Hobby Industry Association
Western States Toy & Hobby Retailers Association

Magazines
Model Retailer Magazine
Hobby Merchandiser Magazine
Toy & Hobby Retailer

You'll probably turn up many more resources as you work through the above.

Jim

[chicagohh]

I also believe that marketing makes a significant difference, no matter how many cut throats are out there.

True to a point, but when your selling the exact same widget as 100 other sites price becomes a *huge* factor.

There will always be people who like your site and will purchase just because of that alone. There are also people who will purchase from the first place they visit. But, I can reduce my sales by 50% (or more) just by raising the prices a few dollars on my widgets.

[CernyM]

Have you tried contacting the manufacturers and asking for a list of distributors?