Playmobil Spares Service vs Lego Pick-a-Brick

[extjmv]

In Spain, I think a monkey set the prices of playmobil.es some prices are lower than playmobil.de but the prices to retailer is a 10% higher that german retailers, so we have 15% less margin than German retailers....

[Timotheos]

Playmobil has some weirdisms in the USA.

Example:
It pays to order the catalog over the web or phone (even if you receive a catalog with an order).

Playmobil doesn't mail out the individually requested catalog until late spring, but when it arrives, it includes an special ordering insert that comes with coupons.  The coupons are bogus--they reflect the web special of the month, but are useful because they reveal future month specials.

In the special insert, there is a discontinued section.  The discontinued section isn't completely available off the web--even if you type in the set number (example: Dino Expedition 4170 from 2004 is for sale, but not available off web (EDIT: I mean from the web).

Why not?  I had to make a phone order today (alternative: fax) to order the Dino Expedition.  Why?  (Note: it will become available from the web in August, when it is the "Pick of the Month" and at a 25% discount, according to one of the coupons).

Maybe there's a business plan behind all this.  But it seems disorganized.  The bright side is that the stuff listed only in the special paper inserts keep me in suspense for a few months until it comes out. 

[Rasputin]

I just do not see where the big problem is ? The web site lets you order all you want , if it is out they send you a email notice when it is in . Heather's site lets you find part #'s you might not have . It is a toll free # to order parts and they are quite reasonably priced . The telephone staff it quite understanding of the long lists of #'s. It really does not take that long considering each part has to be found in a warehouse, bagged up , boxed , then shipped . I kind of like it the way it is . If the parts ordering was automated i have a hunch lots more parts would be out of stock and sometimes permanently.  If they were to put a capital investment into some high tech system then the top brass might get the bright idea to offset the financial loss and increase all the parts prices .

[Richard]

I just do not see where the big problem is ? The web site lets you order all you want , if it is out they send you a email notice when it is in . Heather's site lets you find part #'s you might not have . It is a toll free # to order parts and they are quite reasonably priced . The telephone staff it quite understanding of the long lists of #'s. It really does not take that long considering each part has to be found in a warehouse, bagged up , boxed , then shipped . I kind of like it the way it is . If the parts ordering was automated i have a hunch lots more parts would be out of stock and sometimes permanently.  If they were to put a capital investment into some high tech system then the top brass might get the bright idea to offset the financial loss and increase all the parts prices .

I agree!  ( For now ... ) ... 

[Timotheos]

The web site lets you order all you want , if it is out they send you a email notice when it is in .

This is incorrect.

Refer to my previous message.

Playmobil offers some items on its paper insert that aren't available through the web.  Like 4170 Dino Expedition and the Dino Transport.  This currently available for order (I ordered one), but you must go through the phone rep (this isn't a direct sale parts order, but a standard box set order).

It isn't a big deal, it just seems disorganized.  Or maybe they want to give their phone operators a raison d'etre.

[Rasputin]

Tim it just may be a way of allowing some people to get that " special feeling " that they can order something not offered to the general public. There is quite a lot of marketing ( craft, art, style, talent, job, ?? ) that goes into things that to the ordinary person seems irrational . I personally like the secrecy of the discounted clearance items flyer that sometimes appears in a box. It makes me feel like i am somebody in an otherwise meaningless life