[Closed] You can now pre-order from DM

DM Amazes me! They have release far more 1:24 scale models the past 3-4 years then any other maker!

It amazes me how many new releases (NOT REPAINTS) that DM has released the past few years. Add to this the numerous rereleased/repainted models with upgrades and it boggles ones' mind! They definitely have released alot more then any other single company.

RE: DM releases

You are correct, DM has released more NEW die-casts than primary rival FM, and 9 times out of 10, the DM cars are right on with regard to perfection in both quality and to scale.

FM has continually given us re-paints of cars that were released a decade (or longer) ago. Oh sure, FM has released a few new ones, but compared to DM, they are out of the race.

There is no doubt in my mind who cares more about serious collectors! DM all the way!!!

And when they finally do issue a new car...

they repaint that one to death, just how many different Challengers do we need?? Purple, Yellow, Pink and now the pace car? A couple more and they can catch up to the 8 or so different Cudas.

That's called Maximizing the Tool! Get all you can from the investment.

Maximizing the investment...

I've never had a problem with re-issues in different colors. I totally understand that, that maximizes the mints investment into the car. And too, more assures that the entire run of the car, will sell.

DM though, continues to produce NEW cars, while FM has in recent years, continued to re-issue the same cars.

With DM, I/we get the best of both worlds. New releases, and our favorite cars in a varity of our favorite colors.

FM re-paints

I agree with Rich that, FM has re-issued and re-painted us almost to death on some of their cars. What bothers me even more is, their touting them as "new" releases. I would rather they would advertise the re-paint, as just that...a re-paint.

They could say, "Now in an exciting NEW color...". But, to tout a re-paint, as a "new" car....bothers me.

I would expect DM to do the same when they re-issue a car.

I like when we get repaints.

If I like the car, I like having more than 1 with a different color combination. Plus, if the Mints can maximize there profit of any image they can reinvest in new cars. I am sorry but I just don't understand why so many people get so upset because a car is re-issued with a different color combination. I like the way WCPD has produced their car in several colors at the same time. JMHO. I don't believe I have every only order one car at a time from WCPD. I usually order 2 or 3 of the same cars in different colors at the same time.

To Sean, regarding re-paints...

I agree 100% with you regarding re-paints. Like you, I enjoy having more than one color of my favorite cars.

I think the main criticism with FM though, is they tend to not release new cars, but rather continully re-issue cars that have been around for a decade or better.

A year or so back, FM re-issued their 1960 Chevrolet 2 door HT in blue. Problem was though, it had the same faults as the original white version almost a decade earlier. One would think that if they are going to tout a re-issue with a new color, they could at least attempt to make it better than the original and correct earlier flaws. This particular car, doesn't have a headliner inside. Now how can that be?

FM over the years, has IMO, cut many corners. Their cars compared to DM, don't even come close to being replicated to perfection. Oh sure, every once in awhile, they come up with a real winner (i.e. the gold 1970 Olds), but more often than not, it's hit or miss with FM.

How many of FM's cars have we seen without (simulated) glass in the wing windows (i.e. 1958 Edsel's)? They keep re-issuing that car, and each time, still the same mistake.

Sorry, but DM is the leader by miles over FM. And, they continue to prove it time and again with outstanding quality and perfection. Has DM had some flaws? Sure. But, DM's mistakes are far and few between.

Also Sean, with regard to your comments to West Coast Die-Cast....I have all their 1959, 61, and 62 Chevy's, and they too are, far and wide, better than anything that FM comes up with. I can't wait for more from WC.

It is with very rare exception that, I buy from FM anymore. I've been disappointed too many times. DM never lets me down!

All those repaints of the same model within 1 year thats maximizing alright, selling them all is a whole other story though

Margins. DM is a retailer. TFM is essentially 90% wholesale

Amen George

Probably Not For Long

I was just talking to another manufacturer...

...on the phone just an hour ago....we were trying to remember the first year that "not for long" and "that's the last nail" metaphors were used. Pretty sure it goes all the way back to 2003.

Retailer or Wholesaler...

Randy May comments that DM is a retailer, while FM is a wholesaler. Either way, DM is ahead of FM in quality and perfection to detail.

And, do we even want to mention customer service? It doesn't matter whether you're a retailer or wholesaler...good customer service should be another mandatory ingredient...and, it will assist you in selling your product. And, who do you think of the two mints of which we speak, has the better customer service? Which mint is the easiest to contact? Which mint trys harder to allow retruning or replacing a model?

The answer is, DANBURY MINT!

When you call DM (during regular business hours), you get a real person, who is knowledgeable and courteous to assist you. When you need to return or replace a model, DM immediately sends out a return postage paid label for your convenience.

I've not had the same luck with FM. In fact, many times (and I mean no disrespect here), it is difficult to even understand the customer service rep you are speaking to. Now again, no disrespect intended, but if you are going to have people answering the phones that represent "your' company....they should be able to speak good and understandable English.

Another thing about DM is, they allow you to pay in full, or in installments....and, they send you coupons for the payments with your model. FM on the other hand, forces you to charge your order on a VISA or MC. Sorry, again DM beats FM.

Bottom line is, retailer or wholesaler, the key to making a profit is a good, reliable quality product, and excellant customer service. DM hands down!