Following the mega-order for WW2 Americans and Russians, I called H&R today to see if they'd be ready for Salute. Glad to say they've pulled out all the stops and they will be ready for Russ to pick up on Saturday (thanks, mate!). Thanks also to H&R for a friendly and effective service!
While on the phone we talked about Salute - it's H&R's first major show for a long time (and the new owner's first). He's admitted he's stressed out about which models to take down to the show - a bit of everything or more of the most popular. I suggested the latter as they're more likely to sell them (so less to carry back home!). But he's looking forward to the show and hopefully people will pop along for a chat and purchase while they're there.
We also talked about the website. Apparently they've got a web designer in place who is going to completely revamp the site - including adding in a 'click to buy' system with basket and checkout (huzzah!) and is also lining up a professional painter to paint up some of the more popular units (e.g. Shermans, Tigers for WW2, Romans for ancients etc.) to accompany the listings so customers can get a better idea of what they're buying. Not before time but its good to see that developments are moving ahead.
They will also start making up a database of customers and what they buy - so they can look at special offers and targeted promotions (so if you buy mid-Republican Romans for example, you'll be sent info on Carthaginians, Gauls etc.). That's the plan but it may take time to pull together.
He's also sorting out the stock control element - looking to stock more of the popular models and less of the more esoteric elements. This will help keep costs down but also ensure quicker service for most customers.
We also talked about GHQ models. Clearly the market leaders in quality (he was quite complimentary about their products) but - as we discussed - 3x more expensive per model than H&R, and certainly not 3x better in terms of quality. Thinking about it, when they're on the table, its hard to see much detail from more than 12" away - and as he rightly pointed out, my order with H&R would have come in at around £420 plus an horrendous P&P charge if I'd gone the GHQ route (as opposed to just over the £110 - with free delivery - that H&R are charging me).
So it looks like H&R are making big strides in their marketing and production - which gets a big thumbs-up from me.