Otto Club membership and ordering

I want to make sure that I manage to get one of the forthcoming 1/18 scale Otto MG Metro 6R4s, but knowing that they do sell out quickly and not wanting to pay silly money on ebay afterwards, I gather it is possible to pre-order models via Otto Club membership. So for those more experienced with this process...

...would you recommend it?
...is it a necessity to guarantee yourself a model?
...I gather there is a maximum limit of two particular models per person - so I can only buy two 6R4s off them if I want to?
...do members receive early notification of when a particular model is available?
...how quickly do models usually sell out?
...are there any other benefits to becoming a member?
...I assume dealers are allowed to buy more than two models?
...what sort of price can I be expected to pay as an Otto Club member, say in comparison to buying the same model from a UK dealer?

Any help or assistance would be gratefully appreciated - many thanks.

ok david, as there are dealers on this site, i'm wary about answering, but they serve a purpose too so here we go...
* you are not guaranteed a model as a member, you put your order in receive a confirmation within a few days if you one of the lucky ones, but obviously if you're in you stand more of a chance...
* you are limited to 2 examples of a model as a member
* as all runs are limited usually to 1500 or 2000 units, a dealer may end up being your best bet if you fail to get one direct from otto
* it is no secret i think that most otto models are 50-60 euros plus postage, you can comment yourself on the prices dealers and other sellers charge thereafter
* the order form and membership process is really complicated but worth it if you get the model

hope this helps m8

Thanks Billy. As helpful as ever...

I didn't post to upset the whole dealer apple cart as you know mate. I was merely just trying to fathom out the process of successfully ordering a model from Otto, whether it was a benefit to join the Otto Club, and then what my chances were of actually ending up with one of their 6R4s - or preferably two lol! - without being disappointed.

The Otto web page regarding their forthcoming 6R4 states "Available in May 2012 - available for pre-ordering at the OttOmobile Club on March 20, 2012" so that pretty much answers my question regarding when I need to order.

I have now registered for the Club, but do they send out a notification saying "Order now to avoid disappointment!" or is that down to myself to check daily?

no probs m8, me neither just trying to avoid any offence to anybody who deals in these things..

and yes m8, you can relax now if you've registered, they wil email you when the order can be made for their next releases, usually a couple of months in advance, and they ont take the money til you receive the model...well done m8 (of course if i dont get model because of your membership i will end all correspondence and amicable cooperation on here!!!!!)

Lol, it could be the end of a beautiful relationship!

Cheers for your help mate.

bmd wrote:no probs m8, me neither just trying to avoid any offence to anybody who deals in these things..

Likewise, no offence or criticism meant on my part either.

ah cr_p! if we fall out do i have to write a 'broken heart' poem?

NO, you don't!

I ordered the two Sunbeams back in October-all online. I then had to pay for them a month before they were released which I did. Got them today. Bit of a misunderstanding over a VAT invoice but that was all.

That all sounds very smooth Rory, but is 5 or 6 months quite normal from the date of ordeing to the date of delivery?

Cowley wrote:That all sounds very smooth Rory, but is 5 or 6 months quite normal from the date of ordeing to the date of delivery?

It is important to place the order early otherwise you miss out-even though I ordered them and got them reserved in October I only paid for the models in January-the deal is you pay before the 20th of the month before the month the model is due to be released

These are all imported into the UK, so its easy to get them, the Sunbeams are ordered, and ordered well in advance to ensure supply, I expect that the 6R4's will be announced thru the same channels well before release.....and no extreme postage costs, a RRP of £98 ish