Frequently Asked Questions

What are Walthers Yardmaster Express Rewards?
Walthers is proud and thankful that so many modelers have chosen us to help them enjoy their hobby.

With our program we make it easier and faster to reach rewards when you purchase the items you shop for anyway.  You’ll earn points that you can exchange for vouchers that can then be used to purchase products. You’ll also get everyday discounts and other benefits, including at the highest level, an invitation to be part of the Walthers team. Check out this chart to see all the Yardmaster Express Rewards Benefits. 

How do I earn Yardmaster Express Rewards?
We have many different ways to earn points that lead to rewards.  Depending on the amount you spend with Walthers each year, the value of your reward increases. You’ll earn points for:

• Each $1 spent
• Initial sign up and yearly anniversary of that start date
• Reaching a new level
• Following us on Social Media platforms Facebook and Instagram
• Participating in our National Model Railroad Build-off
• Purchasing a Build-A-World program
• A birthday bonus – You’ll get extra points each year on your birthday

What are the different levels?
We have four levels based on the amount that you spend each year defined as the 12 months following your anniversary date. The more you participate, the greater the return! 

• Maker – Spend less than $500 annually.
• Modeler – Spend between $500 and $999 annually
• Craftsman – Spend between $1,000 and $2,999 annually
• Master Modeler – Spend over $3,000 annually

Check out this chart to see the points, everyday discounts and other benefits associated with each level

What are the benefits beyond the points I accrue?
This is the exciting part!  Yardmaster Express Rewards members still enjoy everyday discounts on select brands depending on the tier.  Modeler, Craftsman and Master Modelers also enjoy free shipping on orders of $125 or more.  How would you like a seat at the table?  We hear all the time, that you would like to provide input on product development, talk about the hobby, or gain insight into future plans.  When you reach the Master Modeler level we give you that chance.  Through virtual get-togethers held several times a year, you get to participate in a dialogue with key members of the Walthers management and product development teams. 

I used to pay for my Yardmaster membership, does Yardmaster Express Rewards carry a fee?
No!  You no longer have to pay for your membership to start earning rewards.

I used to receive the Walthers Reference Book as part of my membership.  Will I still receive it under the new program?
We have separated the Walthers Reference Book from the rewards program.  However, based on your level, you can receive a discount off the purchase price. 

My original Yardmaster membership renewal falls during the year.  Do I now switch to a Jan-Dec calendar membership?
No, the new program is continuous and points never expire until you choose to deactivate your account. Every January we will audit all Yardmaster accounts. If your purchases over the previous calendar year have dropped to a level that puts you into a lower tier, we will make the adjustment to your account. Of course, you are always elevated as soon as you reach a new tier threshold so that you can enjoy increased benefits of reaching a new tier.

Do my points expire?
Yes—points will expire after 12 months of account inactivity. That means if you don’t make a purchase, redeem points, or engage in other qualifying activity within 12 months, your points will automatically expire.
Every time you earn or use points, your 12-month expiration clock resets—so as long as you stay active, your points won’t expire.

What happens to my points if I return or cancel my order?
Any points originally awarded will be deducted from your account balance. 

How do I redeem my points?
First, log into your account.  Then, from your Yardmaster Express Rewards dashboard, you can select the reward you'd like to redeem point on. Simply click the ‘Apply’ button to automatically place in your cart the points you wish to redeem.  You can redeem 1,000 points for $10, 1,250 points for $15, 1,500 points for $20 and 1,750 points for $25.

How do I track my points?
You can find your point totals in your Yardmaster Express Rewards dashboard or click your profile on the upper right corner of the website. You’ll see your point count displayed along with reward progress, your rewards tier information, and more.

How do I see the everyday Yardmaster Express Rewards discounts at www.walthers.com?
After you’ve joined the program, you’ll need to make sure to sign in at www.walthers.com whenever you shop. That way, you’ll see the special Yardmaster Express Rewards prices. Then you’ll also be sure that the appropriate amount of points are applied to your account after any purchases.

I don’t have access to the internet, can I still join Yardmaster Express Rewards?
Yes you can join by phone when you call Customer Service at 1-800-4TRAINS. Then when you place an order by phone, the customer service representative will apply any Yardmaster Express Rewards discounts and add the appropriate amount of points to your account.

What if I change my mind and decide not to redeem my voucher after I have redeemed it?
No problem.  Although you can’t automatically put the points back, we can do it for you.  Please contact one of our customer care team members at 1-800-4-TRAINS and they will assist you. 

Can I immediately use points that I receive for sign up, social media and my birthday?
Yes, and no. LOL.  We don’t want folks signing up just to get the points and then leaving us. To make it simple, any points received for activities beyond actual product purchase carries a waiting period. This includes points received for liking us or following us on Facebook and Instagram, birthday rewards and sign up bonus. Your points will become eligible to use after a 90 day waiting period. 

When will I see points hit my account?
Everyday purchases should appear within 30 days. Points for promotions are awarded at the end of the promotion cycle.

When do I see points in my account for birthday and yearly anniversary bonuses?
You won’t have to do anything. We will automatically place the points in your account within a week of your birthday and your anniversary. 

When will I receive points for my backorder shipment?
Backorder shipments do not earn points. 

What happens if I want to leave the program? 
Since your membership does not carry a fee, you don’t have to formally leave, however if you are certain you don’t want to accrue points any longer, you can either call one of our customer care team members at 1-800-4-TRAINS and they will deactivate your account, or you can opt out by clicking on the opt-out button found on your Yardmaster Express Rewards "My Rewards" page. Note by opting out you will not lose points in your account, but you will stop accruing additional points and will no longer receive the everyday discounts and special offers.

How do I get Free standard shipping on all in-stock orders of $199 or more?
As a Yardmaster Express Rewards member in the Modeler, Craftsman or Master Modeler tiers you will automatically receive free shipping when you check out with a qualifying order.

I’m not at the Master Modeler level, can I still participate in the club meet-up?
Not at this time.  Having a seat at our virtual table is a very special opportunity and only available to those who have earned it by virtue of their annual spend. 

At the Master Modeler level I become part of the Walthers Advisory Team.  What is this and what does it mean?
Becoming a member of this very elite team is an honor.  You have earned this seat by being one of our very best customers and we value your opinion.  It is a step up from the meet-ups in that we may share more specific agenda items with you and ask for your opinion, or ask you to help design the next product.  Since it is done all virtually, through Zoom, there is no travel involved nor out-of-pocket costs for you.  We anticipate hosting a meeting twice a year. 

How will I get my discount on Walthers Reference Books?
As a Yardmaster Express Rewards member your discount will automatically be awarded when you put the item into your cart.

What are Yardmaster Express Rewards limited products?
From time to time we may decide to offer a product only to our most loyal customers at the Master Modeler level. Should this happen you will have exclusive access to the product.