[ToyCollector]

Forgot to mention FFR what started and may still be a mostly direct model (I need to check on that). Do not know who has more cars on the streets, FFR or SPF, but I bet it's close. Just to show that they are likely two of the highest volume selling brands, but two different distribution methods. This is not to say that a mostly direct manufacturer might not have some grassroot people who become kitbuilders, etc and almost act as local dealers.

Straight from FFR's site:

"Dealers? No way. We sell our products direct so that the buyer deals with the people who designed and built the product. Also, the profit margins were never structured to absorb a layer of distribution. You get a better price because we sell factory direct. To be fair, there is a huge cottage industry of the best people in the world who build and provide services for customers of ours. This runs the full gamut from small shops and manufacturers, to guys who run small parts and service companies out of their homes. Problem is that we have no real control (nor do we want any) over the world of aftermarket guys. "