I have had less than stellar success with my LHS, mostly that they flat out lie about when something on backorder is going to come in. Obviously, their ploy is to keep stringing me along so I don't go buy the thing over the web. At the same time they are trying to put together a bigger order.
There was a time (A long time ago in a galaxy far far away... Wait thats been used
) when LHS were focal points of club activity the owner was active in the club(s) members were always hanging around trading "lies", and swapping info. Club members met there before going out to the field. In most instances the person behind counter was very knowledgeable and would recommend items to help out "beginners" and "experts" alike.
What Happened????
Mail order
Internet Shopping
to name a few
Times change. As savvy consumers with high tech toys in the information age why should we pay 2.00 when with a couple of mouse clicks and a good search engine we can find it for 1.25.
lets face it.. We as group are responsible for the demise of the mom and pop Hobby Shop. (Why stop there wal-marts, Home depot etc are killing mom and pop Hardware stores)
The lack of mom and pop Hobby stores left near me was one of the most depressing things I noticed when I got back into the hobby. Gone are the comments gone see Joe at Such and such he'll do right by you. Now its who's got the best price on blah blah and is it stock what's the price break for free shipping etc.. etc..
Don't get me wrong I am part of the problem also.. I HATE paying more for something then I have to..
Just pointing out that in a lot a ways (RCU) the way we pursue this hobby has changed..