Also one other item. They buy straight from China at a lower price then the LHS. Also in most cases the LHS is buying from the same M/A. I can not buy from China at the same price as MA because of the volume and contracts signed. I had to stop putting Traxxes cars in the store because of the very low profit margin to stay close to MA. Look at your LHS at think about truck lots of stuff sitting in back, that is what it would take to buy from the manufactour. The main wholesalers in the country have contracts that would keep me from doing this even if i could. Dennis

Well that make more sense now
I know it goyt to be tuff for the LHS owners they are really limited to the local modelers for business
and when it come to price that makes them about as loyal as an alley cat I'm sure.
I go to my LHS about once a week even though he rarly has what I need

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I go to my LHS about once a week even though he rarly has what I need


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Life is short. I take that time and do my work or chores. Then on my days off, I have the freedom to fly more. The paradox is that hobby shops give you less time for your hobby. (UNLESS YOU SHOP AT DADs TOYS in BOWLING GREEN). They have everything there, even coffee.

Have any of you guys tried "Stopping by the internet" on your way to the field? I dunno. There's something nice about being able to grab an extra prop when you need it, rather than wait for the UPS man to deliver it.

For the instant gratification types....what can be more instantly gratifying than having your new toy RIGHT NOW?

Only the LHS can do that for ya.

Here in "Cowtown USA" our LHS is small, but he has the stuff you're likely to need or want. If not? He gets it quick. He makes the phone call...he eats the shipping, and you pay a price typically BELOW mail order...if only by a few bucks.

Sure we're lucky...but I want to keep it that way, so I always give the LHS the first shot at any deal I'm looking to make.

Gee, It sure would be swell if the LHS near me carried APC 12X6 props. But I guess that must be a strange size because they don't carry them. Oh, they can order them and they can get them in just 5 or 6 days. It must be nice to live in RaceCity NotUpNorth Where people don't say stupid things and you can buy extra props at the LHS on your way to the flying field.

I'm no retail expert, but I do know at least one thing from working in retail computer stores for 3-4 years.

Get people to hang out at your store and stay there. At one of the computer stores I worked in the owner set up a couple nice chairs with a small table between them. People would sit there for hours some days.

If I owned an RC hobby store, I would do the following:

Set aside an area about the size of a den or small living room and put a couple of old couches in a L or U shape around a decent sized TV. I would have a VCR and DVD that constantly showed flying videos, instruction videos, and the sort.

I would a have soft drink machine with drinks at or around cost. (25 cents probably) Of course, there would be a coffee pot with free coffee. I would put out cookies for snacks on a regular basis. (from Sam's Club)

Around my glass counter tops, I would have stools so that people could sit down and chat. Oh, and in today's age --- Wireless Internet Access. Of course I would figure out how to blacklist Tower and Horizon's Check Out page on my firewall. The can look, but not buy.

Basically, I would do everything I could to make people feel welcome and encourage people to hang out.

You will be surprised at the extra sales force you gain from the people that hang out in the store. Of course, you're not asking them to do it and you're not paying them. They do it because they like you and the store.

Also, for the people who hang out a lot, I would occasionally give them stuff for free. Not radios and stuff, but smaller stuff. (under $20 but over $10 - like a gallon of fuel) Generally, it would be merchandise that is not moving or I would have to eat anyway. Like an old version of something.

just my 2 cents

Well my cokes are .50 and if my regulars are short change they take it home anyway. I buy lunch every other week they pay the other week. If things are left at the field they're brought here. Everybody knows where to look. No credit, will most of the time. If I'm busy with a person and someone new comes in, someone sitting at the table takes over and helps. I'll always stop what i'm doing to talk airplanes or cars even if i don't really have the time. It's takes longer for me to get one of my own planes ready.
I build here in the store so everybody can watch. The new new people learn and the old guys get to tell me what I'm doing wrong.
Got a new plane on the bench now but I'm putting stock in the computer and then I have to wright checks and then balance the check book. Been here since 8am and now it's 10am. UPS and Fed EX show up at 11am. Have to leave at 5:30 to teach at the field, so it looks like I won't get much done on the plane today. Lunch is at 1 and it's their turn to buy. Some days I wish nobody shows up so I can finish something.
Meeting a guy from Canada Monday to look at new gas engines being made in Spain. On paper they look real good, but I'll have to fly one first. Then again there are days when no one shows what and then i get nervous. Could use a 1/2 a person full time but can't find one.
There is really room in this hobby for both MA and LHS. One is no better then the other. Both fill the needs of the flyer.
Dennis

Hey, PilotFighter. While I was hanging stuff on the walls, i found a bag of 12x6 props. Got 12. There APC if you want I'll send you some. Seems like you've had such a hard time at the LHS e-mail me your address and I'll send you one free. Dennis

Now there's an offer you can't refuse.

Dennis, Please keep us posted on these new engines from Spain. Allways interested in new stuff, especially gas engines! I haven't gotten to my first gasser yet, but it is next on the list. I have been looking at BCMA Engines for some time now & really liking what I've seen, but I am also interested to see how much these new ones from Spain will run & weather or not you liked them. Thanks in advance.

Gee thanks. But I already ordered a bag myself. That was a couple of months ago. I was just recalling the situation.

Is that an EVO engine?

Yes, hope he shows up. Will be test fly one in a Lanier. It'll be the 80cc first. This company has a real problem with the name. Everbody has gotten used to the EVO meaning Evolution. Will start a thread here when the time is right. Don't have all the numbers at this time. Keep in touch with me. Dennis

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3631428 might be it on the right

This one may be even better
http://forgues-research.com/page8.html

That's it but I have to fly it before I can say it works. Dennis

Of course.