RE: Why I hate the LHS
 

Try it out! Ask lots of question and buyin somthin doesnt hurt:D

RE: Why I hate the LHS
 

We're very fortunate here, our LHS owner flies and instructs as well. He'll sell you a plane (to someone just starting out) and will teach you how to fly it for free (because you bought the plane from him). He's a lot of fun and his wife is also involved in the business. They're both wonderful folks and we enjoy going out to the hobby shop just for the good company and chat!

RE: Why I hate the LHS
 

Yeah sometime we do that to.. go out there and sit on the couch opening new planes to check them out while he and my dad are sipping coffee.

RE: Why I hate the LHS
 

I wish we had one like that here. The owner of the hobbytown flies but he doesn't care much for others.... Kinda stupid

RE: Why I hate the LHS
 

I think hobbytown usa is a joke for an rc store. I wouldn't reccomend any beginner asking advise there. I'm just going by what I've seen from 2 here in the metro Atlanta area. The employees don't know s*** from apple butter. I do occasionaly go in but It's for small items and I always know what I need before going in. About a week ago, I noticed a sign on the door that read "no chewing gum allowed in the store"

RE: Why I hate the LHS
 

One of the things I really love about our "real" LHS here is that he keeps a good selection of airplanes on-hand, and he has absolutely no problem with opening a box, or multiple boxes, to check out the airplanes before you buy. As a matter of fact, last Thursday I had 5, yes 5 boxes open deciding on what airplane to buy, and that, in itself, would be worth paying retail price for. Except that he dosen't charge retail price, he charges pretty close to what you could get it for at Tower, which is why 90% of my new airplanes have come from him.

Andy

RE: Why I hate the LHS
 

Since this is a beginners forum I feel compelled to point out that general statements regarding a hobby store chain are not warranted. In fact, I have 2 Hobbytowns within driving distance. 1 is run by avid fliers who are kind, helpful and very knowledgeable. These guys love our hobby and aren't afraid to help you develop that same love. They know you have options when buying, and while they are about 10% more expensive than an online retailer, they attempt to justify the cost with knowledge and advise.

The second store is more toy and car based, however the owner is in the process of doubling his plane inventory and hiring a "plane expert".

There is a third slated for opening sometime Q3 of this year. Rumor has it, this will be the best of the three in terms of plane stock. We'll see.

My point is, don't avoid something or some place based just on wide sweeping, unjustified comments you may read here. Try for yourself and then make up your own mind. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one of the Hobbytowns local to here for someone just starting out.

RE: Why I hate the LHS
 

I never paid much attention to isolated complaints about a certain arf or anything else. This applies to hobby stores also. When I keep hearing the same thing and witness it first hand, I tend to think these problems are not isolated

RE: Why I hate the LHS
 

Our good LHS shop closed a few years back when owner retired, he tried to sell out but nobody came up with the cash. Big shame , he and staff were knowledgeable and helpful. If he didn't have it he got it quick and he knew what you needed when you didn't. The LHS I usually go to sells 15% for $15 as I mentioned before but our club buys volume thru him and store at field which we them sell to members for cost. Knocks another $2.50/gal off price and saves a trip into town. We don't have to buy a large amount to get the discount either and I'm sure he still makes his cut.