Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
I've been in sales for 9 years now and a one of thing has become quite apparent: If you're going to stay in business today you'd better be offering something the other guy isn't. Be it low, low prices, extraordinary service, or products that simply aren't readily available.I can think of at least 6 good hobby shops in my immediate area going back many years. (What happened to Harry's Depot???) Of them, there is only one left! And you'd better not have any loose clothing when you go in there either, lest you're knocking things over left and right. There's so much stock you barely have anyplace to walk! That's the only reason he's still there, that and he's pretty knowledgeable. It's not his prices...There are only two things I'd like to say in regards to this matter: Trainworld/Trainland.Since way before the advent of the Internet, this establishment has been discounting products both mail order and in store. A Brick & Mortar LHS, with a knowledgeable, pleasant & helpful sales staff, and quite possibly the best prices to be found. (In my experience even when they are beat, "on the net" it's usually only by pennies.)My point is why has this LHS been able to do it when most all others (in my area, anyway.) were charging list price? Is it any surprise that they have gone under?With all the great resources at your fingertips today, this forum being an excellent example, why do you need to go into a store and get the opinion of one or two people? And more importantly, who in their right mind is going to pay MSRP in this day and age??? Sure, working some of the suppliers websites can be a PITA, but you have to look at it in the context that you're saving the $$$ so you're going to have to work for it a little. Plus, It's not like stereo speakers or darts that you have to sample in person before you buy.Before I started my present gig, I ordered from Standard Hobby Supply. Great prices, fantastic selection, and its on your doorstep in a few days, who could ask for more? Now I'm lucky, I'm only a 45-minute drive from Trainland. (Plus I'm out that way at least once a week for my business anyway.) So where else would I shop?As far as the local coffee & camaraderie goes, yea that'll be missed. But the last time I went to TL for one of their clearance sales, (which, I might add saves you yet another 10% off their already absurdly low prices!) I got a free lunch- they had giant boxes of White Castle cheeseburgers for everyone!!!The company I was working for prior to my current situation was charging way too much, plain and simple. Their business began to suffer as a result. They wanted to maintain their bottom line, so their answer was to raise the prices! Yea, that'll be good for business... As someone else already stated, you can make a little profit on a lot of product and prosper, or you can make a lot of profit on a little product and watch your business shrivel and die. It's their choice...In summation, while the Internet has increased the competition for retailers in general, it's also increased their potential customer base at the same time. If retailers want to survive, they're going to have to take advantage of it. I think its called free enterprise...P.S. Sorry I'm late if this was supposed to be a weekend only rant.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community