Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
I'm not sure if the same things apply in the USA as we have in Britain, but I've visited at least a hundred model shops while on family trips, and I think I can now say what makes a good store: 1) Friendly and knowledgable owner(s) - thankfully it's rare to find a grumpy guy with a "don't waste my time" attitude, but it does happen - I've encountered just the one store with this problem and they were bought out fairly quickly - at least, all their adverts had "under new management" on them within a few months! Knowing the subject (model and prototype) is also important as it allows you to build a rapport with your customers and to establish a good reputation in your area. 2) Decent range of products. This has been mentioned before, but you should probably be stocking more Athearn locos and stock than LGB G-scale locos. Always aim to have a good number of reasonably-priced locos to encourage new customers to start modelling. Also make sure you have good stocks of containers, trailers, etc for use as wagon loads, along with structures. Last but not least, try to have a good range of Kadee products on sale - the number of times I've been unable to obtain the coupler I need is amazing. Also try to stock a good range of track and electrical stuff (transformers, switch machines, etc.). 3) This may be a slightly risky strategy from a commercial viewpoint, but you could try stocking some items that few other stores do - such as British OO Gauge stock by Hornby and Bachmann - this will run on HO track but is built to 4mm/1ft scale, most is excellent. The idea of having a working layout in the store is a good one, the two big stores in my area both do this, one of them uses the layout as a test track for checking locos before the customer buys them, which is a very good idea!
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