Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by davsachz A guy opened a Trainshop across the street from my studio. Both being business guys in a small town we've become friends, and he is very responsible for me getting back into trains. He's been at it about a year now. And he realizes that he has made some purchasing mistakes, and also was the victim of his inexperience, and overzealous sales reps. Bottom line What are the must have kind of top 20 items you look for in a LHS. The stuff like the little stuff and the bigger that makes you like one LHS over another, and makes one look lame if they don't carry it. I don't mean Brass locos etc but A local hobby shop is handy when it carries... "fill in the blank" Scenery, electrical items, Kits, Rolling Stock, Couplers, ? you name it , the little things that make you get out your wallet on a Saturday afternoon ? Thanks for any feedback you can give me to give him ? One particular thing He's divided as to weather to carry mags. He doesn't want people to carry them around comparing his prices with mail order, and his prices are very good. Also not too scale specific. Right now he carries mainly "O" but is seeing that HO and N are more bread and butter, all year round sellers. Thanks again. Dave [/quote] davsanchz I too would like to help and would offer this advice. Have you friend take some time to visit Caboose Hobbies, Allied Trains, The Original Whistle Stop, or many of the other great stores in this Great Model railroad nation. I am being serious when I say, try to duplicate the prosperous businesses no matter what market or level of that market you are trying to get stated in. I know his funds are limited, but he could go on the internet and actually see what items are available in many of the large stores. There must be some larger stores within driving distance for him to survey. Guess what the large chain discount houses stay up with the competition, they go to the competitive stores and check prices and look at displays to see if they can match or top the other store. Car dealers do the same with advertisements and almost every business, Make that smart and prosperous businesses, also cross shop their competition.
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