Disappointed with HobbyRetailer.com

[Anonymous]

I recently had to make a trip to Cleveland Ohio and wanted to find some model rr shops to shop. Decided to use Kalmbach's HobbyRetailer.com to locate them. What a disappointment. One of the shops only dealt in Lionel stuff and the other one, a place called "Treasure Aisle" didn't know anything about model railroading, much less have any merchandise, they did however stock a lot of doll house stuff.

I got the hint that these people must pay Kalmbach to be listed. So much for "good advise"

I'm still wondering how "Treasure Aisle" got on there.

Next time, I'll let my fingers do the walking.

[Anonymous]

DUDE YOU SHOULD HAVE WENT TO: www.firsthobby.com.
THERE THE ONLY ONE'S I GOTO NOW.
GOOD LUCK.
[bow]BNSF[bow]

[Anonymous]

Why firsthobby.com? Any special reason? Their selection is severely limited and their prices are at the midle-high end.
Tim

[Anonymous]

Well, just remember that Kalmbach doesn't only publish books on model railroading and trains.... so the hobby shop listed might not always have anything to do with trains either.

[Anonymous]

Well Heerie, you are correct. But it would be a big improvement if HobbyRetailer gave some clue as to the offerings of the shops they list. I do apologize for my oversight, but I'll still let my fingers do the walking until there's some improvement.
Regards,
Marty

[Don Gibson]

Write Kalmbach att: Hobby retailer, and voice your displeasure.

Let your voice be heard. If you don't nothing will change.

COST: 37 cents

[areibel]

I think they do have to pay a fee to be listed, maybe if they're listed in the back of MR they're included?
Anyway, sorry you had such bad luck. Next time do what I do, search one of the online yellow pages like Superpages from GTE. Some list hobby shops, but sometimes they're actually broken down into train shops. And there's usually a link to get driving irections too!

[rogerhensley]

If you want Hobby Shops listings on the web, try TracTronics at http://www.tractronics.com/
There is a very comprehensive listing there although there may be more or less than shown. It is broken down by state.

Also, don't overlook the NMRA Directory of web sites at: http://www.nmra.org/directory for hobby shops on the web that have listed themselves in the Directory.

Neither source accepts money for listings.

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wotnwabbit



I recently had to make a trip to Cleveland Ohio and wanted to find some model rr shops to shop. ... One of the shops only dealt in Lionel stuff and the other one, a place called "Treasure Aisle" didn't know anything about model railroading...Next time, I'll let my fingers do the walking.

Dealers in the TRAIN business sometimes advertise in TRAIN magazines. MODEL RAILROADER has 2 current listings in Cleveland, 1 in Toledo, (and 15 for OHIO). It's a start.

Duh! Ever read the story about the King with No Clothes?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by enduringexp

Why firsthobby.com? Any special reason? Their selection is severely limited and their prices are at the midle-high end.
Tim

Generally I comparison shop. Their single page in MR is a model quality ad.
The new Riv 4-8-4- is priced cheaper than Standard.
Their e-mail response time is good and they make themselves aware of forums
to keep on top of modeler issues. They beat out Walthers in responding to the Hornby UK tender offer as to how they would handle the Rivarossi warranty
No, I have yet to buy but they are on my eligibility list.

[IRONROOSTER]

One thing I do after finding a hobby shop listing is to use Google to search its name. A lot of hobby shops have a web page now, but its web address isn't always included in the listing. Even if they don't do business over the web, they will tell what kinds of things / brands they carry.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

Don't feel too bad, I went by the listings in the back of MR 5 years ago, which listed a hobby shop in Burlington Vermont. After spending $14 on a round trip ticket to cross the lake from the NY side of the lake and back, and driving south about 30 miles to Burlington and back to the Ferry Landing, all toll, about a 3.0 hour trip, I find the so called Hobby Shop. Turns out, it was in some guys basement and all he had were a handful of items from when he was collecting for train layout. Nothing but garbage. MR should really require proof that a listing is really a ligit hobby shop and not just some 8 ball trying to sell off his un-wantables. Gas was expensive then and even more so now. Are you listening Bergie.......[V][:(!]