QUOTE: Originally posted by tatans Originally posted by orsonroy Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. Try this: spend $100 a week at the store for a few months, and then see if the help's attitude improves. Guess what; it will. You're actually a preferred customer now. ........................................................................................................................................................... A $100 a week?? A $100 aweek?? who in the real world could possibly afford $100 a week on a hobby, or anything else, I hope this is a joke. I refuse to lower myself to the same level as these money-grubbing weasels, it sort of the same as buying your friends. and I would NOT do the same as a retailer. I'm not a $100 per week customer but I'm a perferred customer because I have made some big purchases. I get a 10% discount but I don't get preferred treatment as I am no better and no worse then the next person I wait my turn. If I did get better treatment I'd be embarassed. If I had been treated like you I'd be infuriated and on a good day they would have heard it LOUD and CLEAR that or walked out and left the stuff behind giving them one of my wife's death stares! And believe me you know when you've screwed up! If they have an e-mail address send them this thread but in order to make it effective you'd have to tell us their name. Regards Fergie http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959 If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007 Reply ATSFCLIFF Member sinceDecember 2002 From: SINGAPORE 246 posts Posted by ATSFCLIFF on Saturday, November 20, 2004 2:22 AM The salespersons in the LHS's in Singapore used to be aloof, unhelpful & arrogant. This take-it or leave-it attitude changed slightly with the recession and an about turn with the coming of internet on-line shops and mail orders. It is too late now,for most of the regulars and would be buyers have gone. I have stopped purchasing from them.They are the losers now. Cliff N Scale Layout: http://cliffordconceicao3310.fotopic.net/c328807.html Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 19, 2004 7:02 PM The other thing is, in reality the vast majority of us hobbiests walk into the LHS with $10-$50 bucks to spend on any given day. This is the bread and butter of the LHS, if they don't realize this, they won't be around long! Reply Edit PennsyHoosier Member sinceOctober 2004 From: Northern Indiana 1,000 posts Posted by PennsyHoosier on Thursday, November 18, 2004 9:47 PM The basic point is this: PEOPLE ARE POLICY. If a LHS has people who are interested in helping their clientele, then, all things being equal, they will do well. If they have a bunch of drips working for them, not even good prices will get them out of the hole they dig for themselves. I can't remember if I said PEOPLE ARE POLICY! [:D] Lawrence, The Pennsy Hoosier Reply tatans Member sinceMay 2004 4,115 posts Posted by tatans on Thursday, November 18, 2004 9:37 PM Originally posted by orsonroy Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. Try this: spend $100 a week at the store for a few months, and then see if the help's attitude improves. Guess what; it will. You're actually a preferred customer now. ........................................................................................................................................................... A $100 a week?? A $100 aweek?? who in the real world could possibly afford $100 a week on a hobby, or anything else, I hope this is a joke. I refuse to lower myself to the same level as these money-grubbing weasels, it sort of the same as buying your friends. and I would NOT do the same as a retailer. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 7:46 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by orsonroy Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. Orsonroy and I usually don't disagree on much, however, his statement here is what I feel is one of the larger problems with the US today! If this is how businesses will be run in America, America's time as the world leader in business, is over! If a business is run well, it can't afford a single disappointed or unhappy customer, as business stays business as long as there are happy customers. Eventually, we all may walk into a store with $1,000.00 to spend! If I haven't been treated well with $25.00 in my pocket in the past, why would I put up with ill treatment with $1,000.00? Reply Edit bawbyk Member sinceNovember 2003 22 posts Posted by bawbyk on Thursday, November 18, 2004 7:24 PM What I can't figure out is why you made the purchase and then decided not to go back their again..... I would have left what I had on the counter and walked out. Big or small, all purchases should be the same to a retailer -- they can't tell what you are going to spend until you finish looking. Reminds me onf the time I went into a 'Future Shop' (Canadian version of Best Buy) -- one of the sales staff approached me and I told him I was looking for a mouse for a PC and a mouse pad. He didn't lose interest in me -- and he didn't realize until he finished with me that I was going to leave the store with over $3000 in goods. A good commission on his part from what started out to look not too promising... Needless to say I want back there many times... Reply dragenrider Member sinceMay 2003 From: Ozark Mountains 1,167 posts Posted by dragenrider on Thursday, November 18, 2004 7:11 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by chutton01 QUOTE: Originally posted by dragenrider It was all I could do to keep from blurting out that he needed to take three steps-- 1) Sell something people want! Not old rejected crap leftovers! If it didn't sell up north, it sure won't sell down here in the poor south! 2) Unpack your boxes! If I can't see it, I can't buy it! 3) If you serious about your shop, get it out of this tiny village's forgotten downtown and on the side of a highway or major road! That or advertise! So, why didn't you. Yes, usually butting into other's people business is a really bad idea, but in this case you could offer you advice (perhaps wording #1 differently, like have a giant remaindered-table sale of the old stuff) and see if he wants to listen or not. I get the feeling that he wouldn't listen and all I would do is hurt his feelings. I respect my elders, so the last thing I want to do I condemn something they evidently love-even if they are doing it poorly. Plus, I'm not known for tact or diplomacy, which would just have made things worse. [:(] If I go back, I may give it a shot, though. The Cedar Branch & Western--The Hillbilly Line! Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 3:11 PM We in the Philadelphia area used to have some very good hobby shops. Todds at 69st in Upper Darby, Allied which had many stores, Broshes which was in Collingdale was a family run hobby shop. All are gone now. Reply Edit chutton01 Member sinceDecember 2001 3,139 posts Posted by chutton01 on Thursday, November 18, 2004 3:00 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by dragenrider It was all I could do to keep from blurting out that he needed to take three steps-- 1) Sell something people want! Not old rejected crap leftovers! If it didn't sell up north, it sure won't sell down here in the poor south! 2) Unpack your boxes! If I can't see it, I can't buy it! 3) If you serious about your shop, get it out of this tiny village's forgotten downtown and on the side of a highway or major road! That or advertise! So, why didn't you. Yes, usually butting into other's people business is a really bad idea, but in this case you could offer you advice (perhaps wording #1 differently, like have a giant remaindered-table sale of the old stuff) and see if he wants to listen or not. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 2:17 PM HERE IS ONE FOR YOU. THE HOBBY SHOP IS "LOCO LEWIE" IN HOLMES PA. THIS SHOP I WILL GO IN AND ASK IF THEY HAVE A MODEL. NO SAID THE SALESMAN AND THE MODEL IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE. THIS HAPPEN EVERYTIME I GO IN THE STORE. Reply Edit mustanggt Member sinceOctober 2002 From: Massachusetts 664 posts Posted by mustanggt on Thursday, November 18, 2004 2:09 PM My LHS is so-so. they can be curtious, while other times complete jerks.Once I wanted some lift rings or something and they said "we dont sell those". but c'mon, the biggest hobby store in the boston area and they dont have them?but another time one time I went in for HO grab irons and and another guy picked them right out of a drawer behind the counter for me. C280 rollin' Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 12:27 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by HighIron2003ar ... I recall a store in Gettysburg called "Gilbert's" it was a unassuming store and once you elbowed your way in and was confronted with floor to ceiling shelves crammed with everything... it is sometimes overwhelming. Eventually the owner would discover you hovering at the front door debating if want to continue deeper into the malestrom of models and detail parts etc the booming greeting and handshake dispels that fear rather quickly. You could name the most obscure lost wax superdetail part that has been OOP for 20 years and he would go straight to the proper drawer stacked onto other drawers bulging with yellowed bags (Age) holding the part you asked for. ".75 cents and will that be all?" usually it is not as you realize that you are in paradise and want to discover what else could be lurking that may be the "Must have" item for your layout. That store is no longer there. I think the greater horror would be that people will no longer open and maintain "Hobby shops" 20 years from now. To me that would be very horrifying. THANK GOD Tommy Gilbert's is still there. I just called them to be sure (717)337-1992. I'm from Texas and have gone to the battlefield just so we could stop by Gilberts. It's awsome, If you're into brass take a lot of money. They have anything old that you could possably want. Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY Bob Reply Edit dragenrider Member sinceMay 2003 From: Ozark Mountains 1,167 posts Posted by dragenrider on Thursday, November 18, 2004 11:05 AM Excellent story, Roadtrp. There is a lot of truth to that. I can't say I have a horror story, but I do have a rather sad one. In a small town nearby, a semi-retired gentleman has opened a part time railroad/RC hobby store. He brought all his store inventory down south from his previous store somewhere up in the cold north. I stopped by his store and visited the first time six months ago. While there, I saw he had lots of "stuff". It all appeared to be things he couldn't sell when he closed his previous shop. His cans of paint were soiled and sported faded labels, the glue look congealed, the train track rusty, etc. None of his merchandise was less than 20 years old! [:O] He kept talking about all the other items he had boxed up he wanted to put out. Seeing nothing I needed, I left. Recently I made my second visit. Nothing had changed. The "stuff" aka "junk" was still there along with numerous packed boxes, a few sporting interesting looking items poking out the top. The old owner bemoaned the fact that nothing was selling. It was all I could do to keep from blurting out that he needed to take three steps-- 1) Sell something people want! Not old rejected crap leftovers! If it didn't sell up north, it sure won't sell down here in the poor south! 2) Unpack your boxes! If I can't see it, I can't buy it! 3) If you serious about your shop, get it out of this tiny village's forgotten downtown and on the side of a highway or major road! That or advertise! I like visiting with the old gentleman and I understand his store is just a diversion for him. He totters around with his cane and bemoans that youngsters steal his paint cans. (wonder why?) But, if he is serious enough to open the shop, he should be serious enough to market it properly. The Cedar Branch & Western--The Hillbilly Line! Reply jfugate Member sinceJanuary 2002 From: Portland, OR 3,119 posts Posted by jfugate on Thursday, November 18, 2004 10:54 AM Not all LHS are like this. My LHS has friendly, helpful people. They are usually packed any time I go in there, yet are willing to ask if I need any help even when I'm just standing looking at the magazines section. You find all kinds. I don't take it personally if someone treats me less than ideal. I actually expect that as the norm. Then when I am treated well, it makes my day because I don't really expect all that much ... some people have hard lives so I prefer to cut folks some slack. Life's too short to let someone's less-than-ideal behavior get to you. Go enjoy your trains and don't worrry about it! Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 10:53 AM Well, I have to say that the hobby shops in Chicago and surrounding areas are pretty good. I've been to all of them at one time or another and haven't had any problems. Oh, by the way, STEAK AND SHAKE IS THE BEST.[C=:-)] Reply Edit Roadtrp Member sinceNovember 2003 760 posts Posted by Roadtrp on Thursday, November 18, 2004 10:41 AM QUOTE: Originally posted by orsonroy Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. I completely disagree with that statement. My brother-in-law is the top salesman at a Ford Dealership. He does almost TWICE the volume of their next best salesman. One day I was there to see him and he was dealing with a customer. She had come in a car that looked to be at least 20 years old and in terrible shape. She was dressed like she didn't have a nickel to her name. She was looking to buy a new car. My brother-in-law (Jim) treated her the same way as if she had driven up in a new Lincoln. He spent about 45 minutes working with her to get a deal she thought she could afford and working with the dealership finance guy to try and find someone who would make the loan. As expected no one would make the loan. He told this to the woman and she said she understood, but that she really appreciated him trying so hard to help her. When she was gone I asked Jim why he had spent so much time with her. I said it was apparent from the moment she walked in that she couldn't afford to buy a bicycle, much less a new car. Jim said "Jerry, of course I knew that. But I also knew that she probably knows lots of people that CAN afford to buy a new car." I knew at that moment exactly WHY Jim was the top salesman in the dealership. [:)] -Jerry Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 10:18 AM EGMURPHY thanks for the link,/D_Davis i agree with your anger I to don't believe in having a problem right out of the box.what happens if you need to do maintence or some future upgrade to that engine and you need to take the screw out.Doesen't really matter if you never need to take the screw out I think it was a poor fix and they should exchange the engine or give you a total refund.By the way did they ever do anything else to resolve the problem.I have often thought of opening a Hobby shop but my mech.knowledge is limited and could not give the customer the kind of service that I expect from the people that I buy from.If I ever could one thing is for sure I would treat everyone who comes through my door with respect, and try to offer the best possible service.,no matter the size of their wallet. Reply Edit mondotrains Member sinceApril 2004 From: Connecticut 724 posts Posted by mondotrains on Thursday, November 18, 2004 9:34 AM Hi, If you watch some of those reality shows on television, you'll see a real good cross-section of the American population and as for me, I don't like what I see. There's usually the lazy young guy or gal, who sits around looking pretty and basically is worthless. Then, there's the middle-aged folks, wondering why those young folks are worthless, while they do all the work. Last, you have an older person or two, who generally has the life experience to take charge, wondering why nobody seems to take anything seriously and won't listen to reason and common sense. Well, folks. Then we wonder why the jobs have gone overseas. Americans have spent the last 40 years figuring out how to do less and less on the job....taking more breaks, working less and sloppy, and certainly not taking responsibility for their actions. The other day I heard a kid in the produce section of a local supermarket telling a co-worker, so customers could hear him, that he "does as little as possible at his job" because for $10.00 per hour, what should "they" expect. Well, this kid is lucky because there is no way someone in China, who would be happy to work for that hourly rate, can take his job stocking produce. However, most of our manufacturing companies, including MR manufacturers, have figured out that adding the cost of a boat ride to their products from China is still cheaper than trying to get a lazy idiot like the one at the supermarket to manufacture their products efficiently and properly. I too have had difficulty with local hobby shops. Some guys think all they have to do is open a store and sit back and watch the money roll in. Personally, I think that's why the internet is so great. You don't have to deal with a fool face to face and the prices can be a lot cheaper because there is less cost, not having to hire someone like the "produce" guy I mentioned. Well, enough of my cynicism. Life is short....so play trains. Mondo Mondo Reply orsonroy Member sinceMarch 2002 From: Elgin, IL 3,677 posts Posted by orsonroy on Thursday, November 18, 2004 8:59 AM Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. Try this: spend $100 a week at the store for a few months, and then see if the help's attitude improves. Guess what; it will. You're actually a preferred customer now. Or try this: go into a busy gas station one day in grubby work clothes, and go again in about a week in a suit. See how different you get treated. Heck, the last time I had enough scratch to pay for a new living room set in CASH, I deliberately went looking so-so, just so the salesmen wouldn't bug me. Imaging the difference in their attitudes once I whipped out a bankroll and wanted to talk prices and delivery schedules! Everyone in this country is equal in the eyes of the law, not in the eyes of the almighty dollar. Spend big, or look like you can, and you get treated MUCH better than if you look like a soup line escapee. That's the way it's been here for hundreds of years, and that's the way it's going to be for a LONG time to come. Frankly, I don't have a problem with that. Ray Breyer Modeling the NKP's Peoria Division, circa 1943 Reply egmurphy Member sinceJanuary 2003 From: Mexico 2,629 posts Posted by egmurphy on Thursday, November 18, 2004 8:40 AM QUOTE: I tried to find it maybe I am not searching right or something. Here's the link: http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24190 Bottom line is that anyone can have a bad experience with a vendor, whether it's internet or LHS. railguyho had a bad experience with Loy's. I don't know them but some of my friends who do deal with them think they walk on water. On the other hand, railguyho likes Internet trains. Turns out D_Davis's post is all about bad service from Internet Trains. I suspect that there are some really bad outfits out there, but by and large I believe it's a matter of bad luck that some orders just go wrong. The best owner/employee can have a bad day and come across badly to a customer. Obviously that's jmho. Regards Ed The Rail Images Page of Ed Murphy "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home." - James Michener Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 8:10 AM QUOTE: Originally posted by D_Davis You should read my post titled "TOOMUCH TO ASK",addm internet purchase. And find out you get treated when they can't make eye contact. I tried to find it maybe I am not searching right or something.I have had very good luck buying on line, Internet Trains,Tonys,and E-bay,The one exception was LOYS when they did the dcc instlattion on my Intermountain F7"s was not at all impressed with their service.If my LHS could come close to the prices that I can get elsewhere I would support them without a dought,even if they would attempt to compromise a little on the price would be ok,and I wouldn't have to wait on shipping.I usually buy atleast one new engine every other month thats between $250-400 the LHS could allmost count on.But I want the best deal that I can find for my money.I think there is good and bad in everything but as a customer if I don't feel that I was treated right I take my money elsewhere, afterall it's my money. Reply Edit Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 7:36 AM You should read my post titled "TOOMUCH TO ASK",addm internet purchase. And find out you get treated when they can't make eye contact. Reply Edit Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 6:52 AM When i first started in this hobby a couple years ago,because there is only one hobby shop close I would put up with poor service just to get what I wanted often paid too much just so I didn't have to drive two hours to another town.Now allmost all my major buying is on the internet.I use my LHS for small detailing items, supplies.I try to spend alittle money there way ,but for engines you can allmost allways find a better price shopping on the internet.But I do miss the conversation with the older customers that allways seemed to be there and were allways ready to share their stories and advice. Reply Edit Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 6:16 AM [tup] Reply Edit CP5415 Member sinceJuly 2003 From: Whitby, ON 2,594 posts Posted by CP5415 on Thursday, November 18, 2004 5:39 AM Hey, I've had hobby-shop horror's as well. I believe I've noted this before but I called a well established hobby shop in downtown Toronto looking for something specific. This place had been there for years. Anyway, I had called looking for a specific item. No other hobby shop carried this piece in stock so when I called, this shop said they keep it & that they had one in stock. I had mentioned that I was coming in from out of town & he said, "no problem, we have it!" So I drive from the burbs, to downtown Toronto (an hour drive on a good day) only to find out that that they had sold the piece I was looking for a week before & hadn't got it back in stock yet! Let's just say as Marvin the Martian would say "You've made me very angry!" I have not stepped foot in that store again & probably will never again. Gordon Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H! K1a - all the way Reply AntonioFP45 Member sinceDecember 2003 From: Good ol' USA 9,642 posts Posted by AntonioFP45 on Thursday, November 18, 2004 5:12 AM Tatans, It would have been a good idea to write a letter to the manager or owner stating your dissappointment with the exceptionally poor service. BTW: What is the name of this business? "I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!" Reply krump Member sinceAugust 2003 From: Beautiful BC 897 posts Posted by krump on Thursday, November 18, 2004 1:08 AM Earlier this year I discovered On30. When I went to a reputable LHS in the city I was baffled by the poor customer service received. Upon entering the store, I introduced myself as a member of the model r/r club (one that they were particularly familiar with and offer discounts to) in a distant town, and had club greetings. Basic small-talk. My first question was to ask if they had any On30 trains in stock - yes, over there (with a general wave and a nod) - I was the only customer in the store at the time... all the packages (except one) were sealed in plastic wrap - in the green boxes, no picture - had only a vague idea of content. I selected the previously opened box - as the clerk had not bothered to assist me (which would have been a fine offer), but rather continued with coffee and chatter with owner / partner, I moved the box 3 ft over to a flat surface (the only one visible) so that I could carefully inspect the contents of the $200 package. THAT is when I was stopped, prevented from continuing, shop owner insisted that they open the package for me --- I felt like a 3 yr old being told not to touch the crystal stemware, not the 40 yr old with a stable govt job and sufficient income to cover damages (accidental or deliberate) --- either way I won't be spending money there, or windowshopping / impulse buying in that store... cheers, krump "TRAIN up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" ... Proverbs 22:6 Reply vsmith Member sinceDecember 2001 From: Smoggy L.A. 10,743 posts Posted by vsmith on Thursday, November 18, 2004 12:39 AM CJ's is really good for a large chain, but Tommy Burgers are unreal....In-n-Out Double-Double is a very very close second. And I've eaten across the country, from Whataburger to those little hockey puck Sliders at White Castle. Any visit to L.A. is not complete without a trip to the shack on Rampart and Beverly Blvd for a double chilicheeseburger and a side of chili fries. In-n-Out has THE BEST french fries on EARTH, nothing i've ever had compares to them... Just realized this post should be over on the diner thread, we've kinda hijacked this thread... I have posted many times my bad experiences with hobby shops, almost all were almost 20 years ago in a LHS far far away and now defunct. this is where one oldster after looking at my kitbashed HOn30 engine and said I might be better at knitting or something to that effect. it really was a poor model but thats hardly a way to encourage a newbie. I dont let it get to me anymore. i figure its my responsibility to educate myself via mags and internet as to what products I'm interested in. I dont like asking questions at some LHS so I just get in, get what i want, and get out. Others i can talk more freely. Its not common for the shops to be too friendly. Thieir always has been a Old Guard at some stores, i have been going to one shop for almost 10 years but i'm still just a customer, not on a first name basis, doubt i ever will (a wrong scale freelancer, the kiss of death). Have fun with your trains Reply 12 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! Login Register Users Online There are no community member online Search the Community ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Model Railroader Newsletter See all Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox! Sign up
Originally posted by orsonroy Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. Try this: spend $100 a week at the store for a few months, and then see if the help's attitude improves. Guess what; it will. You're actually a preferred customer now. ........................................................................................................................................................... A $100 a week?? A $100 aweek?? who in the real world could possibly afford $100 a week on a hobby, or anything else, I hope this is a joke. I refuse to lower myself to the same level as these money-grubbing weasels, it sort of the same as buying your friends. and I would NOT do the same as a retailer.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
Originally posted by orsonroy Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. Try this: spend $100 a week at the store for a few months, and then see if the help's attitude improves. Guess what; it will. You're actually a preferred customer now. ........................................................................................................................................................... A $100 a week?? A $100 aweek?? who in the real world could possibly afford $100 a week on a hobby, or anything else, I hope this is a joke. I refuse to lower myself to the same level as these money-grubbing weasels, it sort of the same as buying your friends. and I would NOT do the same as a retailer. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 7:46 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by orsonroy Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. Orsonroy and I usually don't disagree on much, however, his statement here is what I feel is one of the larger problems with the US today! If this is how businesses will be run in America, America's time as the world leader in business, is over! If a business is run well, it can't afford a single disappointed or unhappy customer, as business stays business as long as there are happy customers. Eventually, we all may walk into a store with $1,000.00 to spend! If I haven't been treated well with $25.00 in my pocket in the past, why would I put up with ill treatment with $1,000.00? Reply Edit bawbyk Member sinceNovember 2003 22 posts Posted by bawbyk on Thursday, November 18, 2004 7:24 PM What I can't figure out is why you made the purchase and then decided not to go back their again..... I would have left what I had on the counter and walked out. Big or small, all purchases should be the same to a retailer -- they can't tell what you are going to spend until you finish looking. Reminds me onf the time I went into a 'Future Shop' (Canadian version of Best Buy) -- one of the sales staff approached me and I told him I was looking for a mouse for a PC and a mouse pad. He didn't lose interest in me -- and he didn't realize until he finished with me that I was going to leave the store with over $3000 in goods. A good commission on his part from what started out to look not too promising... Needless to say I want back there many times... Reply dragenrider Member sinceMay 2003 From: Ozark Mountains 1,167 posts Posted by dragenrider on Thursday, November 18, 2004 7:11 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by chutton01 QUOTE: Originally posted by dragenrider It was all I could do to keep from blurting out that he needed to take three steps-- 1) Sell something people want! Not old rejected crap leftovers! If it didn't sell up north, it sure won't sell down here in the poor south! 2) Unpack your boxes! If I can't see it, I can't buy it! 3) If you serious about your shop, get it out of this tiny village's forgotten downtown and on the side of a highway or major road! That or advertise! So, why didn't you. Yes, usually butting into other's people business is a really bad idea, but in this case you could offer you advice (perhaps wording #1 differently, like have a giant remaindered-table sale of the old stuff) and see if he wants to listen or not. I get the feeling that he wouldn't listen and all I would do is hurt his feelings. I respect my elders, so the last thing I want to do I condemn something they evidently love-even if they are doing it poorly. Plus, I'm not known for tact or diplomacy, which would just have made things worse. [:(] If I go back, I may give it a shot, though. The Cedar Branch & Western--The Hillbilly Line! Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 3:11 PM We in the Philadelphia area used to have some very good hobby shops. Todds at 69st in Upper Darby, Allied which had many stores, Broshes which was in Collingdale was a family run hobby shop. All are gone now. Reply Edit chutton01 Member sinceDecember 2001 3,139 posts Posted by chutton01 on Thursday, November 18, 2004 3:00 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by dragenrider It was all I could do to keep from blurting out that he needed to take three steps-- 1) Sell something people want! Not old rejected crap leftovers! If it didn't sell up north, it sure won't sell down here in the poor south! 2) Unpack your boxes! If I can't see it, I can't buy it! 3) If you serious about your shop, get it out of this tiny village's forgotten downtown and on the side of a highway or major road! That or advertise! So, why didn't you. Yes, usually butting into other's people business is a really bad idea, but in this case you could offer you advice (perhaps wording #1 differently, like have a giant remaindered-table sale of the old stuff) and see if he wants to listen or not. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 2:17 PM HERE IS ONE FOR YOU. THE HOBBY SHOP IS "LOCO LEWIE" IN HOLMES PA. THIS SHOP I WILL GO IN AND ASK IF THEY HAVE A MODEL. NO SAID THE SALESMAN AND THE MODEL IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE. THIS HAPPEN EVERYTIME I GO IN THE STORE. Reply Edit mustanggt Member sinceOctober 2002 From: Massachusetts 664 posts Posted by mustanggt on Thursday, November 18, 2004 2:09 PM My LHS is so-so. they can be curtious, while other times complete jerks.Once I wanted some lift rings or something and they said "we dont sell those". but c'mon, the biggest hobby store in the boston area and they dont have them?but another time one time I went in for HO grab irons and and another guy picked them right out of a drawer behind the counter for me. C280 rollin' Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 12:27 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by HighIron2003ar ... I recall a store in Gettysburg called "Gilbert's" it was a unassuming store and once you elbowed your way in and was confronted with floor to ceiling shelves crammed with everything... it is sometimes overwhelming. Eventually the owner would discover you hovering at the front door debating if want to continue deeper into the malestrom of models and detail parts etc the booming greeting and handshake dispels that fear rather quickly. You could name the most obscure lost wax superdetail part that has been OOP for 20 years and he would go straight to the proper drawer stacked onto other drawers bulging with yellowed bags (Age) holding the part you asked for. ".75 cents and will that be all?" usually it is not as you realize that you are in paradise and want to discover what else could be lurking that may be the "Must have" item for your layout. That store is no longer there. I think the greater horror would be that people will no longer open and maintain "Hobby shops" 20 years from now. To me that would be very horrifying. THANK GOD Tommy Gilbert's is still there. I just called them to be sure (717)337-1992. I'm from Texas and have gone to the battlefield just so we could stop by Gilberts. It's awsome, If you're into brass take a lot of money. They have anything old that you could possably want. Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY Bob Reply Edit dragenrider Member sinceMay 2003 From: Ozark Mountains 1,167 posts Posted by dragenrider on Thursday, November 18, 2004 11:05 AM Excellent story, Roadtrp. There is a lot of truth to that. I can't say I have a horror story, but I do have a rather sad one. In a small town nearby, a semi-retired gentleman has opened a part time railroad/RC hobby store. He brought all his store inventory down south from his previous store somewhere up in the cold north. I stopped by his store and visited the first time six months ago. While there, I saw he had lots of "stuff". It all appeared to be things he couldn't sell when he closed his previous shop. His cans of paint were soiled and sported faded labels, the glue look congealed, the train track rusty, etc. None of his merchandise was less than 20 years old! [:O] He kept talking about all the other items he had boxed up he wanted to put out. Seeing nothing I needed, I left. Recently I made my second visit. Nothing had changed. The "stuff" aka "junk" was still there along with numerous packed boxes, a few sporting interesting looking items poking out the top. The old owner bemoaned the fact that nothing was selling. It was all I could do to keep from blurting out that he needed to take three steps-- 1) Sell something people want! Not old rejected crap leftovers! If it didn't sell up north, it sure won't sell down here in the poor south! 2) Unpack your boxes! If I can't see it, I can't buy it! 3) If you serious about your shop, get it out of this tiny village's forgotten downtown and on the side of a highway or major road! That or advertise! I like visiting with the old gentleman and I understand his store is just a diversion for him. He totters around with his cane and bemoans that youngsters steal his paint cans. (wonder why?) But, if he is serious enough to open the shop, he should be serious enough to market it properly. The Cedar Branch & Western--The Hillbilly Line! Reply jfugate Member sinceJanuary 2002 From: Portland, OR 3,119 posts Posted by jfugate on Thursday, November 18, 2004 10:54 AM Not all LHS are like this. My LHS has friendly, helpful people. They are usually packed any time I go in there, yet are willing to ask if I need any help even when I'm just standing looking at the magazines section. You find all kinds. I don't take it personally if someone treats me less than ideal. I actually expect that as the norm. Then when I am treated well, it makes my day because I don't really expect all that much ... some people have hard lives so I prefer to cut folks some slack. Life's too short to let someone's less-than-ideal behavior get to you. Go enjoy your trains and don't worrry about it! Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 10:53 AM Well, I have to say that the hobby shops in Chicago and surrounding areas are pretty good. I've been to all of them at one time or another and haven't had any problems. Oh, by the way, STEAK AND SHAKE IS THE BEST.[C=:-)] Reply Edit Roadtrp Member sinceNovember 2003 760 posts Posted by Roadtrp on Thursday, November 18, 2004 10:41 AM QUOTE: Originally posted by orsonroy Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. I completely disagree with that statement. My brother-in-law is the top salesman at a Ford Dealership. He does almost TWICE the volume of their next best salesman. One day I was there to see him and he was dealing with a customer. She had come in a car that looked to be at least 20 years old and in terrible shape. She was dressed like she didn't have a nickel to her name. She was looking to buy a new car. My brother-in-law (Jim) treated her the same way as if she had driven up in a new Lincoln. He spent about 45 minutes working with her to get a deal she thought she could afford and working with the dealership finance guy to try and find someone who would make the loan. As expected no one would make the loan. He told this to the woman and she said she understood, but that she really appreciated him trying so hard to help her. When she was gone I asked Jim why he had spent so much time with her. I said it was apparent from the moment she walked in that she couldn't afford to buy a bicycle, much less a new car. Jim said "Jerry, of course I knew that. But I also knew that she probably knows lots of people that CAN afford to buy a new car." I knew at that moment exactly WHY Jim was the top salesman in the dealership. [:)] -Jerry Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 10:18 AM EGMURPHY thanks for the link,/D_Davis i agree with your anger I to don't believe in having a problem right out of the box.what happens if you need to do maintence or some future upgrade to that engine and you need to take the screw out.Doesen't really matter if you never need to take the screw out I think it was a poor fix and they should exchange the engine or give you a total refund.By the way did they ever do anything else to resolve the problem.I have often thought of opening a Hobby shop but my mech.knowledge is limited and could not give the customer the kind of service that I expect from the people that I buy from.If I ever could one thing is for sure I would treat everyone who comes through my door with respect, and try to offer the best possible service.,no matter the size of their wallet. Reply Edit mondotrains Member sinceApril 2004 From: Connecticut 724 posts Posted by mondotrains on Thursday, November 18, 2004 9:34 AM Hi, If you watch some of those reality shows on television, you'll see a real good cross-section of the American population and as for me, I don't like what I see. There's usually the lazy young guy or gal, who sits around looking pretty and basically is worthless. Then, there's the middle-aged folks, wondering why those young folks are worthless, while they do all the work. Last, you have an older person or two, who generally has the life experience to take charge, wondering why nobody seems to take anything seriously and won't listen to reason and common sense. Well, folks. Then we wonder why the jobs have gone overseas. Americans have spent the last 40 years figuring out how to do less and less on the job....taking more breaks, working less and sloppy, and certainly not taking responsibility for their actions. The other day I heard a kid in the produce section of a local supermarket telling a co-worker, so customers could hear him, that he "does as little as possible at his job" because for $10.00 per hour, what should "they" expect. Well, this kid is lucky because there is no way someone in China, who would be happy to work for that hourly rate, can take his job stocking produce. However, most of our manufacturing companies, including MR manufacturers, have figured out that adding the cost of a boat ride to their products from China is still cheaper than trying to get a lazy idiot like the one at the supermarket to manufacture their products efficiently and properly. I too have had difficulty with local hobby shops. Some guys think all they have to do is open a store and sit back and watch the money roll in. Personally, I think that's why the internet is so great. You don't have to deal with a fool face to face and the prices can be a lot cheaper because there is less cost, not having to hire someone like the "produce" guy I mentioned. Well, enough of my cynicism. Life is short....so play trains. Mondo Mondo Reply orsonroy Member sinceMarch 2002 From: Elgin, IL 3,677 posts Posted by orsonroy on Thursday, November 18, 2004 8:59 AM Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business. Try this: spend $100 a week at the store for a few months, and then see if the help's attitude improves. Guess what; it will. You're actually a preferred customer now. Or try this: go into a busy gas station one day in grubby work clothes, and go again in about a week in a suit. See how different you get treated. Heck, the last time I had enough scratch to pay for a new living room set in CASH, I deliberately went looking so-so, just so the salesmen wouldn't bug me. Imaging the difference in their attitudes once I whipped out a bankroll and wanted to talk prices and delivery schedules! Everyone in this country is equal in the eyes of the law, not in the eyes of the almighty dollar. Spend big, or look like you can, and you get treated MUCH better than if you look like a soup line escapee. That's the way it's been here for hundreds of years, and that's the way it's going to be for a LONG time to come. Frankly, I don't have a problem with that. Ray Breyer Modeling the NKP's Peoria Division, circa 1943 Reply egmurphy Member sinceJanuary 2003 From: Mexico 2,629 posts Posted by egmurphy on Thursday, November 18, 2004 8:40 AM QUOTE: I tried to find it maybe I am not searching right or something. Here's the link: http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24190 Bottom line is that anyone can have a bad experience with a vendor, whether it's internet or LHS. railguyho had a bad experience with Loy's. I don't know them but some of my friends who do deal with them think they walk on water. On the other hand, railguyho likes Internet trains. Turns out D_Davis's post is all about bad service from Internet Trains. I suspect that there are some really bad outfits out there, but by and large I believe it's a matter of bad luck that some orders just go wrong. The best owner/employee can have a bad day and come across badly to a customer. Obviously that's jmho. Regards Ed The Rail Images Page of Ed Murphy "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home." - James Michener Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 8:10 AM QUOTE: Originally posted by D_Davis You should read my post titled "TOOMUCH TO ASK",addm internet purchase. And find out you get treated when they can't make eye contact. I tried to find it maybe I am not searching right or something.I have had very good luck buying on line, Internet Trains,Tonys,and E-bay,The one exception was LOYS when they did the dcc instlattion on my Intermountain F7"s was not at all impressed with their service.If my LHS could come close to the prices that I can get elsewhere I would support them without a dought,even if they would attempt to compromise a little on the price would be ok,and I wouldn't have to wait on shipping.I usually buy atleast one new engine every other month thats between $250-400 the LHS could allmost count on.But I want the best deal that I can find for my money.I think there is good and bad in everything but as a customer if I don't feel that I was treated right I take my money elsewhere, afterall it's my money. Reply Edit Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 7:36 AM You should read my post titled "TOOMUCH TO ASK",addm internet purchase. And find out you get treated when they can't make eye contact. Reply Edit Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 6:52 AM When i first started in this hobby a couple years ago,because there is only one hobby shop close I would put up with poor service just to get what I wanted often paid too much just so I didn't have to drive two hours to another town.Now allmost all my major buying is on the internet.I use my LHS for small detailing items, supplies.I try to spend alittle money there way ,but for engines you can allmost allways find a better price shopping on the internet.But I do miss the conversation with the older customers that allways seemed to be there and were allways ready to share their stories and advice. Reply Edit Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 6:16 AM [tup] Reply Edit CP5415 Member sinceJuly 2003 From: Whitby, ON 2,594 posts Posted by CP5415 on Thursday, November 18, 2004 5:39 AM Hey, I've had hobby-shop horror's as well. I believe I've noted this before but I called a well established hobby shop in downtown Toronto looking for something specific. This place had been there for years. Anyway, I had called looking for a specific item. No other hobby shop carried this piece in stock so when I called, this shop said they keep it & that they had one in stock. I had mentioned that I was coming in from out of town & he said, "no problem, we have it!" So I drive from the burbs, to downtown Toronto (an hour drive on a good day) only to find out that that they had sold the piece I was looking for a week before & hadn't got it back in stock yet! Let's just say as Marvin the Martian would say "You've made me very angry!" I have not stepped foot in that store again & probably will never again. Gordon Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H! K1a - all the way Reply AntonioFP45 Member sinceDecember 2003 From: Good ol' USA 9,642 posts Posted by AntonioFP45 on Thursday, November 18, 2004 5:12 AM Tatans, It would have been a good idea to write a letter to the manager or owner stating your dissappointment with the exceptionally poor service. BTW: What is the name of this business? "I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!" Reply krump Member sinceAugust 2003 From: Beautiful BC 897 posts Posted by krump on Thursday, November 18, 2004 1:08 AM Earlier this year I discovered On30. When I went to a reputable LHS in the city I was baffled by the poor customer service received. Upon entering the store, I introduced myself as a member of the model r/r club (one that they were particularly familiar with and offer discounts to) in a distant town, and had club greetings. Basic small-talk. My first question was to ask if they had any On30 trains in stock - yes, over there (with a general wave and a nod) - I was the only customer in the store at the time... all the packages (except one) were sealed in plastic wrap - in the green boxes, no picture - had only a vague idea of content. I selected the previously opened box - as the clerk had not bothered to assist me (which would have been a fine offer), but rather continued with coffee and chatter with owner / partner, I moved the box 3 ft over to a flat surface (the only one visible) so that I could carefully inspect the contents of the $200 package. THAT is when I was stopped, prevented from continuing, shop owner insisted that they open the package for me --- I felt like a 3 yr old being told not to touch the crystal stemware, not the 40 yr old with a stable govt job and sufficient income to cover damages (accidental or deliberate) --- either way I won't be spending money there, or windowshopping / impulse buying in that store... cheers, krump "TRAIN up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" ... Proverbs 22:6 Reply vsmith Member sinceDecember 2001 From: Smoggy L.A. 10,743 posts Posted by vsmith on Thursday, November 18, 2004 12:39 AM CJ's is really good for a large chain, but Tommy Burgers are unreal....In-n-Out Double-Double is a very very close second. And I've eaten across the country, from Whataburger to those little hockey puck Sliders at White Castle. Any visit to L.A. is not complete without a trip to the shack on Rampart and Beverly Blvd for a double chilicheeseburger and a side of chili fries. In-n-Out has THE BEST french fries on EARTH, nothing i've ever had compares to them... Just realized this post should be over on the diner thread, we've kinda hijacked this thread... I have posted many times my bad experiences with hobby shops, almost all were almost 20 years ago in a LHS far far away and now defunct. this is where one oldster after looking at my kitbashed HOn30 engine and said I might be better at knitting or something to that effect. it really was a poor model but thats hardly a way to encourage a newbie. I dont let it get to me anymore. i figure its my responsibility to educate myself via mags and internet as to what products I'm interested in. I dont like asking questions at some LHS so I just get in, get what i want, and get out. Others i can talk more freely. Its not common for the shops to be too friendly. Thieir always has been a Old Guard at some stores, i have been going to one shop for almost 10 years but i'm still just a customer, not on a first name basis, doubt i ever will (a wrong scale freelancer, the kiss of death). Have fun with your trains Reply 12 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! Login Register Users Online There are no community member online Search the Community ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Model Railroader Newsletter See all Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox! Sign up
QUOTE: Originally posted by chutton01 QUOTE: Originally posted by dragenrider It was all I could do to keep from blurting out that he needed to take three steps-- 1) Sell something people want! Not old rejected crap leftovers! If it didn't sell up north, it sure won't sell down here in the poor south! 2) Unpack your boxes! If I can't see it, I can't buy it! 3) If you serious about your shop, get it out of this tiny village's forgotten downtown and on the side of a highway or major road! That or advertise! So, why didn't you. Yes, usually butting into other's people business is a really bad idea, but in this case you could offer you advice (perhaps wording #1 differently, like have a giant remaindered-table sale of the old stuff) and see if he wants to listen or not.
QUOTE: Originally posted by dragenrider It was all I could do to keep from blurting out that he needed to take three steps-- 1) Sell something people want! Not old rejected crap leftovers! If it didn't sell up north, it sure won't sell down here in the poor south! 2) Unpack your boxes! If I can't see it, I can't buy it! 3) If you serious about your shop, get it out of this tiny village's forgotten downtown and on the side of a highway or major road! That or advertise!
The Cedar Branch & Western--The Hillbilly Line!
QUOTE: Originally posted by HighIron2003ar ... I recall a store in Gettysburg called "Gilbert's" it was a unassuming store and once you elbowed your way in and was confronted with floor to ceiling shelves crammed with everything... it is sometimes overwhelming. Eventually the owner would discover you hovering at the front door debating if want to continue deeper into the malestrom of models and detail parts etc the booming greeting and handshake dispels that fear rather quickly. You could name the most obscure lost wax superdetail part that has been OOP for 20 years and he would go straight to the proper drawer stacked onto other drawers bulging with yellowed bags (Age) holding the part you asked for. ".75 cents and will that be all?" usually it is not as you realize that you are in paradise and want to discover what else could be lurking that may be the "Must have" item for your layout. That store is no longer there. I think the greater horror would be that people will no longer open and maintain "Hobby shops" 20 years from now. To me that would be very horrifying.
Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon
QUOTE: Originally posted by orsonroy Welcome to the wonderful world of capitalism. Basically, the guy was spending more time and effort on someone who could drop $1000, rather than on someone who was spending $50? How does THAT surprise you? I'd do the same thing, and so would you if you were a retailer. It's called staying in business.
Ray Breyer
Modeling the NKP's Peoria Division, circa 1943
QUOTE: I tried to find it maybe I am not searching right or something.
QUOTE: Originally posted by D_Davis You should read my post titled "TOOMUCH TO ASK",addm internet purchase. And find out you get treated when they can't make eye contact.
Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!
K1a - all the way
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
cheers, krump
"TRAIN up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" ... Proverbs 22:6
Have fun with your trains