Attention LHS owners

[Anonymous]

My LHS is about 5-10 minutes away, Mikes Scale Rails and he and his wife are great people. They have 2 retired model railroaders and from the day I walked in, they greated me and talked shop. All of them do, infact they remembered my name and I forgot theirs, though both retired guys are named Bill so that helps [;)]

While he doesn't carry all the N scale stuff I want, he will order for me, and I don't have to pre-pay, and usually get a discount.

We have 2 other shops in town, HobbyTown USA, maybe 10 N scale engines and nothing in the way of rolling stock or buildings, but a great styrene selection. The other shop is a little shop that has been around for 100 years or so it seems, the owner passed away 10 years ago, and back when he was around, he too was great, carried a lot of N but with his passing his wife has not done much, though I have found OOP items from 5 years ago, usually with a good layer of dust, but still the 5 year ago price. I tried to stop the other day but she was closed, not sure if she is even in business, she didn't look well.

I am lucky to have Mike's shop to visit. Even if they don't have what I want, I buy something, a mag, paint, styrene or something to show my thanks for being in town. I have had engines fail after a week, and I can return it for a brand spanking new one, even if the owner is out. That to me speaks volumes. I feel for the guys that don't have a close and freindly shop.

Ah off to operate some unit trains, been a few days...

[lesterperry]

There has been a lot said here lately about LHS. I feel we need to speak up as customers. I hope you are listening or reading.
I love the LHS As I wrote in another subject i just recently lost my LHS the owner passed away. I think all of the modelers in this area would agree it was a great LHS.

So what made it so great?
1 He didn't close at 5:00, we all work and can't always get there before 5:00

2 He knew the customer and what they modeled.

3 He watched out for good deals he thought we might be interested in. Then
he would call us at home to tell us, not as a salesman but a friend.

4 He wasn't afraid to visit your home layout.

5 He repaired on site sometimes / usually while you wait & watch (learning oppertunity).

6 He had a pay in advance or credit system. I could go in and put money on the books for a future purchase . Not a layaway but an account to draw off of.

7 Prices were very competitive

8 Speaking of prices some Items had no or very little mark up / proffit. He sold K-Dees and flex track at his cost or close to it. This got people in then they would purchase other stuff which was more profitable. I mean would you rather make $1 on a pack of K-dees or $40.00 on a locomative.

8 Orders were placed rapidly. I could inquire about something on Monday and have it in my hand Thursday.

9 He was my friend and I was his friend not a customer