Hobby Stores not running there trains!!!!

[johnjay2]

 

On Satruday I brought my son to train hobby store due to the fact that I got a post card from them advertising there  big early holiday sale. When we got to the store once again my son was disappionted that even though this store has 3 different layouts not one was actually running a train. When I inquired as to why they dont run trains they just brushed me off. Needless to say we left that shop drove another twenty miles to a shop that a buddy of mine told me about. This hobby store had a beautifull layout and it was running. My son  was so excited to see the big train running and the fact that there were buttons he could press to operate different pieces of equipment brought a huge smile to his face.On  the way out I met the owner of the store and thanked him for making my sons day to which he replied thanks for your purchase. So a message to hobby store owners, if you disappiont children you will lose sales. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[rtraincollector]

Due to noise the hobby shop I use to help out in would turn trains off but if a child entered the store or a customer wanted to see a train run they were up and running instantly.

To me thats why we go there to see what we want to buy and if we don't see them running or brush you off theres more somewhere . I would drive 50 miles if I got better customer service.

[jonadel]

You did the right thing, take your money where they appreciate you. Pi$$ on the fools that think it's to loud, what are they thinking?

[Buckeye Riveter]

You did the right thing, take your money where they appreciate you. Pi$$ on the fools that think it's to loud, what are they thinking?

 

[jefelectric]

I agree.  One of my LHS has a layout that I helped set up and wire.  When the owner is busy with a customer and a kid comes in, when I am there, I start up the trains and run them for him.  That is why they have a layout in the store.   Usually have them running a train with DCS before they leave.  Kids take to that game controler style handheld with almost no instruction.

[dwiemer]

Some shops have a layout because Lionel requires it for VA dealers.  Not sure what MTH and the others require, but I know about the big L.  The reason they want the layout is that it actually does make a difference in sales.  I guess some folks just don't get it and can't be bothered.  I know Hollash's trains down in Florida has a operating layout that has a section that enters the owner's house.  He will start it up and let you follow right into the house.  He will show the kids and make sure they have fun too.  I think he'd do it regardless of the sale, just to see the kids face when the train ran.  I also know my favorite shop up in NJ, The Train-Station, the guys will go around with you and show the you and the kids the trains running and they have all the push buttons for the accessories for the kids to press.  They encourage the visitors to be hands on and not only see the trains but learn about them and run them.  I think successful train stores know this and that is why they stay in business.

Dennis 

[kpolak]

Our Riders shop, while have a 'ok' selection of trains, their specialty is R/C, they have the Thomas board for the kids to play with..that way Dad can get his shopping done, and everyone is happy!  That's why I keep going there.

Kurt

[Anonymous]

ALL of the LHSs in the area usually do not have theirs running all the time... reason is the electricity costs too much, but if asked they will turn them on.  One place is rewiring their layout so that all you have to do is press a button and the trains will run (as long as the button is pressed), or they can go manual and control it themselves either conventional or via the remote.

[brianel027]

I had a similar experience years ago, when I took a friend's boy to a train shop with me. They had a small display layout and the boy asked to see the trains run. The owner not only said no, but he was rather gruff about it too. When we left the shop (without me making a purchase I will add) I told the disappointed boy "that shop is going out of business." He asked how did I know that, and I told him I just did. And I was right. They did go out of business within the year.

An operating layout is only a small part of the business. On the surface, it might cost more to have and run than it might immediately seem worthy. Yet in the long run, they do help to make sales. A store layout doesn't need to be on all the time. But if it can't (or won't) be turned on when requested, there's a shop that is also turning a blind eye to a potential sale.

Small shops cannot compete on a price level that the large mailorder places can. BUT they can compete on a service, assistance and personal attention level. Most retailers know a good percentage of sales are made on impulse. Big box retailers have teams of experts that advise them on product placement to make sales, and the technique works. While price can be a factor there, good cutomer service is also just as important.

Ask any farmer... you water and tend the seeds, but it takes time to see the results. Don't water and tend to the seeds and you absolutely won't have a harvest.

[J. Daddy]

Disapointed Children! You mean dissapointed adults too! I went to a local shop here who had a heck of display but refused to turn them on. My buddy and I looked at each other and left and did not buy a thing. What sells a product is the WoW factor, and if you cannot wow the customers, then its time to close the doors. Might as well buy it on-line....

[Anonymous]

J. D.
Last year at X-Mas I took my wife to a Volunteer Fire Company Train Garden display and after she saw it I was basicly gauranteed to have a room in our house for my layout! I also received quite a haul for X-Mas!

So the WoW factor carries on... she realized that I would be spending more time working on the train layout and not have time to do more unworldly things... and I even got an MTH Firehouse out of it as well (10 months after we saw the display).

[trigtrax]

On the other side of this coin, a friend of mine once had a Hobby Shop with a large operating layout. Running trains 11 hours a day, 7 days a week puts a lot of wear and tear on those engines and cars. I had to make him hardened steel pick-up rollers, do regular cleaning and lubricating and eventually designed a push button control system that would allow children to run the trains, operate the whistle, horns and accessories for brief periods.

The cost of the electricity for a layout is minor compared with the other costs involved in keeping a store open. For a normal retail operation it's usually the owner who has the knowledge or desire to run the trains. Most times the employees just sell what folks ask for, and have no idea how to fix a derailment or any of the other little problems that go wrong. Don't be so quick to condemn the guy because the trains aren't running. His first job is making a living. If he can provide entertainment for children he will, but sometimes he just can't.

[LL675]

there is a Hobby Store about 15 minutes from me. they have a small layout. I've never seen it running, even at Christmas. and the owner couldn't case busniess away any more if he tried. When I want to see a great TRAIN Shop layout running, I go to Luo Palumbo's Underground RR.

And there is a closer Train Store (G&M) that is very friendly.

[PhilaKnight]

I have to say I'm pleased with my shops reponse to my son. The employees have turned there layout on for my son who will be 2 next month even when I'm the only person in the store. It's nothing to go there on the weekend and see parents looking around and kids with eyes glued to the layout. How much effort could it be to run 1 engine for 5 mins. To me that means alot so they will have my business all the time.

[billbarman]

There is a store near me called Willis Hobbies. They have 2 big layout one O  and one Ho. I almost NEVER see one of them running which is disssopointing seeing a good layout go to waist. Why spend the money on a layout and just let it sit?

[USNRol]

...it's "their" trains not "there"!!! can we get this thread title fixed?! 

seriously, I like to see the layouts running from time to time but realise you can't expect them to be operated constantly.

Roland

[njalb1]

...it's "their" trains not "there"!!! can we get this thread title fixed?! 

seriously, I like to see the layouts running from time to time but realise you can't expect them to be operated constantly.

Roland

 

   I do realise that !

[lionelsoni]

Perhaps it should be, "Hobby stores not running trains there"?...;-)

[Andrew Falconer]

If they had a boring oval that has gotten repetitive over the months or years, then they need to design the layout so that it is much more exciting visually and operationally.

The layout needs to be full of adventure to draw people into O Gauge Toy Trains and Model Trains.

Throw in some switches, curves, crossing, crossovers, and elevation changes to make the track plan something appealing to watch when trains are running.

Andrew