I wish I could say being an internet retailer is a license to print money but the reality is it's hard on that side of the fence too. You still have to pay hosting fees to websites as well as pay for your inventory. If your site crashes you have to get it fixed and you're out the money you could have made on that day's sales. You also have to be sure merchandise is actually being paid for especially in the age of identity theft when hackers take somebody's card numbers and ring up before anyone figures it out. And you still get deadbeats who write their checks on basketballs(bouncin' all over the place).
I dealt with all of that and more as a co-owner of an e-commerce site that sold video games. All that coupled with all the turmoil going on in my life at the time I shut down figuring that it just didn't seem like a worthwhile goal. Maybe I'll consider it again someday though who knows.
Contrary to what the infomercials starring Tom Bosley would have you believe it ain't as simple as "making money in your sleep". It's just as much hard work whether you open up a hobby shop in your local strip mall or park it on go-daddy.
dirtyd79 wrote:I wish I could say being an internet retailer is a license to print money but the reality is it's hard on that side of the fence too. You still have to pay hosting fees to websites as well as pay for your inventory. If your site crashes you have to get it fixed and you're out the money you could have made on that day's sales. You also have to be sure merchandise is actually being paid for especially in the age of identity theft when hackers take somebody's card numbers and ring up before anyone figures it out. And you still get deadbeats who write their checks on basketballs(bouncin' all over the place). I dealt with all of that and more as a co-owner of an e-commerce site that sold video games. All that coupled with all the turmoil going on in my life at the time I shut down figuring that it just didn't seem like a worthwhile goal. Maybe I'll consider it again someday though who knows. Contrary to what the infomercials starring Tom Bosley would have you believe it ain't as simple as "making money in your sleep". It's just as much hard work whether you open up a hobby shop in your local strip mall or park it on go-daddy.
Another testimonial to my points. You have to have brick and mortar somewhere to be viable, as you cannot sell from any empty bag and make money. I'm suprised that we've not been reminded of Amazon. I'd remind them of the billions they milked out of investors and the only money they printed for many, many years was very bright red.
Someone pointed out that the Web is just another door to a business. I agree with that analogy.
I've lived 2/3 of my life in places where there were few to no LHS. The web is a wonderful blessing to them! I'd be willing to go out on a limb and say that the web is responsible for much of the growth of the hobby in remote locations. Of course, there will be those who say how do you know the hobby is growing anywhere?
Interesting!
Joe
You need to get connected.
DSL at 3 miles radius isnt going to cut it. Fiber Optics is lighter and much faster than DSL and capable of reaching a farmhouse 180 miles in no where USA will be the item that gets the USA into online.
I remember when Walthers and MR was the end all for product information as well as regular visits to the store to learn about new products. Today the internet can bring that information as soon as someone at a distributor or factory chooses to upload it.
Yes the hobby has been improved. But also has become very focused as alot of items are researched and discarded from purchasing consideration before it even gets onto a hobby shop shelf.
I hold up the MTH Triplex as a example. I learned about it here some days ago, after a few days and emails I learned enough information to decide that I dont want to buy the engine. My reason is focus on smoke devices which is a no-go and only two of three sets of drivers powered.
The hobby shop might order one if at all. Only if there is some one to tell them "I want the Triplex" and makes the money availible for it.
I would consider myself very lucky to even physically SEE a model of this Triplex in the hobby shop. I might see one at the next Trainshow either operating or being sold for a profit to someone who might not have internet and is unaware of the Triplex until he or she got into the trainshow building.
Anyhow, just my thoughts. I do know that thanks to the internet, I dont have to call long distance or drive down there with lots of gas fighting traffic very much to get things done regularly and proper.
Falls Valley RR wrote:You need to get connected.Snip
Snip
Just WHO needs to get connected?
Falls Valley RR wrote: DSL at 3 miles radius isnt going to cut it. Fiber Optics is lighter and much faster than DSL and capable of reaching a farmhouse 180 miles in no where USA will be the item that gets the USA into online.
So, your point is?
joe-daddy wrote: Falls Valley RR wrote: You need to get connected.SnipJust WHO needs to get connected? Falls Valley RR wrote: DSL at 3 miles radius isnt going to cut it. Fiber Optics is lighter and much faster than DSL and capable of reaching a farmhouse 180 miles in no where USA will be the item that gets the USA into online. So, your point is?
Falls Valley RR wrote: You need to get connected.Snip
Very simple.
If a person has no internet service of any quality or speed, they will never see or learn of fascinating topics such as this one.
If I still had Dailup I would not expend the effort to log onto these bloated forums with it's massive pictures, links, advertising etc. With the high speed it only takes a moment to block out the bloat and get straight into the site.
And faster to parry questions such as yours which appear to attempt to show me up as a dullard or lame duck who does not know what the &^%$ I am typing about.
I use History as a example. The USA once relied on Muddy roads to get people around by horse and cart. When the new Autos came on they had trouble getting around anywhere. They built roads and made it happen.
I see the internet as the next generation or the future that will get this nation out of the mud. Fiber Optics and long haul wifi will be the items that will do it. Not copper ethernet. Copper is obselete.
Falls Valley RR wrote: joe-daddy wrote: Falls Valley RR wrote: You need to get connected.SnipJust WHO needs to get connected? Falls Valley RR wrote: DSL at 3 miles radius isnt going to cut it. Fiber Optics is lighter and much faster than DSL and capable of reaching a farmhouse 180 miles in no where USA will be the item that gets the USA into online. So, your point is? Very simple.If a person has no internet service of any quality or speed, they will never see or learn of fascinating topics such as this one.If I still had Dailup I would not expend the effort to log onto these bloated forums with it's massive pictures, links, advertising etc. With the high speed it only takes a moment to block out the bloat and get straight into the site.And faster to parry questions such as yours which appear to attempt to show me up as a dullard or lame duck who does not know what the &^%$ I am typing about.I use History as a example. The USA once relied on Muddy roads to get people around by horse and cart. When the new Autos came on they had trouble getting around anywhere. They built roads and made it happen.I see the internet as the next generation or the future that will get this nation out of the mud. Fiber Optics and long haul wifi will be the items that will do it. Not copper ethernet. Copper is obselete.
I am well connected, and you knew that. Your semi-ambigious post was intended to start a flame war. Perhaps we've identified another Troll.
Falls Valley RR wrote: You need to get connected.DSL at 3 miles radius isnt going to cut it. Fiber Optics is lighter and much faster than DSL and capable of reaching a farmhouse 180 miles in no where USA will be the item that gets the USA into online.I remember when Walthers and MR was the end all for product information as well as regular visits to the store to learn about new products. Today the internet can bring that information as soon as someone at a distributor or factory chooses to upload it.Yes the hobby has been improved. But also has become very focused as alot of items are researched and discarded from purchasing consideration before it even gets onto a hobby shop shelf.I hold up the MTH Triplex as a example. I learned about it here some days ago, after a few days and emails I learned enough information to decide that I dont want to buy the engine. My reason is focus on smoke devices which is a no-go and only two of three sets of drivers powered.The hobby shop might order one if at all. Only if there is some one to tell them "I want the Triplex" and makes the money availible for it.I would consider myself very lucky to even physically SEE a model of this Triplex in the hobby shop. I might see one at the next Trainshow either operating or being sold for a profit to someone who might not have internet and is unaware of the Triplex until he or she got into the trainshow building.Anyhow, just my thoughts. I do know that thanks to the internet, I dont have to call long distance or drive down there with lots of gas fighting traffic very much to get things done regularly and proper.
Don't fool yourself thinking that this or any forum speaks for the hobby..Let's look closely at that Triplex.You and I may have no need for it but,rest assured there is enough preorders to justify the production..I know several dozen modelers that has computers but, don't read a topic on any forum.I know dozens more that doesn't own a computer and have no desire to.
Contrary to the BS found on this and other forums most modelers buys what appeals to them without the need to ask a forum for their opinion.Thankfully the majority can still make their decisions on their own.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Newyorkcentralfan wrote: I'm sure we'll all enjoy the below wholesale prices at your eventual going out business sale. One Track Mind wrote:The internet is not going to kill all LHSs, just the weaker shops that will not adjust a little.I will not sell on the internet. I'm a "small" one person shop. I do one thing and try to do it well, and that is to have a good local shop. You can't serve two masters. I can't devote the time to keeping my brick-and-mortar shop in decent shape if I am also selling on the net. And these idiots selling new products on the net from a "real" shop for slightly over cost are shooting themselves in the head in the long run.I also applaud the distributors who will not sell to basement operators.And when I find out that a distributor IS selling to a basement operator, then they get no more business from me.About a year or so ago, a distributor made a mistake. They sent my box to another account. They sent me the other account's invoice. I noted on the invoice that this guy was receiving a better wholesale discount than me...kinda ticked me off a little. But when my box arrived and the other account's address came from a UPS residential zone....well that was it for that distributor. I was doing 20 - 25,000 dollars a year with them. (I know, in the greater scheme of things, that's not much business.)So this guy is selling out of his basement and he gets a better discount than me??? There's some hobby shop rage from the other side of the counter.
I'm sure we'll all enjoy the below wholesale prices at your eventual going out business sale.
One Track Mind wrote:The internet is not going to kill all LHSs, just the weaker shops that will not adjust a little.I will not sell on the internet. I'm a "small" one person shop. I do one thing and try to do it well, and that is to have a good local shop. You can't serve two masters. I can't devote the time to keeping my brick-and-mortar shop in decent shape if I am also selling on the net. And these idiots selling new products on the net from a "real" shop for slightly over cost are shooting themselves in the head in the long run.I also applaud the distributors who will not sell to basement operators.And when I find out that a distributor IS selling to a basement operator, then they get no more business from me.About a year or so ago, a distributor made a mistake. They sent my box to another account. They sent me the other account's invoice. I noted on the invoice that this guy was receiving a better wholesale discount than me...kinda ticked me off a little. But when my box arrived and the other account's address came from a UPS residential zone....well that was it for that distributor. I was doing 20 - 25,000 dollars a year with them. (I know, in the greater scheme of things, that's not much business.)So this guy is selling out of his basement and he gets a better discount than me??? There's some hobby shop rage from the other side of the counter.
The internet is not going to kill all LHSs, just the weaker shops that will not adjust a little.
I will not sell on the internet. I'm a "small" one person shop. I do one thing and try to do it well, and that is to have a good local shop. You can't serve two masters. I can't devote the time to keeping my brick-and-mortar shop in decent shape if I am also selling on the net. And these idiots selling new products on the net from a "real" shop for slightly over cost are shooting themselves in the head in the long run.
I also applaud the distributors who will not sell to basement operators.
And when I find out that a distributor IS selling to a basement operator, then they get no more business from me.
About a year or so ago, a distributor made a mistake. They sent my box to another account. They sent me the other account's invoice.
I noted on the invoice that this guy was receiving a better wholesale discount than me...kinda ticked me off a little. But when my box arrived and the other account's address came from a UPS residential zone....well that was it for that distributor. I was doing 20 - 25,000 dollars a year with them. (I know, in the greater scheme of things, that's not much business.)
So this guy is selling out of his basement and he gets a better discount than me???
There's some hobby shop rage from the other side of the counter.
Oh there's no doubt there will be an eventual going out of business sale.
I've already scheduled the date for the sale: December 2040. I'll see you here.
cudaken wrote: Ted I have been here and the layout section with the new bench still looking for a plain. Guess one of the reson you don't see me posting as much is I am starting to master this hobby a little. I am to the point if I have a engine problem I tear it down and figuer it out. I had to open by last two PCM's (Big Boy and a Y6-b) but they run great now. Less problems less postings. I am not the child I was last year thanks to this great site and K-10 trains my LHS. I am helping Ken (the owner of K-10 Trains) this Sunday to set up his own E-bay account. He is very well stocked with HO (1 wall about 20 feet long of Engines from Kato, PK2's, PK1's, BLI, Atlas, Athearns Blue Box to Genies and others. Plus RC Cars, Boats and RC Planes. Boy I hope I nere go to planes. But there was this 13' long P-47 and P-51 that looked sweet. He all so has a good stock of O scale inc a Y6-B He all so spent $40,000.00 on a drit track with banks so RC Racers had a places to run. Far has his HO track? Just say I am blessed to run his 60' X 80 foot bench any time I want. Plus he is a mer 2 miles from my houes. As far as my account, not bad with only one - comment after around 230 transactions and that was from a none answering none shipping seller. His first goal is to sell stock that has not moved for some time. He has a new MRC Command 2000 DCC system, how old is that? Heck he has a Bloody Nose SD-45 Athearn Blue box for $24.99? Still not sure why I have not bought that yet? Cuda Ken
Ted I have been here and the layout section with the new bench still looking for a plain. Guess one of the reson you don't see me posting as much is I am starting to master this hobby a little. I am to the point if I have a engine problem I tear it down and figuer it out. I had to open by last two PCM's (Big Boy and a Y6-b) but they run great now. Less problems less postings. I am not the child I was last year thanks to this great site and K-10 trains my LHS.
I am helping Ken (the owner of K-10 Trains) this Sunday to set up his own E-bay account. He is very well stocked with HO (1 wall about 20 feet long of Engines from Kato, PK2's, PK1's, BLI, Atlas, Athearns Blue Box to Genies and others. Plus RC Cars, Boats and RC Planes. Boy I hope I nere go to planes. But there was this 13' long P-47 and P-51 that looked sweet. He all so has a good stock of O scale inc a Y6-B
He all so spent $40,000.00 on a drit track with banks so RC Racers had a places to run.
Far has his HO track?
Just say I am blessed to run his 60' X 80 foot bench any time I want. Plus he is a mer 2 miles from my houes.
As far as my account, not bad with only one - comment after around 230 transactions and that was from a none answering none shipping seller.
His first goal is to sell stock that has not moved for some time. He has a new MRC Command 2000 DCC system, how old is that? Heck he has a Bloody Nose SD-45 Athearn Blue box for $24.99? Still not sure why I have not bought that yet?
Cuda Ken
No troll here NY Central.
We settled this up and well done.
Cuda, I forgot to mention that your pic of the K-10 Trains is very great! Im not too far from there being about one state away. I might think it be worth it to plan a visit up there.
We all will have a going out of business sale. Either on our own or via estate sale after we all have passed on. =)
Cheers.
Yep it is well worth a vist to see his layout. PM me and I will send you his number. One Sunday a month it is open house where you can watch the layout for $2.00 or $3.00 you get a thottle and have at your self. In Dec he runs the trains ever Sunday.
I hate Rust
Rrebell, PM me and I will send you his number, asking him your self. If he has what you are looking for I will do the packing for free and pay shipping. Just send me a check for the cost of shipping.