I believe that all high schools should have the senior class operate the school bookstore and perhaps even the cafeteria. We would all be better shoppers if everyone understood what's involved in running a business. Too many people think that the sales price of the product minus cost of the product equals the profit on the sale.
I used to know a woman who ran a small country store in a very small community. She used to go to a large super store to buy some of the products to sell in her store because she could buy them cheaper at that store than she could buy the same product from her wholesale supplier. Her store was too small to enjoy the economy of scale enjoyed by the superstore.
That brick and mortar hobby shop has rent, utilities, payroll, insurance, etc. The refusal to "dicker" on that one item is not the point. If he has to negotiate prices individually his overall gross will suffer. Check the parking lot. Does he drive to work in a Mercedes? Does he seem to be disproportionately wealthy? Or is he just trying to earn a living like you are?
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Phoebe Vet Check the parking lot. Does he drive to work in a Mercedes? Does he seem to be disproportionately wealthy? Or is he just trying to earn a living like you are?
You're right on the nose there! My LHS owner absolutely does not drive a Mercedes Benz. He drives 2 Lexus's instead and lives in a $700,000 home that is paid for. Hmmmm...How do I know this? Because in Scott County all real estate records are kept online for all to see.
On the flip side, no one said you have to be smart to own or run a small business. My ex-brother-in-law is proof of that. 10 years later and he's still running from the IRS AND still in business.
I travel about 45 miles once or twice a month to Lins Junction in Lansdale PA. Farther than 2 larger shops that are closer. Nice shop with a very friendly and knowledgeable owners. They stock all quality higher end product including a full line of Digitrax and NCE DCC and other electronic goodies. It's a good thing they're not closer, between the 2 DCC systems, 6 sound loco's, and a boatload of buildings, rolling stock, and signal equipment, they've emptied my walled many times.
Springfield PA
jtrace214I guess I'm real lucky as I live only 2 blocks from The Model Railroad shop in Piscataway.I have been going there since I was born (and father and grandfather before me) My Dad got me my first train set there a Lionel set the year I was born (1970) its still in the original package. Couldnt ask for better giys than there. I also go to Avenel Hobbies(not much trains)as I also build regular models.The Model Railroad shop now has a website so they have gotten into the 2000's lol, Warren runs it and he is good at computers and a whiz at wiring. John
I guess I'm real lucky as I live only 2 blocks from The Model Railroad shop in Piscataway.I have been going there since I was born (and father and grandfather before me) My Dad got me my first train set there a Lionel set the year I was born (1970) its still in the original package. Couldnt ask for better giys than there. I also go to Avenel Hobbies(not much trains)as I also build regular models.The Model Railroad shop now has a website so they have gotten into the 2000's lol, Warren runs it and he is good at computers and a whiz at wiring.
John
You have to admit it's sort of like watching the wright brothers try and fly a 747, actually they probably sold the Wright Brothers their first train set.
There ya have it. The Difference between a "General Hobbyshop" and a Specaltiy Hobbyshop! Kevin
Driline He drives 2 Lexus's instead and lives in a $700,000 home that is paid for.
He drives 2 Lexus's instead and lives in a $700,000 home that is paid for.
You shoulda seen the house he had _before_ he bought the hobby shop.
Like a lot of small businesses, the best way to make a small fortune in the train shop business is to start with a large fortune.