At Your LHS, Are You a List or an Impulse Shopper?

[pastorbob]

CNJ831

The days of impulse buying at the LHS are essentially dead, at least from what I can see.

There was a time when the average joe would come away from every hobby shop visit carrying at least several items bought simply because they caught his eye, but that was before the latest freight cars cost $30-$40 each and passenger cars $60+. Personal income for most hobbyists has fallen woefully behind the escalating prices of new model railroad equipment and has made most model railroaders far more selective regarding their purchases. Today's average hobbyist is much more likely to search high and low on the Internet for the absolute best possible deal on an item, rather then walk into the LHS and impulsively buy something he spots at full retail price.

CNJ831

Certainly I am as average as most when buying.   I buy from the mail orders, two in particular, I buy my covered hoppers these days direct from Tangent and Exactrail, I even buy a diesel or two mail order, but I  visit the LHS I go to in KC, who has a great selection, once a week.  This week for example, I walked in to buy some paint and some misc. items, he had some Exactrail covered hoppers on the shelf, I grabbed them at retail.  They will be renumbered.  Same is true with the IM MTC reefers.  If I want it bad enough, I will pay retail.  But my list is usually short, my impulse adds to it at the store.

Before some of the "I build everything because I am an old time modeler" folks chime in, I think I do pretty good at age 73, with arthritis in my hands and wrists.  I still do a lot of pulpit supply, I still work on the computer, I still do my yard work, etc.  But I do not build kits anymore and I don't appologize to anyone because I buy RTR now.  I would rather spend my remaining time on earth working on the layout itself and having op sessions.  I spent my years scratchbuilding and etc. but no more.  So spare me the superiority stufff.

Bob

 

 

[kcole4001]

Since my local shop is 200 km away, I make a point of buying something every visit, and scenic supplies or detail items will often be the target, since most of the stock seems to geared towards more recent era modelling than my selected period.

I include any MRR purchase as 'on target' therefore, and an impulse buy would be something from the store's extensive armor or ship model section. The trains section is fully half of the store, so I should be able to find something useful on every visit.

For road and era specific items I usually need to go to some fairly specialized internet suppliers, and of course for common hardware store items there are 3 stores in town.

[mobilman44]

Hi!

I'm building a new layout, but have most everything I need at hand.  However, when I do need something, that need (list) will send me to the LHS.  When I get there, the list items get selected first, and then I do a "store browse", and often find something I just have to have.  Thinking more about this, its always been that way - that a specific need will send me to the LHS, and then I'll find something else to get.

Mobilman44 

 

[BRAKIE]

 Some times..You see when I do go to a LHS its to fill my parts and paint needs and if something catches my eye I look it over and if needed I may buy the item...

CNJ831

The days of impulse buying at the LHS are essentially dead, at least from what I can see.

There was a time when the average joe would come away from every hobby shop visit carrying at least several items bought simply because they caught his eye, but that was before the latest freight cars cost $30-$40 each and passenger cars $60+. Personal income for most hobbyists has fallen woefully behind the escalating prices of new model railroad equipment and has made most model railroaders far more selective regarding their purchases. Today's average hobbyist is much more likely to search high and low on the Internet for the absolute best possible deal on an item, rather then walk into the LHS and impulsively buy something he spots at full retail price.

CNJ831

 

Actually I fully believe impulse buying is still alive and doing well for the low end(less then $20.00) RTR cars..After all these are the cars the average Joe modeler buys that isn't into worrying about the minute detail of the higher end cars.

 I have picked up 2 or 3 new release N Scale cars that way since last October

[IRONROOSTER]

 Since my LHS doesn't carry S scale, I don't shop there except for basic items like paint brushes.  Most of my purchases are online and I get the best deal I can for what I want.  I also go to the Great Scale Train Show in Timonium MD 3-4 times a year.  For that I take a couple of hundred dollars or so and wander the show buying things that interest me and fit my scheme. Since I don't spend more than I brought it's controlled impulse buying and frequently I don't spend it all.

One of the "advantages" of a minority scale is that there isn't as much to tempt me into impulse buying.

An advantage of modeling a particular road in a particular era (Ma&Pa early 50's) is that it helps me keep my buying focused.  With a few exceptions, everything I buy now fits this scheme.

An advantage of modeling a short line like the Ma&Pa is that they didn't have much.  For example, in the early 50's they had 4 diesel switchers, 8 steam locomotives, and 2 gas electrics.  14 pieces if you get them all.

Enjoy

Paul

[CNJ831]

The days of impulse buying at the LHS are essentially dead, at least from what I can see.

There was a time when the average joe would come away from every hobby shop visit carrying at least several items bought simply because they caught his eye, but that was before the latest freight cars cost $30-$40 each and passenger cars $60+. Personal income for most hobbyists has fallen woefully behind the escalating prices of new model railroad equipment and has made most model railroaders far more selective regarding their purchases. Today's average hobbyist is much more likely to search high and low on the Internet for the absolute best possible deal on an item, rather then walk into the LHS and impulsively buy something he spots at full retail price.

CNJ831

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 Mostly impulse.

[blownout cylinder]

I'm a bit of both---

I'll go in with a list then find something that I want---and leave having paid out double---

BUT!!!

At least I got it!!

[pastorbob]

Both, depending on the mood and situation.

Bob

[dinwitty]

 

I think you would call me a litst buyer because of the very specific planning I do. But if I see something good and rare or fits in I didnt see before I will buy on the spot.

[grizlump9]

 step 1  =  go to the lhs with a definate idea of what i want.

 step 2  =  look at what i might see that catches my eye.

  step 3  =  learn that they have nothing i want.

  step 4  =  come home and get on the computer.

no doubt if i lived near a place like caboose hobbies in denver or des plaines hobbies in chicago, i would not get on the computer very often.

now i have learned to call them first to check stock and the go directly to step 4.

grizlump

[luvadj]

 Well, unlike going to the grocery store on an empty stomach, I go to the LHS with a list to keep those urges at bay...:)

[wholeman]

I was just wondering.  Unfortunately, I am an impulse shopper.  That is why I mostly buy things online.  It keeps me out of trouble.

What do you all do?