QUOTE: Originally posted by Roadtrp I support both the LHS and internet dealers. I've purchased about 60% of my locomotives and rolling stock via the internet and 40% from LHS. On the other hand, my local LHS gets 100% of my business on track, structures and scenicing items. My purchasing habits are driven more by selection than by price. Although the LHS carries a large variety of scenery items and structures, the selection of locos and rolling stock is very limited. My guess is that he knows he has a hard time competing with the internet on those items, so he doesn’t really bother. I will buy from any store that meets my needs on selection, availability, service and price... with my priorities being pretty much in that order. Sometimes that is the LHS; sometimes that is the internet.
Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!
K1a - all the way
QUOTE: Originally posted by enduringexp The hobby shops get most of their product at 60% of list, so they can drop prices 20-25% and still make out.
QUOTE: Originally posted by enduringexp I have been to three hobby shops near me (20-60 miles away) and everyone sells for MSRP. I don't understand what's wrong with all of you. I don't think there is anything wrong with us. We believe in offering a fair price for a fair product. Simply put, if I'm willing to pay $100 for something that a person is selling for $100, then that is what business is all about. Do you pay sticker for your car or truck? Don't you offer a lower price when you buy a house? Does your boss give you a 20% raise every year when inflation is 3%? Does YOUR boss demand that you work for 20% less because someone over in China or somewhere else is willing to do your job for that? Maybe most of you are wealthy, or at least well to do, but I for one cannot throw my money away to help some business stay afloat. The hobby shops get most of their product at 60% of list, so they can drop prices 20-25% and still make out. If their volume is too low to make money, they are in the wrong business. Wrong business??? They are in the business that we want them to be in! And you are suggesting that they don't deserve a decent living to offer us products that we want. They sell for list because you all pay list. Stop buying and they will drop prices, if they want to stay in business. I spend $100-150 a month, and ALL of it goes to internet dealers. When the LHS wants to start helping me out, I will help them out.
Originally posted by BRAKIE No,Tery,Sorry! It is located in Ohio... Where at? I'm in NW Ohio, and we are hardpressed for a good local hobby shop in this area. The toledo market used to have a few, but one has gone out of business and another has "downsized." The third one doesn't seem to have much in the way of new stock, but is a geed place to find older models. I sort of cover "most" of the state as I have a daughter in college in the Akron area and my family lives in SE Ohio along the river. And, no, I'm not afraid to travel for a good shop, but when I get there, I'd like to find more than a few dozen pieces of flex track and some inexpensive RTR "trainset" cars! dlm Reply dave9999 Member sinceJune 2003 From: Along the Murphy Branch 1,410 posts Posted by dave9999 on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 7:49 PM Like I've said in everyone of these LHS type topics, my LHS is great. Sure they are on the high priced side, but show me one that isn't. They ALWAYS go the extra mile. If I need something they don't have, they will order it and call me when it arrives. If it turns out they can't get it, they call to let me know. I stopped in this afternoon to pick up some plaster cloth and John, the train guy, gave me several Woodland Scenics products that had been opened. He had put them aside for the next time I came in. That is the little things that they don't have to do, but they appreciate my business and I appreciate them. Kind of a win-win situation for everyone. Dave GO GATORS !! Old layout http://photobucket.com/albums/v491/davegator/ New layout http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v491/davegator/New%20Layout%20Building/ Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 6:09 PM Yeah not enough N scale this is a huge virus that hits most hobby shops everywhere Reply Edit sailor38 Member sinceSeptember 2004 64 posts Posted by sailor38 on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 5:25 PM My LHS is not so L. It's 75 miles away - 150 round trip. Yes, I would prefer to support a local entrepreneur, but there is none. I don't mind paying a little extra for the plusses you can get from a hobby shop, but I can't do the three hours and all that gasoline for a purchase that might only run to $35-$40. So, I shop mainly on the 'net and pay the shipping. If there's anyone out there in Jackson, TN who would like to open a shop, I'll patronize you. Heck, I'll even work part time for you and on the cheap too![:D][;)] Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 3:37 PM I support our LHS in theory but not in practice. Mostly full list price all the time, and as mentioned already, here in Canada list price is not the same as in the U.S. I used to figure the Walthers catalog price plus about 70% would be what we pay. For small items like paint and scratchbuilding supplies this is not too bad. Never any club discounts or sales (other than discards that no one wants). But for major purchases such as recent higher priced engines, not one of mine has been purchased locally. And in thinking about similar engines that all of my hobby friends have, they too have been bought elsewhere. So there are thousands of hobby dollars spent elsewhere because of the extreme high prices at our LHS. The LHS hasn't really lost the sales, as we would not have paid his prices. It's mostly buy somewhere else with cheaper prices or not at all. Support for a LHS only goes so far, just like my money! And I'm not talking just about prices in the U.S., as we have been able to get better prices from some Canadian suppliers. Some time ago I was pricing a new airbrush online, and found a Canadian retail dealer who had it for around $118.00. I happened to mention my interest to the operator of the LHS, and he showed me the same airbru***hat he had in stock (I did not know he had one). His price? $160.00. I mentioned the online price I had found, and he looked up his wholesale price - it was around $89.00. So his retail price was almost double his cost. Thanks but no thanks! Bob Boudreau Reply Edit Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 3:28 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by twhite Two super ones in my area, no complaints from this end, so far. Bruce's Trains in Sacramento, Railroad Hobbies in nearby Roseville. Bruce is very honest with me, if he can't get what I want (which is rare), he'll give me an address or an e-mail where I can pick it up. Roseville carries some things that Bruce doesn't (Sinohara code 100 bridge-rail, for instance), I go there for stuff, too. Between the two of them, AND their friendly customer service (the guys at both places are really FUN!) I very seldom have to crack open the Walther's catalogue or get on the net. But from what I've found out on these forum threads, we may be pretty unique out here in the Sacramento Valley. Tom How odd. So far I've spotted 4 of us on this forum living in the Sacramento area. Me, you, Jetrock, and Aggro. Bruce is okay I guess. But all his prices are MSRP, which is kind of a downer. Reply Edit CP5415 Member sinceJuly 2003 From: Whitby, ON 2,594 posts Posted by CP5415 on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 11:40 AM Not true dimastep! I'm sorry to hear that you've not had a good LHS to go to but... My LHS sells to me at or slightly below MSRP. I don't have a problem with MSRP. I've never had a problem with anything I've bought from him. In fact, I went in there last night to put some more money down on some passenger cars I have on layaway & he handed me a copy of Railfan & Railroad, Nov 2004 edition as it has an excellent article of the D&H PA's which he knew I am interested in. It was his own copy & he just gave it to me. I asked him how much & he said don't worry about it! You've obviously have had problems with some LHS's in the GTA, so have I, but the one 5 minutes from my house is an excellent one & I highly recommend him. If I want to order something, no problem. He'll get it for me if it's available. No downpayment needed. Mind you I've been shopping there for 90% of my stuff for 5 years now. Gordon, Oshawa, ON Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H! K1a - all the way Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 10:53 AM You folks are lucky in the USA that you have decent mail-order shops with good prices. Here in Canada it doesn't matter LHS or online - their prices are usually above MSRP and they still think 1USD=1.5CAD ! It is really sad, and the sad part is that all of them here are like that. There is nothing to choose from. I've been to all LHS in Greater Toronto Area - same stuff exactly, outrageus prices. The more I think about it the more it looks as their only real purpose is to get stuff at dealer prices for themsefves and friends. I am now buying only from USA, so essentially all my money goes to US buisenessed. Good for them... Reply Edit jrbernier Member sinceJanuary 2001 From: SE Minnesota 6,847 posts Posted by jrbernier on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 10:41 AM Vic, I find it hard to believe that your LHS wanted a 50% 'deposit' on $30-40 motor. Now I can understand a deposit on a $200-$400 engine. I order a lot of 'non stocked' stuff from my LHS - I usually check Walthers web site to see if they even have the item, then have my LHS order it(I get a discount at the LHS). Large items, if the discounted LHS price is close, I will buy from my LHS. But if the discount is so large from the mail order place, I will not ask my LHS to 'match' it; sometimes the price is below the 'dealer' price. As far as the 2 'big' hobby shops in the Mpls/St Paul area, one is indeed a 'pit', and their second store is rather clean - strange. The other big store is in the basement of a large building, and has a lot of inventory, but service is poor and all pricing is MSRP. I stop up there when in town and buy 'detail parts' for the most part. There is another shop north of Mpls and they are not too bad - Not a real big inventory, but they are always getting the new releases and they do discount. Vic, I would talk to the manager/owner of the store and explain that you were expecting better service than that. He is the one losing the sale............. Jim Bernier Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin Reply Fergmiester Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Out on the Briny Ocean Tossed 4,240 posts Posted by Fergmiester on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 10:40 AM Have you considered this? Maybe your LHS was the one lied to. If you are on speeking terms with your LHS I would let them know that you were able to get the part directly through the distributer. If there is a look of instant shock followed by dismay then you know there is an issue. If you get the party line then you know your money is better spent somewhere else and tell them to go fid a beach and pound sand. I support both my LHS's but I also buy some big ticket items direct from Mail Order Stores (MOS). As I can save upto 40%. Regards Fergie My rule is everyone gets a second chance providing they come clean! http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959 If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007 Reply jwr_1986 Member sinceDecember 2003 From: Sullivan County, NY 239 posts Posted by jwr_1986 on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 10:05 AM I can't say I've ever had a really bad experience with my local hobby shop. That is primarily because I really don't have one. The closest one is a reasonable distance but he only handles three rail O. He stocks a few (Say under 15) HO kits and locomotives but otherwise there is nothing except for the general mechandise. The biggest problem is that his focus on O has him with a supplier that can't get alot of other products. He's happy to order it through Walther's but they are notorious for backorders of more than a year on popular stuff. Thus I stick to the internet with a few reputable dealers that are always helpful. Reply ksax73 Member sinceNovember 2002 From: US 204 posts Posted by ksax73 on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 10:04 AM If you think that's bad, you should hear the complaints I've heard about the Red Caboose in Manhattan. If you live around W 45th Street and that's your LHS, I feel bad for you, lol. The shop across the street isn't bad though. "Manhattan Trains" (www.manhattantrains.com) If you make a request they put it into thier computer system right away when they send out for more model railroad products. I've been there a number of times. I had to order some decals and other things. ~Kyle The Mary Lindsay Railroad - Featuring Amtrak Model Trains Your HO Rail Journey Starts Here......... www.marylindsayrr.vze.com (Last Update: 5/31/12) Reply twhite Member sinceJuly 2004 From: Carmichael, CA 8,055 posts Posted by twhite on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 8:56 AM Two super ones in my area, no complaints from this end, so far. Bruce's Trains in Sacramento, Railroad Hobbies in nearby Roseville. Bruce is very honest with me, if he can't get what I want (which is rare), he'll give me an address or an e-mail where I can pick it up. Roseville carries some things that Bruce doesn't (Sinohara code 100 bridge-rail, for instance), I go there for stuff, too. Between the two of them, AND their friendly customer service (the guys at both places are really FUN!) I very seldom have to crack open the Walther's catalogue or get on the net. But from what I've found out on these forum threads, we may be pretty unique out here in the Sacramento Valley. Tom Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds! Reply 3railguy Member sinceMay 2004 From: Kaukauna WI 2,115 posts Posted by 3railguy on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 8:07 AM There are good hobby shops and bad hooby shops. There are also good mail order dealers and bad mail order dealers. You need to try a few places with small orders that won't hurt you if you are taken. I am leary about special ordering through hobby shops. I've had too many bum steers and won't take my chances anymore. John Long Give me Magnetraction or give me Death. Reply tstage Moderator Member sinceJune 2003 From: Northeast OH 17,255 posts Posted by tstage on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 2:24 AM I drive a good 20 miles to the two LHS I frequent. (Maybe it should be "D"HS for "distant".) I patronize them because they have both treated me well in the past and have a good selection of inventory and knowledge base to glean from. It's worth it to me to spend even a little bit more to help them remain in business. Vic, if you really want to hurt a business: DON'T GIVE THEM ANY! If they treat you that way, then give some other needy LHS your loyalty. But be careful you don't "throw the baby out with the bath water". There are still GOOD hobby shops out there that deserve our business. Tom https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step. Reply aloco Member sinceFebruary 2004 933 posts Posted by aloco on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 1:36 AM Where I live, there are two hobby shops that do a poor job of selling model railroad equipment. One sells used equipment at full-blown retail prices, and the other stocks equipment in roadnames I have no use for and a lot of toy train stuff too (i.e. Bachmann, Model Power, etc.) The latter hobby shop is co-owned by an Ebenezer Scrooge who refuses to keep a good stock of high-end locos and cars because he's afraid they won't sell quickly. I still shop at the place, but only for small stuff like paint and brushes, couplers, and scratch building supplies. At least they have the brains to keep that stuff on hand. Reply 12 Subscriber & Member Login Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! 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QUOTE: Originally posted by twhite Two super ones in my area, no complaints from this end, so far. Bruce's Trains in Sacramento, Railroad Hobbies in nearby Roseville. Bruce is very honest with me, if he can't get what I want (which is rare), he'll give me an address or an e-mail where I can pick it up. Roseville carries some things that Bruce doesn't (Sinohara code 100 bridge-rail, for instance), I go there for stuff, too. Between the two of them, AND their friendly customer service (the guys at both places are really FUN!) I very seldom have to crack open the Walther's catalogue or get on the net. But from what I've found out on these forum threads, we may be pretty unique out here in the Sacramento Valley. Tom
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
~Kyle
The Mary Lindsay Railroad - Featuring Amtrak Model Trains Your HO Rail Journey Starts Here.........
www.marylindsayrr.vze.com (Last Update: 5/31/12)
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.