Suporting your local hobby shop. Are you?

[on30francisco]

Since I model an indoor narrow gauge logging RR in Large Scale from a model railroader's point of view (super details, fine scale track and wheels when possible, scenery etc, try to emulate prototype practices as much as possible within the limited amount of space I have although I'm freelancing) I must rely on internet companies such as Ridge Road Station, Coronado Scale Models, C&O Railroad Co. Hartford, etc. to supply most of my needs. I also get supplies from arts and crafts stores such as Michaels, Pearls and others. Compared to some of our LHSs, these places are very well-stocked with paints, stripwood, styrene, glues etc. and are much more convenient and lower priced. I do support my sort of LHS called The Train Shop in Santa Clara because they are well-stocked, have a lot of materials I need, are curteous (well, most of the time), and sell below MSRP. The LHSs in the City leave a lot to be desired and I will not pay MSRP - especially for skimpy stock and cliquish attitude - unless it is absolutely necessary (when the temperature gets below zero degrees in Honolulu). I buy locos and some rolling stock from Trainworld as their prices are almost half of what some LHSs charge.

[ARTHILL]

Just got back. This trip was for free advice, it was good advice. I buy stuff so he likes me coming in. He knows if I just hang out there today, I will be back when I have some cash in my pocket.

[Yampa2003]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ngartshore350


There is one thing to say about the LHS, you can have a good look at the item before you buy it!! Listen to the sounds, watch it on the test track and see the detail. You don't get that on the internet!

Regards,

Nigel

This is one of the reasons that I buy from my LHS where possible.
Also, prices over here are compatible with buying from the US via the Internet, time I've paid for shipping and taxes.
My LHS can get virtually everything that I require, as long as its still in production.

Brian W.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I do. I've got a great Hobbytown, USA in a neighboring city within 20 miles. Gas around here is cheaper than most places(Though still way too expensive), so it's not a huge problem.

[cacole]

Local Hobby Shop? There's no such thing around here -- at least an 80 mile drive to the nearest one, and 250 miles to the next.

We've had 2 LHS in the area over the past 10 years and both have gone under because there's not enough interest in trains to keep them in business. In a town of an estimated 40,000 residents we can barely keep 15 members interested in belonging to our club even though we have a fully operational 20x40 foot HO scale layout and are in the process of constructing N-scale.
.

[Train 284]

I would, but there is no G scale store around for 150 miles! (In Sacramento).

I usually almost always buy online. It is just faster and usually cheaper for me.

[BRAKIE]

I only support the local shops that gives a discount and that is only on selected items..I have no qualms about buying all of my hobby needs on line if any of the discount shop closes..I simply REFUSE to pay full price.

[SpaceMouse]

I think that supporting the LHS is a good thing. I owned a small shop that did well BW (before Walmart). And I've had to make an adjustment. I've had to return to school to get my Naturopthic degree. What I do is compete in service.

There are now two LHS in my town--they used to be partners and split. One specialized in slot cars and the other in war models. Both have train sets and a smidge of scenery. Two months ago I ordered some stuff from one of them from Walther's...still waiting. eBay and Trainworld still get most of my business.

[Anonymous]

Interesting question. What passes for a LHS in this small town is a pet store/hobby shop with a corner devoted to MRR. Extremely limited selection. All of it priced well above what I can get in the 'city'. But for flex track and maybe a turnout or two it's okay (although they DO have a BUDD RDC that I crave). Otherwise it's a minimum 2 hour drive each way to Edmonton where there are several excellent choices. I won't go there strictly for MRR shopping but I try to stop in each time we are in town.

My most satisfying "remote" shopping has been with Trains n Such in Calgary. I order through email and phone from them and they treat me VERY well indeed.

I did go through a period of going nuts on ebay. Spent a whack of money that I shouldn't have. I seldom go to look there anymore, but then I have such a backlog of kits and projects that I really don't need or want much else for now.

I would gladly support my LHS more if their selection was better and if they didn't inflate their prices so unecessarily. Yes, they will order in for me, but I can get it much quicker if I call my favourite shop in Calgary and even with shipping, the cost is lower.

[Adelie]

Mostly not. Most of my stuff has come from ebay or a variety of online dealers. The closest hobby shop that carries anything of any interest to me is mostly devoted to gaming. Everything else is list price, limited selection (this includes paint) and only of passing interest to them. It is their store, they can run it any way they want. But it's my money, so my response is to simply not go there.

The next closest is about 40-45 miles away. I used to go monthly or so. He carries a bit of everything for the hobbyist. But in the last 12 months I've enjoyed my trips there less and less. I've even managed to walk out of there 3 of the last 4 times without spending a penny, which for me takes some doing. I haven't been back in 3 months or so, and I'll probably go back only if I am in the area.

The next one is MB Klein, which is about 85 miles from me. Too far to call LHS.

I do find the LHS when I travel somewhere. Some are good, some not. I generally can find something to buy from these folks.

As far as support, I can generally fix what fails (including what few things I've gotten that appeared DOA) and if there is any interaction required with the manufacturer, I'm willing to do that myself. Given my schedule and the distance between any LHS and me, it is easier that way.

But let's put part of the onus here on the shops (the owners). If they want my support they need to do something to make me want to give it to them. Anything at all to make me want to walk in the door. The one 45 miles from me used to be reliable for everyday supplies, which would spawn other purchases. Not so much anymore.

What makes me want to stop by a hobby shop:
* Friendly atmosphere, at least more than a passing interest in trains by the shop or the regulars. This makes it an enjoyable experience and makes me want to go there,
* Decent stock of necessities and enough stock of equipment and such to be tempting,
* Price. This is not my number 1 priority. I'll pay more to help a store that I enjoy pay their bills. Price can be as simple as dealing on old, stagnant inventory. But if I can barely stand the place, the prices better be near the best.

This subject has pretty much been covered in other threads in the past. The result is some say support the LHS at any cost or you are a communist, others say buy only at the rock bottom price which means online dealers, ebay finds, etc or you are an idiot. I'm somewhere in the middle (amongst the communists and idiots) that says offer me something of value, even if it is just an enjoyable experience.

[CSX_road_slug]

It's easy for me to give 99% of my business to LHS because I live within a 30min. drive of 2 "world-class" shops (well stocked, MRR-competent, 25% off MSRP). One of these started-up in 1995 (same time as Internet was becoming popular) and that tells me it is possible to succeed in the business if you do it right.

I will NOT support a shop that communicates to me [indirectly] that they really don't want my business. #1 example: A surly, dont-bother-me attitude.

[3railguy]

You can persuade people all you want with "support your LHS". But, If you want people in your store, you have to give them a better reason than that. Price alone isn't the only stumbling block. Running a buisiness isn't easy. It never was and never will be.

There are three LHS's near me who stock good stuff and discount fairly. Most of my purchases are made at these LHS's and desicion making is made as I scroll through product pictures on the internet. It works both ways.

These dealers don't make much on engines when they discount but they make up for it on nickle and dime items for MSRP such as track, hobby tools, paints, scratchbuilding supplies, etc. The kinds of things people stop for once a week, need now, and won't bother with mail order. Knowing what nickle and dime items to carry is the challenge. We spend a surprising amount on nickle and dime items. Easily more than what we spend on big ticket items. It's scarry to add up.

[ereimer]

i try to buy from my LHS unless their price is just too far out of line or they just don't have what i need

[Todd McWilliam]

The best hobby shop in Arkansas is Tractive Effort hobbies in Fayetteville. 100% trains, and he is a great guy. He has a large inventory of Atlas locomotives, tons of rolling stock, and kits. Look it up if in the area

[Anonymous]

Two hobby shops here in Arkansas has 6 months to a year's worth of orders.

Manufactors announce items, I order before the deadline on items and wait 2 up to years or more for some of this stuff.

Occasionally I snap up items when the Finance dept (Spouse) approves; the situation improves by the year.

I think it is cheaper than ebay to LHS the items believe it or not.

[frisco1519]

Our LHS here gives our club a 20% discount when we buy from him. If I find something on ebay I like I will sometimes call and see if he can match the price minus the shipping, Many times he can do that. I also like being able to buy something right away and even if he does not have it in stock he will order it and have it within four days. I still buy a great deal on ebay and at train shows but I do support out LHS whenever possible.

[CP5415]

I'd like to support my LHS but He's retiring at the end of the month.
The other HS's around me are not MR freindly & the closest shop to me that I don't mind going to is on the other side of Toronto.

Gordon

[scubaterry]

Prior to moving to the Florida Keys I did most of my shopping at the two LHS. I really like to see what I am buying. However the last two years I have had to do all of my buying online because there is no HS down here. We are soon to move back up to the "world" and I will certainly seak out a good LHS to hang out in. I don't mind paying the higher prices at the LHS. Most of the HS have layouts you can try a loco out on. Hands on purchases. Usually they have a DCC expert that can help you with problems on installation of decoders etc. I find many reasons why a LHS is worth the visit.
Terry

[Anonymous]

Of course I do!

My LHS is well stocked, offers discount and will order anything I want with a simple phone call.
With the infrequency of train shows, potential shadyness of ebay and internet bargains being not that great after shipping, why wouldn't I ???

[jbinkley60]

We've got a great LHS here in Columbus, Ohio that stocks almost everything for HO (smaller N scale selection) but they are willing to order almost anything. It generally shows up in a couple of days. I buy stuff off the Internet that they can't get or don't carry. They seem to be doing well. Their website isn't much but I don't think that's their core business. I think a big challenge for the LHS business is small market locations where the volume is lower. That has to be a tougher market unless they can build an active niche following.

[ngartshore350]

joeyegarner,

Hope the Job goes well!

Here in Australia, I look at both my LHS and the internet, I have noticed with some items that my LHS are comaparable to US internet stores on some items once you include the exchange rate and postage.

I will buy from my LHS if the price is comparable or better. But I do find some things they can't get which is where I find the internet stores like discount trains online good as most of the time they have the item I am looking for.

I did find for Woodland Scenics items it was far easier to buy it direct than going to several LHS to find all the items I needed.

There is one thing to say about the LHS, you can have a good look at the item before you buy it!! Listen to the sounds, watch it on the test track and see the detail. You don't get that on the internet!

Regards,

Nigel

[Milwhiawatha]

The one negative part with internet is they too can go out of business and sorry to say it I would rather pay some additional cost to get it the day I need it. plus figure in shipping with cheaper items and your basically there at the same price.

[Nataraj]

ummmm, sorry.

I buy from

ebay
wholesaletrains.com
wholesaletrains.com
train shows ( got 4 p2k box cars for 10 bucks, limited edition too!! )

My hobby shop charges msrp and nothing less!!!! I won't stand for it!!

[joeyegarner]

I have just started working at a hobby shop on the weekend, only to be near the things the things I like. It's in Florence Al. The point I want to make is how important it is to support your LHS. Since I've started there I learned that the one that used to be in Decatur Al has since closed, things have also slowed down for us too. Without support they just cant make it. !

Myself I have spent a ton of cash on Ebay, but for the most part it was for used (I enjoy making the repairs on them) items that aren't available anywhere except at train shows and the fact is we just don't get many here in North AL. So, I have been purchasing lots of items now with the small amount of cash I make there to make to fix and repair all of my slightly used equipment. I have no trouble finding everything I need, and the turnaround time is less than a week.

In conclusion I think we could all learn something from the loss of support we now live with and of course that would be to go to your LHS and help em out.
If not, why?

Oh, we have a trainshow coming up in Huntsville at the old depot on the July 15 of this month.