102 replies to this topic

[Harry P.]

some like to shop in the flesh, so they can touch and feel and be sure its what they want.

The store where you shop lets you open the box and "touch and feel?"

[Austin T]

The store where you shop lets you open the box and "touch and feel?"

They do as long as you don't get caught.

[martinfan5]

You have another option. The internet has dozens and dozens of places that sell models, the selection is far better than even the most well-stocked hobby shop could ever possibly have, they never close, and they deliver to your door.

Why would anyone limit themselves to whatever the local shops decide to carry?

Because people want to support there LHS, which there is nothing wrong with that. If Wally world does carry them again, I am sure the price's will cheaper then the LHS anyways.

I dont understand it either

[FatManScaleDesigns]

Another thing is buying ay a local shop over the internet, you can dig right into it.

[Dr. Cranky]

My local Hobby Town allows me to open a kit and inspect it, but only because they know that if I like it I will buy two, three, four . . .

They know me as Mr. 41 Willys.

[MsDano85gt]

Unfortunately the walmarts here are not on board:( my lhs if you have more than 20 bones to spend on one kit its the place for you they never mark anything down its no wonder all the model boxes are so dusty! Lol. My hoBby lobbys treat me pretty good tho when they mark down the. Model car/truck kits!!

[moparmagiclives]

You have another option. The internet has dozens and dozens of places that sell models, the selection is far better than even the most well-stocked hobby shop could ever possibly have, they never close, and they deliver to your door.

Why would anyone limit themselves to whatever the local shops decide to carry?

Like Walmart.com

[moparmagiclives]

The store where you shop lets you open the box and "touch and feel?"

That's why I don't subscribe to magazines

[Scuderia]

The store where you shop lets you open the box and "touch and feel?"

If one needs a particular type of brush or other supply then yes. I dont envision any opening of boxes for a full kit but in person you have a greater sense of what you're getting yourself into if u have no other frame of referrence.

[Skydime]

The store where you shop lets you open the box and "touch and feel?"

Harry, it's Walmart for goodness sakes. The store that will take back anything. JK Harry. I just had to go there with their reputation and everything.

I see what he is saying with being able to hold the box. It is nice to see what it really looks like in person and getting a feel for the content by the weight and fill of the box. And you don't have to worry about the shipper destroying your kit in transit. But I also see the point of being able to order anything online at any time as well.

Either way, I like the nostalgia factor of going to get a kit at Walmart.

Edited by Skydime, 08 August 2012 - 03:49 PM.

[Dave Van]

None here as of yesterday.....they have had a few online for a long time.

[martinfan5]

I have three wally worlds with in three miles of me, have not seen any kits, but have not been looking for them, I will be now

[Don Sikora II]

Say what you will about Wal-Mart, but it would be good for this hobby if all their stores start carrying kits again. I live in the middle of one of the largest metro areas in the country and it is way too hard to find a kit in a store. In Kenosha (city of about 100,000 between Chicago and Milwaukee) there are two places, an old-school hobby shop where the owner is retiring and selling down his stock and Hobby Lobby. I'm sure that's a better situation than many other places in this country.

I know where to find any kit I want online, but you need kits (and Testors paint) in stores for kids and casual builders to see. Yeah, some might buy the occasional kit online, but being able to "window" shop and compare in a Wal-Mart is much better.

[martinfan5]

I window shop online, and with alot of the kits I buy (from Japanese Companys), I use hobby search to see whats in the box, look at the instruction sheet, see what colors are needed, look at the decal sheet, tell me, can you do that in a hobby store?, or in wally world?, no, unless you plan on buying the kit after you open it

Is it nice to be able to hold the kit box in your hand and look longingly at it while thinking about what you want to do with it ?, you betcha!, is nice to be able to have the kit the same day you bought?, you betcha!.

Is it nice to be able to shop for model kits at one in the morning, butt naked?, you betcha lol, is nice to at times spend less on the kit buying it online, even with shipping?, again, you betcha, is nice to save money on gas, and wear and tear on the car from driving to the LHS to get a kit, you betcha,

Both ways in the end feed our addiction for plastic, I like online, it saves me money, therefore, letting me get even more plastic for my money to feed to my plastic addiction

[mikemodeler]

You have another option. The internet has dozens and dozens of places that sell models, the selection is far better than even the most well-stocked hobby shop could ever possibly have, they never close, and they deliver to your door.

Why would anyone limit themselves to whatever the local shops decide to carry?

Harry, I agree with you here as I just ordered the new GMC pickup last Tuesday (7/31) from Tower Hobbies in Champaign IL and by last Friday (8/3) at noon, there was a box with 3 of those kits on my doorstep here in Charlotte NC! Less than $19.00 per kit, no sales tax, and free shipping to boot! I was in the local Hobbytown USA last Monday (7/30) and the son of the owner didn't know if or when the kit was going to be in, so much for supporting the LHS!

Wal-Mart having models doesn't do much for me unless they are marked down to $5.00 because they probably will only have a small selection and I would be looking for parts vehicles.

[martinfan5]

Harry, I agree with you here as I just ordered the new GMC pickup last Tuesday (7/31) from Tower Hobbies in Champaign IL and by last Friday (8/3) at noon, there was a box with 3 of those kits on my doorstep here in Charlotte NC! Less than $19.00 per kit, no sales tax, and free shipping to boot! I was in the local Hobbytown USA last Monday (7/30) and the son of the owner didn't know if or when the kit was going to be in, so much for supporting the LHS!

I really like ordering kits from tower hobbies, and getting free shipping, well thats the only time I will lol , and the service is great , and the shipping is fast

I live a state away from one of there warehouse's , so I think that could be another reason why it I get my orders fast

Edited by martinfan5, 08 August 2012 - 04:50 PM.

[moparmagiclives]

I have three wally worlds with in three miles of me,

....?

Edited by moparmagiclives, 08 August 2012 - 05:44 PM.

[kurth]

I shop at walmart frequently for stuff like catfood, cleaning supplies, etc, since they are open 24 hours. I work nights, and on nights off by the time I get ready to go any where, it is the only place open.

Around christmas time this past year they had the Revell cardboard standup display with kits like the 56 chevy street machine, Malibu Street rat, etc. The prices were nothing too spectacualr so I did not get any. I usually take a quick run down the toy aisle in the off chance they put models up again, and look at GI Joes, Transformers, hotwheels and did not notice models last week. i will keep checking. The few kits I buy these days are from Tower, HobbyLinc or model roundup, there are two good hobby stores not too far away but I am rarely awake when they are open. It would be nice to see kits at walmart again to introduce people to the hobby, or to spark a return to hobby of dormant modelers. How many times have you heard the story of someone rediscovering the hobby from seeing kits in a place they did not expect?

I still long for the days of the old Toys R us model section... a whole long aisle of an awesome selection. Large airplane kits, big rigs and lots of cars. those were the days!

[martinfan5]

....?



....?

I there are three walmart stores within three miles of my house, all supercenters

Edited by martinfan5, 08 August 2012 - 05:43 PM.

[moparmagiclives]

I there are three walmart stores within three miles of my house, all supercenters

That's insane !!