Local Hobby Shp vs. Mega-Store

[CFMgarage]

Id be happy to buy from a local shop but all we have is a hobby lobby now....would be happy if they could carry more brand of kits than they do.  I do miss the family run local shops many have out of production or vintage kits,buildups,parts boxes one can dig through and buy what they need.  

Gergo... I understand your thoughts on the pains well...its no fun but I force myself to many times.

There used to be PARTS BOXES??? I'd love that. Often times there's that ONE part...ugh. Maybe my LHS isn't a real LHS

 

And yeah dude. Pain is no fun. I'm talking myself into building/restoring another 1:1 project but I'm worried my body is gonna regret every step of it.

[Phirewriter]

Parts boxes indeed! Our LHS has a big rummuge in late November/early December in which he drags out parts boxes, built ups and all other manner of hobby stuff to dig through. Most is obtained from buying collections and after everything is sorted some kits go to eBay, other kits go to shows and some are sold at the store in the collector kit shelves. The rest is reserved for the yearly sale. 

[Harry Joy]

When my LHS gets parts boxes, they'll set them out, and typically let folks grab what they want for free. The parts boxes don't last long.

[Harry P.]

Seriously... I don't understand why anyone wouldn't shop online.

You type in google.com... type in what you want, and presto! The entire planet of places that will sell you what you're looking for is there on your screen, and all you have to do is click on the one with the lowest price and it comes to your door.

Does it get any easier than that?

I don't understand this loyalty some of you have towards supporting the LHS, despite the sky-high prices and limited inventory.

[Phirewriter]

I don't understand the need to blindly assume all shop owners are trying to rob you and the only way to get that all important deal is to shop the web period! I understand the fact that there are those shop owners that resist anything regarding the internet, be pricing, selection or any other things that have been brought up. I am in a very fortunate situation to have a local shop that is also a distributor and sells oline. Due to that they don't fall into many of the trappings some stores do.

They price kits and supplies competitively in the store and have as wide of a selection as anyone could ask for. I realize that this is unique amongst hobby stores and has advantages most shops can't duplicate.

I still enjoy walking in and discovering something new and know they will have supplies I need. They take pre orders and will hold kits if needed and other things that help out hobbyists, great service not always found online. More often than not I run into a fellow builder to shoot the BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH with for a bit. It's as much of a social experience as a buying trip and I put high value on that. Sitting behind a keyboard simply does not equal the interaction face to face contact does whether it's with staff or fellow hobbyists. 

That doesn't mean I don't/won't shop oline. I like the fact I generally don't need to.

Edited March 23, 2016 by Phirewriter

[mk11]

Another consideration for us north of the medicine line is that sometimes extravagant expenditure known as 'shipping'   There still exist some local suppliers that sell at a fair price that beats the toll charged by most online suppliers and when I find one, I try to support them. The chance to talk with fellow modellers is a plus at times too. Even with extra bucks spent, the bridge-building and friendships developed can be worth it. This even applies to trading stuff across the line sometimes.

 

mike  

[Swifster]

Since moving back to Michigan, I'm blessed with two large hobby shops (Great Lakes Hobby and Whistle Stop Hobby). GLH is only a mile from home. If Hobby Lobby as something I want and the price is right (with the help of their 40% off coupon) I might get something there. Central Florida had nothing like the two up here. Unfortunately, there is nothing up here that would keep me from moving back to the land of sunshine...

[disabled modeler]

There used to be PARTS BOXES??? I'd love that. Often times there's that ONE part...ugh. Maybe my LHS isn't a real LHS

 

And yeah dude. Pain is no fun. I'm talking myself into building/restoring another 1:1 project but I'm worried my body is gonna regret every step of it.

Yep they had boxes of parts,etc. you could dig through and make a pile and he would price it for you(cheap)....I always found something I could use there. He also had buildups,parts cars,kits missing parts,and vintage kits.

A 1 to 1 project....might be rough to do get plenty of friends to help out. I know its sounds wrong but I purposely push myself to do anything I can I am too scared if I dont Ill get much worse than I am...got to keep slugging best one can.

[CometMan]

Since moving back to Michigan, I'm blessed with two large hobby shops (Great Lakes Hobby and Whistle Stop Hobby). GLH is only a mile from home. If Hobby Lobby as something I want and the price is right (with the help of their 40% off coupon) I might get something there. Central Florida had nothing like the two up here. Unfortunately, there is nothing up here that would keep me from moving back to the land of sunshine...

Welcome back Tom! Have you tried Prop-Shop Hobbies? It's about 1/2 way between Great Lakes and Whistle Stop, all 3 can be visited within a few hours!

[Harry P.]

It's as much of a social experience as a buying trip and I put high value on that.

Well, yeah, if what you want is a social experience, of course you're not going to get that when shopping online. I get that.

But for me, when I shop for kits and stuff, I'm not looking for a gab session... I'm looking for what I want at the lowest price I can find. And for that, you just can't beat shopping online.

[Phirewriter]

I guess that's fine if the only social experience you want is hiding behind a keyboard. Getting outdoors sometimes can help improve an attitude.

[martinfan5]

I guess that's fine if the only social experience you want is hiding behind a keyboard. Getting outdoors sometimes can help improve an attitude.

I kind of agree with Harry, I go the hobby store to buy products, not for a social experience , I have the model clubs for that, not that I wont be social. 

[Phirewriter]

Unfortunately my job interferes with my ability to attend local club functions so I'm usually happy to connect with fellow modelers. Our local club has a display at our LHS so at least I'm able to catch up on what others are building. In addition they have slotcar racing on a nice Carrera track plus lots more auto related stuff. Part of the experience is the inspiration and creative juices that get flowing in an environment like that. 

Don't get me wrong, I get alot of ideas and inspiration from the excellent stuff people post here. The shop experience is just different, not better or worse. Just another way to boost my appetite for building.

Edited March 23, 2016 by Phirewriter

[69NovaYenko]

I don't understand the need to blindly assume all shop owners are trying to rob you and the only way to get that all important deal is to shop the web period! I understand the fact that there are those shop owners that resist anything regarding the internet, be pricing, selection or any other things that have been brought up. I am in a very fortunate situation to have a local shop that is also a distributor and sells oline. Due to that they don't fall into many of the trappings some stores do.

They price kits and supplies competitively in the store and have as wide of a selection as anyone could ask for. I realize that this is unique amongst hobby stores and has advantages most shops can't duplicate.

I still enjoy walking in and discovering something new and know they will have supplies I need. They take pre orders and will hold kits if needed and other things that help out hobbyists, great service not always found online. More often than not I run into a fellow builder to shoot the BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH with for a bit. It's as much of a social experience as a buying trip and I put high value on that. Sitting behind a keyboard simply does not equal the interaction face to face contact does whether it's with staff or fellow hobbyists. 

That doesn't mean I don't/won't shop oline. I like the fact I generally don't need to.

Ditto Phirewriter I concur with every single point you have made. Additionally, I want to be absolutely clear by stating that I DO SHOP ON-LINE!  I don’t understand why some feel it’s a one way or the other way issue.

Like you Phirewriter, I am in a very fortunate situation to have a LHS in  my town that is also a distributor and has an on-line store. The have patrons not only locally but national as well as internationally. Additionally, they regularly participate in a number of the national hobby shows as a vendor. The carry kits/supplies from all over the globe (England/Japan/Germany etc.) The business model of a sole proprietor relaying strictly on local foot traffic to keep his business solvent is long gone.

 

My LHS kits/supplies are generally competitively with many of the on-line/ big box operations.  Also, they take pre-orders and will hold kits if needed and will order special items for hobbyist on an as need basics as the need be. They will give on the spot advice and help with products, supplies and tools.  I can walk in the door and walk out with the item in my hand (no door to door shipping delay) and that is priceless to me…it`s called immediate gratification. Hence, this affords me the ability to continue my project when I get home and not wait on a mail delivery is of value to me. And, don’t let me forget to mention running into a fellow builders and sharing common experiences and lessons learned advice and seeing what others are building.

 

 Sitting in front of a computer display tapping way on the keyboard does not constitute great service. Generally, the staff at these on-line stores or big box houses are mere order takers and do not have the slights inklings about the item you are buying from them beyond its item #1234 and my computer screen says we have 2 in stock. I lived that experience when purchasing my airbrushes from one of the large Chicago box houses.  They didn`t know what needle I should get, if a gravity feed vs. siphon feed gun would best meet my needs, what brand was more reliable, if the gun O-rings would stand up to lacquer paints and other hot solvents being run through it etc. 

 

This is FAR from a put down. But, for some it`s about cold hard cash, the bottom-line, the lowest price they can find, because they have read from cover to cover “The Art Of The Deal”.  If that’s how they are wired then by all means they should continue doing what they do. No one is attempting to sway them away from on-line shopping.  No one is saying that they are wrong to seek out the cheapest price they can find. No one is saying that they are wrong if they have utter contempt for the face-to-face social interaction that an LHS affords. It`s their finances and hence it`s their prerogative to spend it however, wherever and with whomever they see fit. God Bless American freedom of chose is a wonderful thing! But, please do not imply that those who have a different standard are not penny-wise or recklessly frivolous with their finances.

 

Truth is 99% of us on this forum are conscientious consumers. No one here goes around lighting cigars with $100 bills. Certainly I don’t; nor do the people in the circles I run in. However, after the numerous postings explaining why a large number of us still frequent LHS they still don’t understand it; then all I have to say this the universe did not intend for them to understand it.

 

Bottom line there is no wrong or right to this topic. As stated earlier I do some of my purchases on-line and some at my LHS. I suggest that those who wish to confine their business strictly the web to do such and those that like to frequent a LHS to do such…it short “Just Do You." 

 

 

Edited March 23, 2016 by 69NovaYenko

[Harry P.]

I guess that's fine if the only social experience you want is hiding behind a keyboard.

Geez, you sure are assuming a lot about me.

Don't remember ever saying that the only social experience I want is "hiding" behind a keyboard. That's your distorted view of me. And seeing as how you and I have never met and you have no idea about anything about me, that's a pretty big stretch.

Why the need to bash me because I don't agree with your view?

[69NovaYenko]

Pleas slow down amigo. I was not directing my comments to you.  I apologize profusely if you took my comment as if I were  addressing them directly to you. You are correct ,I do not know you and have no right to make judgements about you are defame you.  If you re-read my closing comment I said

"Bottom line there is no wrong or right to this topic. As stated earlier I do some of my purchases on-line and some at my LHS. I suggest that those who wish to confine their business strictly the web to do such and those that like to frequent a LHS to do such…it short “Just Do You." 

Again, I am extending a heart felt public apology if you took my commentary on the issue personally. I trust you will except my apology.

 

 

Edited March 23, 2016 by 69NovaYenko

[martinfan5]

Unfortunately my job interferes with my ability to attend local club functions so I'm usually happy to connect with fellow modelers. Our local club has a display at our LHS so at least I'm able to catch up on what others are building. In addition they have slotcar racing on a nice Carrera track plus lots more auto related stuff. Part of the experience is the inspiration and creative juices that get flowing in an environment like that. 

Don't get me wrong, I get alot of ideas and inspiration from the excellent stuff people post here. The shop experience is just different, not better or worse. Just another way to boost my appetite for building.

I think people get what they want out of the their LHS, and there is no right or wrong way to buy supplies/kits for the hobby,  you get out of the LHS what you want, I get out of it what I want, and both makes us happy,  I spend more money online than I do in the LHS, and I get out that what I want, best possible prices .    There is no one size fits all here,  if going to LHS and having a social experience makes you happy and that is what you wanting,than that is great for you.

[Phirewriter]

Ok, perhaps I was a bit terse. After re reading your post I still take issue with the internet as the end all be all for best price. Other than possibly Tower our LHS meets or beats most internet pricing. And again they have a buying advantage most shops don't and are able to pass along the better pricing.

l apologize for my remarks. Your post just came across as "I want my stuff cheap, now and with no interference" Plus since you chose to quote me on one of my reasons for supporting my LHS I took it as though you had issue with it.  Again I realize that may not have been the intent, to me that's how it read.

Edited March 24, 2016 by Phirewriter

[martinfan5]

Ok, perhaps I was a bit terse. After re reading your post I still take issue with the internet as the end all be all for best price.

But 9 out of 10 times, the internet does have the best prices,  not every LHS is like yours,  the LHS here wont beat internet prices( that I am aware of), then you add local sales tax and gas.   I will agree for some items, the LHS is the better option vs buying online,  I tend to buy most paints from the LHS, as its just cheaper in the long run most of times. 

[Longbox55]

Seriously... I don't understand why anyone wouldn't shop online.

 

Just speaking for myself, Harry, I actually prefer buying in person than online. It's not so much about social interaction, as I prefer to be left alone while I shop, but rather than I like to see the product in person before I make a purchase. That really goes for everything, not just hobby related items, and is something I picked up from my Dad, who is the same way. I also like the "thrill of the hunt" so to speak. Especially at swap meets.

That's not to say I don't shop online from time to time, though. Mostly, my online shopping is for specific tools I can't find locally, like miniature taps & dies, or for the occasional OOP kit.

 

[Harry P.]

Pleas slow down amigo. I was not directing my comments to you.  I apologize profusely if you took my comment as if I were  addressing them directly to you. You are correct ,I do not know you and have no right to make judgements about you are defame you.  If you re-read my closing comment I said

"Bottom line there is no wrong or right to this topic. As stated earlier I do some of my purchases on-line and some at my LHS. I suggest that those who wish to confine their business strictly the web to do such and those that like to frequent a LHS to do such…it short “Just Do You." 

Again, I am extending a heart felt public apology if you took my commentary on the issue personally. I trust you will except my apology.

Greg... my comments were not directed at you. They were meant for Phirewriter.

[Harry P.]

Just speaking for myself, Harry, I actually prefer buying in person than online. It's not so much about social interaction, as I prefer to be left alone while I shop, but rather than I like to see the product in person before I make a purchase. That really goes for everything, not just hobby related items, and is something I picked up from my Dad, who is the same way. I also like the "thrill of the hunt" so to speak. Especially at swap meets.

That's not to say I don't shop online from time to time, though. Mostly, my online shopping is for specific tools I can't find locally, like miniature taps & dies, or for the occasional OOP kit.

I get that.

[Harry P.]

Your post just came across as "I want my stuff cheap, now and with no interference"

Exactly so.

[martinfan5]

Exactly so.

Cant fault you for being honest about it

 

Sometimes, I am the same way, well, I always want the best price, but most times, I just want to go and get what I need and to be left alone.

[Harry P.]

 I just want to go and get what I need and to be left alone.

Yup.