The Utlimate Hobby Shop

[93Z34]

I was replying to Ed last night when I got home and the topic of hobby shops and their evolution through the years came up. After I went to bed last night, I laid awake and put some very serious thought into the very subject I just pm'd about.

When I was growing up, I remember the hobbyshops I used to go to. The owners genuinely cared about the customer and making sure they were satisfied with the kits they were buying. The bottom dollar wasn't the driving force behind their motivation to be in the business, but rather, a genuine passion and love for the hobby itself that we seem to be missing today. Through the years, it seems shops like these are getting harder and harder to find. And when you do find them, it seems they are sucking in their last breath and the writing for survival is already on the wall.

So, I want to pose a question to everyone here. If you had the capital and the resources, what would YOU build for a hobbyshop in today's economy and world to make it stand out above the rest? Here is a list of ideas that I would employ in a shop, if I ever had the means and opportunity to build one.

First and foremost, I would make it customer friendly across the board. If hobbyists just wanted to come in and hang out, they'd be more than welcome. Purchasing something wouldn't be mandatory like it is at so many stores today. There would be a seperate room built specifically for modeling. There would be work benches, sinks for cleaning kits, washing hands, etc., paint booths with exhaust fans for those wishing to utilize this method for painting their models but maybe don't have the space or abilities to do so at home. A tv for entertainment as well as a stereo for listening enjoyment. Computer and internet access would be available for access to sites such as this as well as research sites for automobiles, armor, aircraft, etc. complete with a printer to print off images, tips, etc.

The inventory would consist of a wide range of kits from all the different manufacturers so everyone has a choice of kit to fit their tastes and wallets. How many times have we gone to a shop looking for something in particular and either left empty handed or ended up settling for something else that wasn't what we were really wanting? I would also stock aftermarket supplies ranging from resin to decals to flocking. The shop would literally be a one-stop shop for the modeler to make it easier obtaining the kits and supplies needed to build what they wanted.

A weekly build night would be held as well. Hobbyists from the area could come and build, socialize and have fun. Coffee, soda, pizza and sandwiches would be provided free of charge to those attending and the store would stay open for those wishing to purchase items, but it wouldn't be mandatory for people to buy things to attend. A seperate evening set aside for the youth would also be designated. Also, every couple months a "Build it, Take it" night for our young people would be held where kids could come in and build a kit supplied by the shop and their parents and other experienced modelers could help them build the kits. Display cases would be abundant in the store as well so modelers of all ages and tastes could display their work for others to see. A bi-annual show or contest would be held as well with various classes to cater to everyone's tastes. Gift certificates to the store would be the prizes rather than another ribbon, trophy or plaque. Let's give a prize that gives back to the hobby instead of handing out cheap trophies and awards that will only collect dust and end up being packed away due to lack of space.

These are just a few ideas I thought of last night that would go into the mix of building the "Ultimate Hobbyshop". So what ideas do you have that would help make a hobbyshop that is a mecca for modelers? I wish I could strike the lottery to make this dream a reality!

Edited January 21, 2009 by 93Z34

[Eshaver]

Brian, in response to you just DREAMING about opening a hobby shop, do it ! Heck yeah, buy a franchise and run it the way you normally would a Mom an Pop operation.With out naming the Franchise shop here by name , the problem I have with them is the same problem I have encountered with every hobby shop in Virginia under the same name , that being CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!! Brian , I have been vilified by several model builders out there because I said my peace on THEIR company. Well, I always THANKED my customers when they did business with me ! I actually cared that someone came in the office too! I guess thats asking too much these days.............. oh well.

Ed Shaver

[Guest promodmerc]

TV & internet will most likey cause problems as well. Everyone will not want to watch the same thing. With internet you will need to police it so there is not improper use. Plus that's the idea of model building. Getting away from the tube.

Some of your ideas are great however.

[71datsun1200]

If you want to experience great customer service and knowledgable staff the next time your in or around West chester pa visit the hobbytown on rt. 3 next to b.king. it is operated by an older couple who are the owners in laws. Paul ,the owner set it up in a way that leaves the competitio in the dust. Paul and his staff let you hang out help you with any of your needs. not sure if they still do a weekly build night .but they use to. i moved to wilmington de and found g-force hobbies pretty good guys there to.

i love your idea. some kind of signed waiver could free you from any legal issues concerning sharp tools and paints/ just my 2 cents.

[93Z34]

I guess one thing I am more sick of than anything else is the fact that today's hobbyshop owners feel as though you owe THEM for being there for you. I know not everyone is like that, but the ones in my area are like that. Plus, plastic is just a necessary evil for some to run their hobbyshops and even though they couldn't care less if they carry it or sell any of it, they do it "just because."

It's time the owners of these stores start realizing they need to show some appreciation to US, the customers, for parting with our hard earned money in a shrinking economy rather than stashing it away for a rainy day. I guess I just miss the days of the neighborhood shops where you could go and just hang out and talk models and actually have FUN doing it without the owner taking an attitude and making you feel like you're intruding into his territory.

As for computers and tv's, you're right. I'm sure there might be some pervs who might try to access questionable sites while frequenting the store. However, parental controls Do work and I am sure the actual hobbyists would run the pervs out in short order. Basically, if you're not there to enjoy the hobby, beat it and let those who do enjoy it, partake in the luxuries made available to them.

I sat down and figured if I wanted to actually open an emporium like the one described above, it would take hundreds of thousands of dollars. I'm not saying it's out of the realm of possibility, but it would take a miracle for it to happen. Plus, I would open it someplace other than here, like Tennessee where the store actually stood a chance of surviving. For whatever reason, there just doesn't seem to be the passion for modeling in these parts that there is elsewhere in this country. But, like Martin Luther King once said, "I have a dream...."

[midwest 1953]

I was replying to Ed last night when I got home and the topic of hobby shops and their evolution through the years came up. After I went to bed last night, I laid awake and put some very serious thought into the very subject I just pm'd about.

When I was growing up, I remember the hobbyshops I used to go to. The owners genuinely cared about the customer and making sure they were satisfied with the kits they were buying. The bottom dollar wasn't the driving force behind their motivation to be in the business, but rather, a genuine passion and love for the hobby itself that we seem to be missing today. Through the years, it seems shops like these are getting harder and harder to find. And when you do find them, it seems they are sucking in their last breath and the writing for survival is already on the wall.

So, I want to pose a question to everyone here. If you had the capital and the resources, what would YOU build for a hobbyshop in today's economy and world to make it stand out above the rest? Here is a list of ideas that I would employ in a shop, if I ever had the means and opportunity to build one.

First and foremost, I would make it customer friendly across the board. If hobbyists just wanted to come in and hang out, they'd be more than welcome. Purchasing something wouldn't be mandatory like it is at so many stores today. There would be a seperate room built specifically for modeling. There would be work benches, sinks for cleaning kits, washing hands, etc., paint booths with exhaust fans for those wishing to utilize this method for painting their models but maybe don't have the space or abilities to do so at home. A tv for entertainment as well as a stereo for listening enjoyment. Computer and internet access would be available for access to sites such as this as well as research sites for automobiles, armor, aircraft, etc. complete with a printer to print off images, tips, etc.

The inventory would consist of a wide range of kits from all the different manufacturers so everyone has a choice of kit to fit their tastes and wallets. How many times have we gone to a shop looking for something in particular and either left empty handed or ended up settling for something else that wasn't what we were really wanting? I would also stock aftermarket supplies ranging from resin to decals to flocking. The shop would literally be a one-stop shop for the modeler to make it easier obtaining the kits and supplies needed to build what they wanted.

A weekly build night would be held as well. Hobbyists from the area could come and build, socialize and have fun. Coffee, soda, pizza and sandwiches would be provided free of charge to those attending and the store would stay open for those wishing to purchase items, but it wouldn't be mandatory for people to buy things to attend. A seperate evening set aside for the youth would also be designated. Also, every couple months a "Build it, Take it" night for our young people would be held where kids could come in and build a kit supplied by the shop and their parents and other experienced modelers could help them build the kits. Display cases would be abundant in the store as well so modelers of all ages and tastes could display their work for others to see. A bi-annual show or contest would be held as well with various classes to cater to everyone's tastes. Gift certificates to the store would be the prizes rather than another ribbon, trophy or plaque. Let's give a prize that gives back to the hobby instead of handing out cheap trophies and awards that will only collect dust and end up being packed away due to lack of space.

These are just a few ideas I thought of last night that would go into the mix of building the "Ultimate Hobbyshop". So what ideas do you have that would help make a hobbyshop that is a mecca for modelers? I wish I could strike the lottery to make this dream a reality!

This is a wonderful thought...my first thought is.....Every plastic kit in the place would need to start at 100.00....

You have to pay for pizza, soda etc... There was at one time a hobby shop in St Louis, that did this for gamers, and Checkered Flag Hobby Shop does this for crafts, and all the scrapbooking places my wife spends her money in, do this for scrappers...

I say go for it.. and tell us how it turns out.....most of us don't have the money or time to devote to this.....

[randx0]

the biggest problem I have with hobby stores today aside from the things mentioned above is the lack of aftermarket stock it seems they make an intial purchase and once the "good " stuff is gone the rest just sits there and they never get more new stuff or even restock the items that sold well .wheels are especially hard to find .I know that most pe companies are pretty good but I still like to look at the sets before I buy them.plus if the model companies are a little slow at releasing new releases it is nice to still be able to spend 5-15 dollars on something I can use for my already purchased kits. An idea I would utilize for a nice hobby shop would be to offer an incentive for kids it would work like this they buy a model go home and build it bring it back to the store completed and receive a heavy discount on the next one and as a bonus they get free hand tools based on their completed kits and needs . kinda like a builders club to encourage them to build and improve their skills(what kid would buy a razor saw over a new model?).

[Scott H.]

Believe it or not, but I was talking to a friend of mine not too long ago and told him that if I won the lottery I would do something very similar to this.

What I would do is buy an old grocery store that closed down, and divide it into sections.

One section would be a well equipped hobby store, catering not only to models but R/Cs, trains, scratch building supplies, and doll crafting as well. BTW, 1/2 scale doll house items are close to 1/24th scale!

A second section would be set up with cubicles similar to an office complex where people could bring in their own tools and paints (or purchase them in the store) to build their models in. They would have a locker area available to them for storage of said items, similar to a bus or train station. Wireless internet access would also be provided, but there would be NO computers provided by my company. Anyone that would be using the building / storage / internet area would have to sign a release form before they got access to it too.

A third section would be devoted to an indoor R/C track with good ventilation so people could use it in good or bad weather.

A fourth section would be a large meeting / gathering room for people to use for club meetings or shows that could be sectioned off to make the room smaller if necessary for club meetings. I would also start a NNL show for the area if possible.

One of the main requests I will have for any one that worked in the hobby store would be that they learn about the products that are on the shelves. Even if they have no interest in the subject at hand, I have always believed that a sales person should have a working knowledge of their products.

IF there were enough interest, I might provide a LOCKING glass showcase for people to be able to display their models. Only a few select people would have access to it, and would be responsible for placing the models in the case and removing them when the owner requests it. Photos of the model AND a signed display release would be required before it was placed into the case and a picture I.D. would be required for removal of the model.

Well, that's my ideas on the subject...

-Scott H.

[coopdad]

I'm not saying it's out of the realm of possibility, but it would take a miracle for it to happen. Plus, I would open it someplace other than here, like Tennessee where the store actually stood a chance of surviving. But, like Martin Luther King once said, "I have a dream...."

You are welcome here in Tennessee! I have a dream too... a great Hobby Shop!

Seriously, are there any many retails stores anymore that employee minimum wage kids who actually care? I have been in one lately.

Ideally, I would rather do my product research at home on the web and pick the parts/kits up locally at a reasonable price. Hey, what you should do is cut out the lame employees altogether and make the whole store a big vending machine with every kit, part, paint, tool, available 24/7. Run out of Tamiya Black Gloss spray paint at 3am? Not a problem, slide in $3 the slot and out pops a can. No shoplifting either!

John

[chris coller]

Speaking of Hobby Town, I stopped into my local franchise to check out the new kits that came. To my utter astonishment I noticed Revell kit prices shot up five to seven dollars per kit. To me that is ridiculous. That is why I dont purchase kits from them unless they provide that 25% off coupon. I get most of my kits at shows for a third off or less then the above mentioned franchise.

I have a hobby shop in town I have been going to for about 25 years. They are great and always treat me well. The ownerknows who I am and so forth. The only two down sides are now taht I am expanding my builds they dont have what I am looking for aswell as the owner looking to get out. Retirement and not so good location in what some would call "The Hood". It really isnt in the best of neiborhoods but they are great people. Ott's Hobbies in good ol Reading,PA.

There might be a few folks on here that know the place.

[Jeff Johnston]

Scott I'd do the same thing. Every time I go by the old closed Grocery store (moved) or the closed Woolworths, I think of exactly that....an indoor RC and a big indoor slot car track... Places to paint models..paint booths, etc. ... a huge train section for the train guys.

It's be a real hobby shop and a place where folks could race RC and Slot cars...

I had also thought of the weekly build night...where folks came in to build and bull.

It'd be huge.

and if I won the lottery, and were a multi ba-jillionaire... it would not even have to make money

Unfortunately...businesses need to make money, and less ans less hobby shops are.

[Helipilot16]

My favorite hobby shop has found the formula for success. H C & M Hobbies in Sparks, Nevada is mostly an outlet for remote control cars and planes. On any given day, it is full of guys working on their powered models. As an adjunct to his business, he is willing to order anything available from his distributor; Great Planes, which is warehoused in Reno. He has gotten me several models with only a one or two day wait. If it's available to Great Planes, it's available to me.

Marc, the owner, is willing to ship anywhere. give him a call at 775-355-7744. Tell him I sent you. He's a great guy.

Edited January 23, 2009 by Helipilot16

[B-dub]

sadly I don't have any little shops.. or even ay shops that are for models.. there is a hobby lobby over an hour away that has models but I just wish there was a actual hobby shop with more models and stuff... instead of 20 isles of fake flowers and 1/3 of the store full of flower pots etc. Idk if all hobby lobby's are like that but it's literally 100% woman crafts and one small spot that has models in it.. and no RC stuff

[CAL]

if it wasn't for Hobbytown USA and the guy who has two franchises here in my area i'd have no hobbyshop at all to shop in locally. do i like shopping there? no, not really to be perfectly honest. the old school hobbyshop's we did have in the area have all closed doors. the one thing that kills the experience when shopping in Hobbytown is the customer service, or total lack of in most cases. the other thing is the lack of knowledge by the employees of hobby related questions and advice. before some of you dedicated employees of said company get all excited and angry, stop and think about what i've said. if you are knowledeable, good for you, but how many of your fellow employees are? what do you do to provide customer service to the folks that come into the store and shop?

the biggest problem i have with Hobbytown USA is the lack of customer service first and foremost.

Brian, your ideas for the "ultimate" hobby shop are good and bad at the same time. the workshop or bench areas are the biggest concern. imagine a bunch of kids with sharp tools or power tools unattended. i'm not talking little kids either, but teenagers and even young adults. one kid cuts himself or herself deep with a sharp blade and your out of business. i'm not picking on you but you have to think about how are you going to control people with dangerous tools and chemicals?

i think all of us dream about the ultimate hobbyshop, one that has anything and everything we could ever want and need right there just waiting for us.

Dave

There is more problems than that with Hobby Town. Unless they changed drastically, it is real hard to make a good go of it with the HT Franchise... and that not a problem exclusive to franchise hobby stores. It seems to be a problem in virtually ever hobby store.

The problem is like every other retail is no one thinks there is anything special about being a retail clerke. The attitude is anyone can do it, so they get paid on the mind set and hobby stores are the worst about paying people what they are worth. And most people get into because of their love for the hobby, but they also get burnned out because you cannot typically make a real living from it - and under increasing demands.

It is also imperative to have an online wearhouse division with competent people to keep up with websites, inventory, emails and quick shipping.

And if you are going to be a hobby shop be a hobby shop. Not whatever, toy, puzzles, and all the other non-related stuff that shows up in hobby stores.

If you are the very best at it they will come regardless of the price or how big or small you are.

Porsche was once one of the smallest, yet independant, and most profitable car manufacture in the world. Now one of the largest, independant, and still the most profitable - and successful.

Wal Mart doesn't have the mentality for it.

So I'd have a well stocked shop covering all the basis with good employees who were paid what they were worth and excel in customer service. I would not limit my inventory to the big distributors because it's easy. I would have the people on the pulse of the patrons be buyers for the store and give people choice, on the store front side.

On the warehouse side, excellent communication, customer service and fast shipping. The rest will take care of itself.

But that's what it comes down to. Is customer service, which most people who promote customer service are really quite clueless. It isn't always just tell someone what they want to hear, that always leads do bending the truth and lies - always.

If you are honest, upfront and spell it out so they understand - that will go a lot further than some hotshot sales jickie who can sell the London Bridge.

I would consider hosting clubs, events etc within the store itself. I have had some real good experiences with doing that and some not so good ones. I have found very little evidence that it does promote business growth, most of the time its more trouble and costly than its worth. Sorry.

I would however, be very open to sponcering outside clubs and events.

And the best thing I could do is just to listen, which none of these owners what to really listen.

Last but not least dancing girls on Wednesdays

Edited January 24, 2009 by CAL

[CAL]

i do believe that having some of the events like the "make and take" and some classes or "how-to" sessions are a good thing and can increase sales and business. one of the other things that i know was good for a former hobbyshop in my area was having "new" releases built and on display in the store. seeing those kits out of the box and on display finished helped to sell them. the classes are a great way to help people learn more and to increase sales of tools and supplies as well as kits and are a form of social event.

the stocking of aftermarket "detailing" parts is a very difficult thing to do. it's hard to guage what will be a hot seller and what wont be. stores that have alot of dead inventory in most cases are afraid to order more in fear of having the same problems. it takes alot of effort on the store owners, managers and employees part to learn what is important to thier customers and what they want. then it takes considerable effort to be sure that if you do stock those items that you are able to pass a reasonable price onto them and still make a profit at the same time.

Dave

ya gotta take one step further than that and thats where the savvy comes in... ya just need to know how to control it, which is an art in itself. You have to see into the future as well as know the past.

[RodneyBad]

Well for the The Ultimate Hobby Shop.

I'm lucky to have 5 in my hood.

To stay in business, you most appease all hobbyist.

One I go to (Bridgetown hobbies, formally known as Military corner))has no trains but lots of cars, Military, sci-fi, and Games (really?)

they have been in business for well over 30 (I've been going there for 20) years.

The other one (Tammies Hobbies)does R/C, Trains, Military and model cars and is also well stocked but there prices have been climbing lately.

But They specialise in Trains and R/C are first on their list and models as extra $$.

Another one (Vic's Hobbies) does only Trains and diorama supplies, good for supplies (plasti-struct/evergreen)and glue.

Model builders are like Zukist people,

Cheap..

we want bang for our buck!!

That maybe only my Opinion but I doubt it. ha ha..

So I'd suggest a Hobby shop Like Tammie's but lean more towards models with R/Cs, games, and trains thrown in for extra $$

[kitbash1]

We have a shop in Toronto named Wheels & Wings. This place comes very close to the small town hobbie shops that I remember growing up in the 60's. Every time I go down to pickup paints and other stuff, the guys who run this place take the time to talk to the customers and just make your visit enjoyable. The last time I was in their shop,I spent more then two hours just hanging out and swopping building stories and tips with the others there. Just a great way to spend a few hours on a saturday afternoon.

[dryvr12]

I would divide it from paints, kits, accessories, and stuff. id have airbrushes and compressors for sale (only places like michales and hoby lobby has them), tips on how to set them up and stuff, and id have a catalog so ppl can order what ever i dont have throught me

[Dave]

The thing I would most like to have is a work area that has been mentioned. A painting area anyway. I live in a small house and it is tough to find a place to paint sometimes. I would even be willing to pay a small fee to have access to a paint area where I could spend a few hours laying down some primer and colors.