Local model shops - do we support 'em?

[Weyfly]

Needing more servo cable to fit some servos into a new plane, I realised I had nearly run out, off to my local model shop on my pushbike (1 of four in town) and 'no sir we don't stock it', likewise the others, the bigger stockist that I often deal with was out of stock and others didn't stock it.

 

One large shop that does stock it wanted to charge me £5 for P&P on 5m, I started to get frustrated and after spending time looking on the web ended up on fleabay and paying £2.34 for 10 X 500mm extensions including p&p. Incidentally, they were despatched the next day. This is just one example of goods I need in a year. Is it any wonder that we don't support local shops and even the large ones.

 

I won't take the car to the next town (60 mile round trip of at least three hours and costing about £8 in fuel), I don't mind paying for things but why must we pay over the top? Is it me or does everyone face these problems?

[Plummet]

Personally, I do try to support Model Shops. I do want them to continue to exist, and do not want them all to be replaced with the artf or rtf box shifter outlets.

 

Yes, you pay a bit over the odds, and fuel costs compare with p&p.

 

If I buy mail order, I try to use an outlet that I know is based in a proper shop. My exception to this is that I will use the real specialist mail order people like Free-flight Supplies and Modelfixings - who do stuff that you cannot get elsewhere.

 

Plummet

 

[Tim Mackey]

Im with you Weyfly - similar sort of problem, and I aint spending the money required to do the round trip to my nearest ( 54 miles = approx £12 ) "Local" shop either, especially as most of the time the item I want isnt in stock, or the darn place is closed for the day etc.

[leccyflyer]

Guess I'm lucky, in that I have one of the major UK shops within walking distance and I do strive to support them.

 

Even the very best shop isn't always going to always have exactly what you want (or need) at any particular time.

 

I have to say that I'd think long and hard before trusting a model to an extension lead that had cost me just 23pence though.

[Chris Bott - Moderator]

It's a conundrum isn't it? I want the model shops to be there when I do want them, so I do try to support them.

I think they must really struggle to stock everything we could ever want. I assume they stock whatever they keep selling. If no one else has asked for servo cable in a long while then it drops down the priority list.

I've been to a few shops asking for a servo plug crimp tool. Most have looked at me like I was mad, and one shop even told me to use ordinary pliers and then solder just to be sure. That's how they make the leads they sell. I made a mental note not to buy their servo extensions!

[ken anderson.]

well its a hard one to answer.....in many ways......as soon as this thread develops into the LMS v hongkong debate i think it should be closed off...... the LMS will only be there as long as we the hobbyists use it and it makes a crust.....to condem a shop because it didn't have one particular item is a bit OTT.......my personal opinion is use the LMS and long may it be there.......a fellow forumite and dear friend of mine who lives in Malta......would give his left arm to have the LMS that a lot of us have ..... he has told me it's a bind having to send away for most of the stuff that we in the UK can lay our hands on .....

 

ken anderson ne...1 ....... my opinion dept...

 

 

 as an add on--maybe young ashers could set away a poll to see how many use the LMS....

Edited By ken anderson. on 08/10/2011 12:41:36

[Devon Flyer]

I wouldn't mind having a decent model shop that was less than a 100 mile round trip from here. There used to be one in Tiverton, which was an 80 mile round trip, but they closed the other year. Now, it's 150 - 200 mile round trip to Bristol, Yeovil or Plymouth............no wonder I buy virtually everything off that well known auction site, Giant Cod or from HK !

The problem, in sparsely populated areas, is that there just aren't enough through the door shoppers to make a LMS viable - unless you run an operation like Giant Cod and don't actually have a shop front as such.

Edited By Devon Flyer on 08/10/2011 12:51:33

[Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator]

I agree with a lot of what's been said here.

 

Basically I want the LMS to continue. I need it when I am buying expensive items like a new Tx - I want to be able to pick it up and feel it. I need it when I am investing in a new engine - I want the security that if my expensive purchase goes wrong there is someone I can go and see face-to-face.

 

But of course these are very occassional purchases. So if I want it to be there for them then, rationally I have to give it my support more regularly.

 

I suppose I'm lucky. I have a very well stocked, reasonably priced, professionally run, LMS not too far away (i.e. Webbies). And I can recognise that isn't the case for everyone. But I do think it would be a very sad day for UK modelling if the LMS were to go to the wall.

 

In the end they are always going to be a bit dearer - their overheads are higher. And they can't stock everything - they are not warehouses (although if a few freed off a bit of the shelf space devoted to endless ARTF's it might help!).

 

But on the plus side they offer service, convienence and advice - especially to beginners. I can also say of Webbies that they show a very responsible attitude about selling unsuitable models to beginners - I've seen them turn a sale away rather than sell something completely inappropriate and I think they are to be applauded for that.

 

BEB

 

PS Completely agree with Ken - the thread is about the LMS, if it does deteriorate into a HK vs the LMS debate we will close it! You have been warned (Ohh get him!)

[Keith Simmons]

I agree and I go to my LMS for wood, hardware items and for building advice.

I brought my transmitter from the Model air show as it's cheaper plus one or two ARTF kits. I have not ordered on line (yet) as I rather go to my LMS which is less than a mile away.

[Mowerman]

This question should also ask - how 'L' is your LMS and if it is likely to stock the goods you need?

My LMS ia only about 6miles round trip but is mainly an RC Car dealer so has a limited range of aircraft bits. The next nearest is 20miles (this makes me luckier than many others) Adding the cost of deisel brings the price up to level with postage for some items.

Many of us are finding costs a governing factor in our hobby so ,unfortunately , that will decide where we spend our cash.

[Cyclicscooby]

I rarely buy on-line, iirc two times so far, but I realize i'm paying more by not..

 

I like picking up bargains at the shows, but mainly use my LMS..

 

My LMS, CDS in Bromsgrove, is about 20miles round trip, and the prices are always 'atleast' RRP... !!

BUT... They do stock plenty of plane parts, and have just changed from pants ripmax balsa, to nice Orbit stuff.. Got glues (inc foam), pins, hinges, motors, depron, etc....

They are only 3 miles away from CML distribution, so if you want a CML part, it can be got quickly..

 

BUT.. My main reason for using it, is the person who runs it, and NOT for the reasons you might think..

She, is the wife of the lawn mower man, next door, and knew nothing about anything RC 3-4 yrs ago, but she has really tried hard to make a go of it, and even tho she doesnt fly, she's picking stuff up...

So, after seeing her 'grow', I feel proud of her.... Maybe i'm just sentimental... !!

 

Well done Sharon...

 

I do travel to Penn sometimes, and even Whitchchuch, but they are 50 & 100 miles round trips

 

Heli stuff, altho not for a while, has ALWAYS been Martin Briggs in Ledbury.. Haven't been since it changed hands tho..

 

Waffling now...

Byeeee

 

 

Luv

Chrisie.. xx

[Weyfly]

HHmmmmm, a real mixed bag of UK customer/shop relationships going on out there. I suspect the good shop will continue to thrive and the others will continue to do less well?

 

[Cyclicscooby]

The guy at Witchchurch models is a really nice chap... I don't know why he doesn't do the shows, weston park isnt far for him, but thats his choice..

He often gives me club discount, even tho he knows i'm not in one, and has an A1 stock of bits out the back... Plus he does boats, n RTF's, etc... decent prices..

A pleasure to do the 100 mile round trip, as long as I have the pennies to buy stuff..

 

Penn, has bits that CDS don't, but they're not the most helpful staff... and i'm being polite..!

 

Not trying to turn the post into a slating or comparison, just my personal experience, so dont read too much into it..

 

 

Luv

Chrisie.. xx

[sticky fingers]

Webbies is my local, 50 miles round trip from liverpool,I support them because they always seem to have everything I need, if not they order it pdq and call me when it arrives and I,m in the fortunate position of working in North Wales so I can pick things up on the way home. One other reason I support my LMS is for the craic with Fred and a few of the lads I meet up with. Long may they stay in business.Just treated myself to an Aurora 9 does everything cept make the tea

 

Dave

[Ben B]

I go to my LMS for glow fuel and re-stock my "bits+pieces" box. Of course the USP of the LMS is customer service and knowledge. Some of the LMSs I've been to aren't so friendly which kind of misses the point of having a LMS rather than buying it via a faceless internet!

[Ian Jones]

Yep, LMS for me too, for all the positive reasons given above and so I'd sooner these chaps had the money I would otherwise spend on postage .

 

I have an added advantage of two LMS's, Barnstormers (2 miles) & Webbies (17 miles) in reasonable travelling distance from my home and so I'm happy to do my bit to make sure it stays that way .

[Wiltshire Flyer]

I tried to support my 2 local model shops and found that 1 made you feel like an annoyance asking a question (to which they could never answer anyway) and the other was too expensive compared to ebay, when i mentioned to him that i could get the same item he had in his shop for half the price on ebay he just shrugged and said "oh well thats how it is" with that sort of attitude i wonder how they stay afloat, i know model shops could not afford to run a business charging ebay prices but they could make more of an effort i think, a third one a couple of miles away was still expensive but he had the time and people skills to actually take the time to "talk" TO you not AT you and made an impression on me.

 

But i will only use a model shop now if i want something right away, otherwise there are far cheaper options.

 

 

[DAVID CLIFFORD]

We only have one true R/C shop that i know of in my town so it has no competition. They charge over inflated prices for goods i can get online from other uk based stores for cheaper. They (being the owners) are predominently car enthusiasts and race themselves so much of the shop is dedicated to that side of the hobby. They are always willing to get parts in if they can if they dont stock them but again they are at exagerated prices. They recently took delivery of a couple of eflite ARTF's which were shelved at £45 above the price i paid for the same plane delivered from Sussex MC. Support your LMS yes i agree so long as you are not being ripped off. D

Edited By DAVID CLIFFORD on 10/10/2011 01:23:55

[leccyflyer]

Posted by Cyclicscooby on 09/10/2011 19:31:50:

The guy at Witchchurch models is a really nice chap... I don't know why he doesn't do the shows,

 

 

That would most probably be because he has more sense. He has a very nicely laid out shop, with a varied stock, encompassing far more than just RC model aeroplanes.

 

"Doing the shows" requires having either a big operation, where a complete on-te-road package is ready to go, without denuding the shop, or closing on the Saturday, and sometimes the Friday, and completely disrupting the operation of the business for a weekend, with fallout at both ends.

 

"The shows" have no impact on the sales of other modelling goods - model railways, Scalectrix etc, other than in a detrimental manner in either closing the shop, or losing staff members on a jolly.

[Stephen Grigg]

My model shop told me to "go away" (but apparently they were a lot ruder than that! - BEB),when I didnt want to wait 6 weeks to buy a Seagull model that the other shops had in stock.Since then Ive dealt with Galaxy of Ipswich who have always treated me well.I would love to visit them just to put faces to voices,but Im Basingstoke so a fair journey.

Edited By Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator on 10/10/2011 14:47:43

[Hogster]

I really do try and support my LMS. Big purchases like engines and models might be few and far between but everyday items like fuel/props/fixings/wood etc I want to buy from my LMS but invariably its out of stock. And as these are comparitively inexpensive items I have to wait until the order is big enough before an order is placed with the supplier. So now I rarely bother. I wait until the shows or buy in bulk over the internet.

 

I think LMS should try and stock a plentiful supply of everday items which will have people returning to the shop regularly and you never know their eye may be drawn to a nice new kit or engine while they are there.

[Stephen Grigg]

I do like the Edit BEB he actually said Frantic Opportunist!!

[Allan Bennett]

I'm lucky to have Mainly Models only ten-minutes' drive away. The owner is a model pilot who knows his stuff, so is good for advice. And he has a couple of part-time staff who are into model railways and cars.

 

The main thing is he stocks most "consumables" I ever need (including servo wire), and in most instances he can get anything not in stock within one week. His prices, with rare exceptions, are close to, or competitive with, UK internet suppliers.

 

So, yes, I'm more than happy to use my local model shop.

[Allan Bennett]

Oops, double posted.

Edited By Allan Bennett on 10/10/2011 20:08:09

[Spice Cat]

I have just taken a drive to Uckfield to the Hobby Box.

Problem is it's a half hour drive; advantage is; it's a treasure trove. I don't think it's humanly possible to squeeze more stock in if he tried.

Friendly service too.