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Local Hobby shop or buy online?

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  • Member since
    September 2011
Posted by fightnjoe on Friday, February 6, 2004 9:35 AM
for me the best locally is 70 miles away (cash only discount store, not bad selection prices so-so) for a true hobby shop i need to drive to the coast or to boise id. with that in mind i have decided to open my own shop. with the suppliers out there i should be able to supply any kit or supply need either with instock items or with a supplier only an email away. prices are relative if you have to drive one to three or more hours away to get what you want or have to pay $6 in shipping then that has to be figured in with the purchase.

with that being said i am taking the responses that you have all stated and will be factoring them into what i will be doing. your requests and your problems will be helpful in what i do. thankyou.


joe

Veterans,

Thank You For Your Sacrifices,

Never To Be Forgotten

Where you can find me:

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Racing capital of the world- Indy
Posted by kaleu on Thursday, February 5, 2004 10:04 PM
If my LHS carries an item or will special order it for me, I will buy from there first. The manager is very willing to order any kit and has even expanded some lines. If it is a kit that he can't find or would be too expensive to special order, I will go to Ebay or to a couple of online stores that have very good service and good selection.
Erik "Don't fruit the beer." Newest model buys: More than I care to think about. It's time for a support group.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Central USA
Posted by qmiester on Thursday, February 5, 2004 6:26 PM
I tend to go with what is most time and cost effective. When buying kits and AM (its getting to where few LHSs stock 1/72 PE) I look at whether a 1 hr round trip drive to the LHS and the cost of the kit is cheaper than on-line and the 3 to 4 day wait. Besides with as many kits as I have in my stash, if I do buy a kit, its either a super bargain or I really, really want it.
I buy all my paints, decals and reference materials at the LHS. I get into there every 3 to 4 weeks and usually drop a pretty good chunk of change.
Quincy
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Ozarks of Arkansas
Posted by diggeraone on Thursday, February 5, 2004 5:54 PM
Me personally I like to share the wealth with my local hobby shop and the on line services.There are some thing that I can get at a lhs that I can't find on the net due to out of print or production.Paints I get at my lhs or at hobby shop while I am on the road.Kits it depends on what my lhs has,which I find is just a buck or two more than on line.Which makes the kit cheaper at the hobby shop then on line because of shipping and handling charges.Sometimes it comes down to if I want to wait for delievery or get it now.I also have found that some kits at stores or hobby shops are not going to reorder that certain kit and will sell it dirt cheap just to get rid of it.Example I bought a Abrams tank made by Tamaya at a Hobby Lobby for $15.00,neverd open.So the question for you should be,"hobby or not to hobby,online or not to online"but what is my best option to do at a certain time and what I would like at the moment.DiggerSmile [:)]Cowboy [C):-)]Smile [:)]
Put all your trust in the Lord,do not put confidence in man.PSALM 118:8 We are in the buisness to do the impossible..G.S.Patton
  • Member since
    June 2003
Posted by M1abramsRules on Thursday, February 5, 2004 5:35 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by ShermanFirefly

My local hobby shop is 3 hours away so it depends. They don't always have the kit I want either or it may be cheaper online.


what's the HS situation in winnipeg there, Michael??? how many, and what are they like?
  • Member since
    June 2003
Posted by M1abramsRules on Thursday, February 5, 2004 5:32 PM
I usually try to buy at the LHS, but when I'm dealing with a more expensive model (2 1/48 planes last month) I opt for ebay. i saved 35 bucks off of them including shipping. but I buy fsm, supplies and most of my models at the LHS. (I do try to buy my thinner at walmart as it is 20% cheaper there)
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, February 5, 2004 5:09 PM
My local hobby shop is 3 hours away so it depends. They don't always have the kit I want either or it may be cheaper online.
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Newnan, GA
Posted by benzdoc on Thursday, February 5, 2004 5:02 PM
I agree with all of you who feel it is best to support your local hobby shop. But only to a point. If they have bad service, or won't get you what you need, mail order is just fine.

I believe that capitalism works. Vote with your wallet!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 23, 2004 5:12 AM
I have the same problem as Nicholma, here in New Zealand very few LHS stock what I need for kits and aftermarket details, with my LHS stocking mostly R/C, Railroad and a very small range of plastic kits that have high prices. So 'consumable' supplies are bought locally with my kitsets and details coming from Online sources. I guess the deciding factors on which way you go is location, product range, service and price. For those of us who sadly miss out on a great LHS, Online is the most convenient way to pursue our hobby.
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Saratoga Springs, NY
Posted by Jeeves on Thursday, January 22, 2004 11:07 AM
I am with Dan.... my LHS is focused mainly on R/C cars...he has great diorama stuff and paints, but actual models are few and far between- with very little turn-over. The R/C stuff is his bread and butter....so I support him by buying paint and glue and such from him-- but I'll go elsewhere for models....
Mike
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 22, 2004 7:40 AM
I buy online for most kits-I'll buy at the LHS if I see something unusual. But I buy all my "supplies" at the LHS.
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: The flat lands of the Southeast
Posted by styrene on Thursday, January 22, 2004 6:47 AM
I will occasionally buy a kit from my LHS (we have about 5 in the area), but normally use them for consumables such as paint, glue, brass tubing, wire, etc. Since they have quite a bit of overhead, their kits are usually substantially higher than what I can find on the 'Net. Unfortunately, I'm not independently wealthy, so I have to get stuff as cheap as possible, and even with shipping the kits on the 'Net are cheaper.

Gip Winecoff

1882: "God is dead"--F. Nietzsche

1900: "Nietzsche is dead"--God

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: New Zealand
Posted by nicholma on Thursday, January 22, 2004 12:35 AM
My preferred scale for cars is 43rd. The LHS does not stock this scale in kit, in fact very few shops do here in NZ so I have to buy online. Where I can I will buy my other scales from the LHS but occassionally it is much cheaper to buy on line so I do. Although the LHS does carry a good selection of aftermarket decals, detail sets etc they are often not what I want. Again its generally cheaper and quicker for me to go online.
Kia ora, Mark "Time flies like the wind, fruit flies like bananas"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 22, 2004 12:31 AM
Have to agree with hattals "Service" seems to have a different meaning in Asia to the west.
Many times I asked for a kit or a AM set at the LHS and shop-attendant simply pulled out the order-from and asked me if I would like to reserve one from the next shipment since they are out of stock.

One problem I see with ordering Kits online but buying supplies at the LHS, if the LHS won't sell kits he will stop stocking supplies too. They kinda go hand in hand.

And if you can't get supplies at the LHS you will have to order them and pray that the are ok, otherwise it is sending them back to the online shop and waiting even longer for your supplies.

For me in the loing run NOTHING beats being able to walk into a shop, open a Box, give a quick read and check to the parts and instructions and walking out 5 minutes later with the kit and supplies.

Yes, I could save a few $$$ ordering online but a lot of the joy of the hobby would have disappeared for me. Call me old-fashioned and out-dated.
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Everett
Posted by markuz226 on Thursday, January 22, 2004 12:20 AM
I would choose the model with the cheaper total, noting the tax, shipping and handling. It's a question of savings for me.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 22, 2004 12:08 AM
It's called adapting with the times. I agree we need to support our LHS, but that LHS also needs to understand the importance of expanding their inventory via the online resources. If I could go to the LHS and tell them I need this, can you get it for under this price. If they tell me, "no they don't have the time", well it is time to take your buisness elsewhere. The LHSs here in Korea seem to understand that networking is a key to success. I go in, tell them what I need and what I am willing to pay for it, and 9 times out of 10 they use thier "buddy" system and get me the goods. They may not make as much money per item, but it's better than making nothing. After building a trust now I am willing to support them. This would most likely happen in a State Side LHS (I know I should not stereotype)or it has never happened to me.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 11:30 PM
I say that if you have a LHS that you are satisfied with for AM parts and other supplies, then they deserve your support or the next thing you know you'll be starting a thread about the demise of said LHS!
Bruce
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Posted by maddafinga on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 11:02 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by roosterfish

Unfortunately for me the closest decent hobby shop is forty miles away. It is only semi-decent in the modeling category so I must shop online for the majority of my modeling needs. Oh, I have a Micheal's Art Supply a couple of blocks away and a Wal-Wort 10 minutes away but in this city of a quarter of a million people the only decent hobby shops withered away 15 years ago.

I have to shop online.


Oddly, Tulsa has about the same amount of people, but we are covered up with hobby shops, not including Hobby Lobby and Michaels. (I heard somewhere Hobby Lobby has it's HQ here, but I don't know if it's true). I live in the middle of town, and there are 6 within 4 miles of me, and more around the city. There is also a HobbyTown about 5 miles away, and 3 Hobby Lobbies and Michaels within 10 miles (I live right across the street from a HL). The best one though is about 15 miles away, and I go there about once a week. That shop is plastic kits and supplies and aftermarket stuff and references exclusively. They've got literally thousands of kits there.

Kind of odd how in two towns about the same size we can be ate up with shops, and you don't have any within a half hour drive.
Madda Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle. -- Leonardo Da Vinci Tact is for those who lack the wit for sarcasm.--maddafinga
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 10:26 PM
If they have what I want, I buy it.....but it seems to be a 50/50 shot, and that's with three hobby shops within a 15 mile radius. Unfortunately they all cater to the RCer crowd, and don't seem interested in keeping paints and such stocked up. It's a shame, 'cause I'm really impatient, when I want something I want it now......if they stocked it.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 9:51 PM
I'd agree in supporting my local hobby store if I had one. My nearest is an hour and a half down the road. Even then though I will not pay 25 % plus more for a kit I can get on line I don't care howmany kids he/she is putting through Med school. It's bad enough paying outrageous prices for paint and other supplies.
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 9:37 PM
I ditto Richard, if I can get a kit cheaper with postage online, I will buy from them. All supplies and reference material I get at my LHS.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 9:25 PM
Paint and supplies LHS most model kits online or evilbay.
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Newport News VA
Posted by Buddho on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 6:20 PM
I do all my supplies at my local shop and split models to both types of business. I look for the best deals and take advantage of the savings. Usually the prices aren't that drastic, and I will shop locally. But every so often, I get a great online deal and take it.

Regards, Dan

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Stockton CA USA
Posted by roosterfish on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 4:35 PM
Unfortunately for me the closest decent hobby shop is forty miles away. It is only semi-decent in the modeling category so I must shop online for the majority of my modeling needs. Oh, I have a Micheal's Art Supply a couple of blocks away and a Wal-Wort 10 minutes away but in this city of a quarter of a million people the only decent hobby shops withered away 15 years ago.

I have to shop online.
Winners never quit; quitters never win.
  • Member since
    December 2012
Posted by FreedomEagle1953 on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 4:19 PM
I always try to support my local hobby shop(s) ... yes, I live in (near) a very large city and am blessed with many good hobby shops ... some are friendlier and better than the others ... and those are the ones that get my hobby $$ 's.

I have done business with the online world ... but only when I had to ...

Support your local hobby shop

FreedomEagle1953

Chicago, IL area

"keep on building 'em ... but don't glue your fingers together"

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Harrisburg, PA
Posted by Lufbery on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 3:47 PM
I'll look first at the LHS, but if I can get something cheaper online (including shipping!), then I will. The other thing is that my LHS doesn't carry any WWI planes, but otherwise its selection is pretty good. So, if I want a WWI plane or accessories for that type of kit, I have to order on-line.

I always go to the LHS for supplies, however. They have a great selection, and I don't want to wait for shipment.

Regards,

-Drew

-Drew

Build what you like; like what you build.

  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by shermanfreak on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 3:09 PM
I always give my local shop the first shot at getting kits for me. Unfortunately there are times he cannot come through. Next on my list is the shops in the bigger city down the road. And behind them comes the on-line shops.

I feel that a person always has to attempt to support local businesses, even if it means spending and extra buck or two. But that only goes for the shop that attempts to cater to its buyers. Unfortunately there are shops that couldn't care less if I brought my money in their door, these folks I will certainly oblige by sending my money somewhere else.

Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 3:06 PM
I buy from the LHS, only the few things that I cannot get via the LHS I will order online.

My preference for doing business with will always be the Brick& Mortar stores vs the face-less(I don't know who I am talking to) Online stores.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Local Hobby shop or buy online?
Posted by ridleusmc on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 2:48 PM
New delema, should I buy my future model kits online or from my local hobby shop. I believe it is good for a community to have a local hobby shop, therefore I believe it is important to support it. However, most kits are cheaper online. If I buy a kit online, I will probably buy the associated supplies at the local hobby shop. When buying at the hobby shop I deal with a knowledgable gentileman whos advice and guidance is free. Although I get knowledge and advice off of the web (this forum), the first hand advice is indespensible. Do you have any thoughts about buying online vs. my local hobby shop?
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