good vs bad shopkeepers

You are going to get some interesting responses to this thread Thyamis There are as many horror stories as there are happy endings when it comes to the experiences of modellers and the stores they frequent. I can onlt think of one store within driving distance of my home where as a modeller I feel comfortable and at home with other modellers. Most seem to be "hobby stores with models", "department stores with models", "comic stores with models", and just about anything else with models instead of being just model stores.
My best experiences have been in stores ran by Ma & Pa for many years or a place that is run by a guy that builds models for his hobby too. They go out of their way to "look after" us plastic fanatics where the other type of store couldn't care one way or the other.

Shop 1 - Just out to make a fast $100. He failed to mention that in order to get that display cabinet finish the other thing the kid would have to have is years of experience. So he takes this big bird home and by the time he's finished with it, he's disappointed and turns away from the hobby. A good shop keeper would have steered him to a more realistic product and let him have fun !!!!

Shop 2 - This one could be a little more contentious as to which category it falls into. Obviously the owner has no faith in the product he's carrying, so why is it there? But at least he admits it is not up to snuff and steered you to a better product. This guy I'd probably go back to a couple of times and see just what transpires in the future.

Find a shop you're happy with ..... and support it to the best of your ability. Talk to other modellers in your area and see what they have to say. Good ones are out there, they are just few and far between.

I agree with shermanfreak. The mom and pop stores have dedicated staff who are out to please their customers, and who know the hobby and the needs the beginner will have for basic contruction and painting. They'll also have recommendations that the first young man needed for a beginner kit. The larger stores just don't care because they don't have to. They have other inventory in different areas that will show profit when the modelling portion doesn't. Customer no-service at it's finest.

Yeah, its always one extreme or the other, isn't it?

The B-36 kit takes some serious work and experience to get close to right even without the metalizers and airbrush. That shop keeper should have become a lawyer or a politician, he certainly has the lying and swindling down to an art.

I once saw a hobby shop employee suggest Italeri's 1/72 C-119 Flying Boxcar to a 7 or 8 year old kid as a good beginer kit. A fine kit , but it takes even more work to get it right than the B-36 does.

On the other hand, the mom and pop operations are great, they know what they're doing and will seldom lead you astray. I remember being about 8 or 9 when I saw a vac form kit for the first time on a hobby shop shelf, it was a 1/72 Avro Arrow and I had all sorts of questions for the shop keeper about how to get the parts free from the plastic sheet and so forth. He said, for all the questions that I had, that my experience probably wasn't up to vac form just yet and that Arrow kit wasn't a good kit for a vac form begginer anyway. He led me to the injection kits and showed me a Hobbycraft Arrow kit and said it shouldn't cause me any troubles to get together. I got my Arrow that day, didn't get ripped off and I had a blast building it when I got home.

I imagine my time in this hobby could well have been much shorter if I'd been given the vac form kit and told I could handle it by a sales person that just wanted to move it off the shelf.

I've been fortunate, I've never run across any of that, but then the shop I visit is a good old Mom and Pop store. The guys that work there are old school and go out of their way to help you locate something that not might be in stock. They also hold mags or other things for you until you can claim them. I feel sorry for people that run into other hobby stores that aren't as friendly.

"It is well that war is so terrible, lest we grow too fond of it."-R.E.Lee

As I've said before, the "hobby" shops around here don't even know what vac-form is, much less the difference between a beginner and advanced kit. They do, fortunately, have a fairly decent selection of kits, but that's just because they are stuck with what their vendor sends. Alot of shops are just in it for the money, and have no experience with the actual hobby. My best advice is to look around and ask others in your community about good shops. Most will be able to point you in the right direction.

demono69

I've been fortunate for the most part in having at least half-way decent stores to buy from all the way back to my pre-Kindergarten years. First store was Mom and Pop, and my parents knew the owners. They didn't know anything about models but stocked some of the cooler kits.
Second store was good but was hardly ever opened. Third store got me going on being a more "professional" modeler. The owner didn't know all that much about modeling, but he was willing to steer you in the right direction, and he had a good supply of books.
Then I moved, and I now shop from two hobby stores. One focuses primarily on model railroads, but he has a good stock of models and supplies. He's rather short with you at times, but he gets you what you need. The other store is family run, and focuses on RC and railroad. They stock few models, but have a nice selection of modeling supplies. They hire a clerk to tend store, and she doesn't know much about models, but she is willing to look things up for you.

I've never had a "perfect" hobby store, but then again never one where they will tell you to try something that is beyond a kid with no experience.

DJ

It's sad to here of experiences like that but I'm fortunate enough to have a great hobby shop that is exclusivly plastic (well they do have a few other odds and ends) and the owner is a modeler and the manager is also. They keep a great stock of kits, resin, p/e, metal barrels,decals you name it. And if they don't have it they'll try their best to find it. The manager spent 6 months looking for an oop Verlindin kit for me and found it finally and sold it for the regular cost to me and was glad to do it. They're good folks there.

Eric

I can agree with you erush, I bought a kit there not to long ago and they are the most friendly I have encountered and I was even sent there by the shop a little ways down the road. And I must say I had no problem waiting to pay while the guy behind the counter finished up what he was painting at the time.

I have no idea how the folks at my LHS are, last time i was there they wanted $125.00 US for the 1/350 Bismark and over $200.00 US for the Enterprise. I don't go there anymore.

It's interesting to see this thread because today I was just going to check out a couple of hobby shops. Most of the ones in my area specialize in R/C stuff. The Squadron shop use to be in my area a long time ago and they had everything you could want. They even had classes on airbrushing and weathering. That was when there was no internet. Talking with my local shop he said it really doesn't pay to stock things like PE sets when only 2 or 3 people inquire about them. "Just go on the internet" he saids.

Sorry if I went off the topic alittle, good vs bad, but I would be happy just to find a shop that had things I liked.

Hi Everyone,

This topic is very relevent to me because as some of you know, my friend had to close what was the best model shop for miles around. It was the best because he was a modeller who really helped his customers get the most out of the hobby.
Now his shop is gone, I decided to check out the other shops in the area.
Shop 1. Called itself a model shop. However, it did not actually sell model kits! The staff said "oh you need the internet for model kits."

Shop 2. Very nice store, no aircraft of armour though, so not for me.

Shop 3. This was an eye-opener![:0] The owner intercepted me within 10 seconds of arrival and demanded to know what I was looking for I asked if he had any model kits that I could look at, Aircraft for instance. He asked if I build models and I said yes. His eyes lit up and he grabbed the most expensive kit he could find. A 1/24 airfix spitfire. I told him no-thanks as I was planning on buying the Trumpeter kit in the future. He had no idea to what I was talking about and when I mentioned Tamiya,Hasagawa and so on he kindly re-assured me that he would never stock "foreign" kits. Only Airfix and Revell for him!
When I told him Revell were a German company, He nearly exploded!!
Strange fella!

Shop 4. I had to travel a fair way to this place, but what a great store! model kits of all scales and sorts everywhere! I spent a good hour checking out the shelves. The staff were nice and friendly and tried to be as helpful as they could. No, they were not model builders but they said if they did'nt know something, one of their regulars would, and I should feel welcome to ask.
A very nice store, my only problem being that some of their kits were a little over-priced.

Since this store is so far away, I won't go there often, which is a shame because the old-fasioned customer focused retailers are a dying breed and I'd really like to support them. All I can say is to those of you with good local stores is that you are very lucky indeed.

I feel like I live in a desert wasteland of modeling because I don't have a really *good* model store within a hundred miles. My local store is run by very nice people who actually build models BUT the store is extremely difficult to find and they only buy from one distributor. They only stock kits from AMT/Ertl, Revell USA, and Tamiya and a little Hasegawa. They can't get the things I really want like Revell-Germany, Fine Molds, Hasegawa's sci-fi stuff and they had never even heard of Trumpeter!!!

The only other store nearby worth visiting has an extensive selection of kits (still not all that I would want) but the customer service is terrible. If you can even get them to look at you you'll still come away satisfied only half of the time.

I would love to open a store of my own and do it "right" but I have serious doubts that my local economy and customer base could support it. Just a sign of the times.

The owner of Hobby shop #1 did that poor kid a serious disservice. Shermanfreak is absolutely right - the poor kid will come nowhere near the finish quality of the B-36 in the display case and the hobby will leave a sour taste in his mouth.
If the owner had seen fit to sell him a Revellogram kit he probably would have a new customer for life.

The three biggest hobby shops here in Melbourne run to two extremes -
One sells heaps of models ( the most expensive prices, too) but provides no help with questions about subjects. They don't like to open boxes to let you have a look at the contents. Turns me right off, that does.
The others are staffed by enthusiasts who actually build models, and they know the answer to just about any question you might have. They never refuse to allow you to open a sealed box to have a look.........more often than not it leads to a sale. They recognize this fact and encourage these inspections.
I know where I'll go next time I want to buy a model.
Cheers
LeeTree

When I lived in Winnipeg I patronized a mom & pop store called Argus Hobbies. I think they may now have retired as they aren't listed in the phone book any more (I have since relocated to another city, so if they are still around I would appreciate hearing). They were dedicated to plastic kits, all shapes and sizes, and very knowledgeable.
Bert and Gerrie always made a point of encouraging younger builders. I wasn't into building myself at the time but I was getting my kids into it. Bert always had an encouraging word. He often 'forgot' to add the sales tax when the boys bought with their own money, and always kicked in some glue or brushes when Dad was buying. He kept a display case and was always putting kid's models in there. My son almost busted with pride when his 1:72 Snowbirds Tutor went in there. People like that are the salt of the modelling world and many shop owners can take lessons from them.

I was nervous about finding a replacement shop in Edmonton but there are a couple here that I am comfortable in. I miss Ken & Marilyn Huff's shop since they were bought out, as they were cut from the same cloth as Bert & Gerrie, always encouraging the kids. The new replacement shop is just not the same.

I have taken to patronizing a model RR shop for most of my tools and scratch building supplies, as I get better service from them than most of the other hobby shops in the city.
Bruce

all you guys who have local hobby shops are lucky. the one i used for about 15 years went out of buisness last year.i guess its tough on these guys, so now in stuck driving 35 miles one way to a toy store that has a model section or shoping on the internet and catalogs. sometimes it kinda stinks.

My local shop isn't that local but the guy is honest and realisticly measures the patrons of his store. I watched him turn a couple away from an expensive and complicated ship model they wanted to buy for their first build and sold them a considerably less expensive kit that was an excellent starter kit. He could have very easily made the big sale, but he was interested in the future. As he told me, "I'll sell them the big kit later. But they'll be happier and end on a good note with the beginner kit. Baits in the water and the fish have to like it before they bite..." To me, this was all I needed to make him my supplier. The guy cared about success, both for the builder and himself. An assured continued existance.
His bane?....internet stores. Because of their low overhead, they will be the death of the mom and pop local shop. What internet store asked what your skill level was, or allowed you to open a box before buying. Or even went over the kit with you if you asked. My only regret with him is that he doesn't stock paint or tools. But like anything, I think experienced builders find their sources. My paints I get from a local craft store chain. Cheaper than mailorder and they offer a good selection of Model Master and Tamiya acrylics and enamels. My tools I get from other sources. Necessity is the mother of invention.

The few times I've been to big chain hobby shops I've left peturbed and with a less than happy experience. Little or no help, poor product selection, inflated prices and less than quality goods.

As much as it is debated and despite some of the deals you can get from mailorder, I still like to patronize the small business. Maybe because I own a small business and I want to perpetuate the entrpeneurial spirit, but more likely a small business has more at stake and wants your repeat business. So they act accordingly. Not to say they don't come with their own horror stories, but I have found that generally they seem to work a little bit harder for their money and it shows with the result.

Mike

When I was growing up in this town every small department stor and sporting good shop sold a wide selection of models. There was at least 8 places in a 6 block area. I got my paints from a stationary store and Goods Sporting goods store had a model contest every fall displaying all the entries in its window. Since then the town has grown ten fold.
Last year our only Mom & Pop hoby shop closed its doors. My choice now is Walmart and Zellers. I can paint my snap-it-kit either gloss black or chevy engine blue.

The nearest hobby shop is about 12 bucks worth of gas away and not a very pleasent shopping experiance either.

If this is a sign of the times we are all in a world of hurt...

you gave me food for thought guys....
i dont know about you but when i was a kid (some years ago)...lol....kit modelling was a popular indoor activity. Since the arrival of bloody game consoles i have seen the owled eyed kids multiplied (i mean dwelling in the dark with soar red eyes and twisted wrists talking about how the exterminated the bloody dragons etc.) i guess they feel the same about us when we talk about the right shade of wash for a ww1 biplane but what the heck we are cooler lol....

returning to the topic mail order allows you access to all the goods of the world but being able to actually see, feel and smell the plastic is another sensation ( sounds like a dutch x-rated movie...). Unfriendrly service is a big let down indeed.

Bruce - are you in Edmonton?

Wipw and myself were there yesterday and I haven't evre been able to find a decent shop there. Let me know which ones and where please.

has anyone ever considered compiling a list of hobby shops and rating them? With a little input from our members, we could have a very good database for shops across the world. It may save others the time and frustration of trying to find a good store in a new area, or even on a visit. It can also help weed out some of the less reputable establishments. Any takers?

demono69

I guess that would make me one of the luckiest guys in the world, I live in the Toronto area and have at least four hobby shops in my area, Wheels and Wings on O’connor ave is amazing. They will hold kits indefinatly, are staffed by rabid modelers, will order anything for you, have “special “ discounts for members and you can stay and shoot the breeze all day and they encourage it! They buy out old collections there fore can get you rare stuff and they don’t over charge for them.
The only draw back is the owner works at fulltime job and the store is closed the first three days of the week, big deal, I do my shopping on Saturdays as I plan that day all week, sad but true!

First our preface this by saying I was lazy and didn't read all the other replies....

Second, I have been on both sides of the counter in this scenerio.
As the consumer, I'd like to think that I know my limitations and strengths and even today I would not likely see myself following the advice of the person at Store #1. This person is clearly out to move merchandise or pad their commission. At Store #2, I find the answer refreshing and responsible. I ran across people like this recently when looking to re-enter the RC side of things. The employee talked responsibly and even stirred me to common sense solutions even though he didn't carry them.

As for being on the other side of the counter, let's just say that in both cases I would have opted for the highroad as was taken by the person at the second store. Yes it might cost you short term but long term you want to build and develop a relationship with the customer. You want to earn and retain their respect, once youd that loyalty tends to bring that person back. Case in point - I have three hobby stores near me, one is close the others are a bit of a drive. The one close is a Hobbytown (or paint store as I call it) the other two are full line stores. The other two stores have earned my respect and my loyalty, Hobbytown is working at it, but until they stop trying to be a toy department at a department store, I will probably never buy much more from them but paint and glue when I need it.

Shermanfreak:

I'm in Edmonton and I have to say, the pickings for good hobby shops here have slimmed tremendously in the past ten years or so.

If you want a decent selection of kits and supplies and generally decent customer service, Comex Hobbies in Kingsway Garden Mall is worth a visit, they're a bit overloaded with Gundam stuff, but thats just in my estimation. They also have a location in West Edmonton Mall, but if you're the least bit claustrophobic you might want to give it a pass.

Also in West Edmonton Mall, You'll find Kites and Other Delights, they're sort of a hobby and toy shop in one, they have a decent selection of kits and supplies, but they also seem to have a fairly regular staff turnover, so knowledgability from staff can be hit and miss at times.

There's also a couple of places on the south side, Hobby Wholesale and Great Hobbies. I've yet to visit Great Hobbies so I can't pass and opinion on it.

Hobby wholesale is more geared to R/C, but the one time I was in it, they did have a good selection of plastic kits including some rarities as kits go.

I don't think any of these places let you look in kits, but thats not unusal here that you can't.

Sadly, for anyone coming through the Edmonton area, you missed the best hobby shop this town had by a few years. That was The Old Soldier that was downtown. they had an entire wall of aftermarket resin and photoetch goodies the most knowledgable staff I've ever seen in a hobby shop and customer service that was second to none.

Hopefully this town will see a trully great hobby shop for the plastic modeler sometime again.

For not being that big a town, Tulsa has a pretty good run of hobby shops. Four are within two miles of me, and they're all pretty good. One is mostly rc cars and railroad, but has lots of good modeling tools and plenty kits. There is another that is mostly rc planes, but they also have lots of kits, and some tools. One called The Hussar, has great figs and tons of reference books, great shop there. There is one other in town that is mostly kits and tools, very good shop. The kicker though, it one just outside of town, about a 15 minute drive, place called Top Shelf models. They have literally thousands of kits, carry resin and pe stuff. They stock all kinds of aftermarket stuff, tools, books, just about everything you could ever want. Best of all, they're cheaper than Hobby Lobby. I get amazed every time I walk in there (once or twice a week ) and can't spend less than an hour or two. I love that shop. I go there more often than I do Hobby Lobby, and Hobby Lobby is literally just across the street. As I get older, Tulsa seems like a better and better town.

madda

Thanks upnorth ... I never did have any luck finding the Old Soldier through the years. Hey .... if you're in Edmonton, Bill (wipw) is still there until Wednesday. If you e-mail me I'll let you know what hotel he's staying at. Next time I'm heading that way I'll give you a shout. That gives me an idea .... oops ... scary isn't it.

Shermanfreak & Upnorth:
The Old Soldier was just winding down when we were relocated to Edmonton in 1998 (Beaumont actually). While waiting for the house to be ready we stayed at the Campus Towers and the kids would walk over to Whyte Ave and spend hours in the Soldier.
The model RR shop I use is Roundhouse Sales. They have a couple of aisles of assorted plastic kits as well, and I enjoy spending time there.
Hobby Wholesale is good too, lots of selection and they are handy for me, being on Gateway.
Great Hobbies is the outfit that bought out Ken & Marilyn and I'm lukewarm about them; mostly mail order and unless you luck out and find certain staff on duty the service can be spotty. I go there for the kids' RC stuff though.

From reading the 'How old are you' thread there appears to be a few of us in the area. Maybe we should consider doing lunch some Saturday??

Woo-Hoo! Just realized this is my 100th post!
Bruce

Bruce:

The Old Soldier was Downtown on 102 Avenue between 105 and 106 streets.

Moro Craft was the one on Whyte, it was a good shop until the old guy who ran it handed the reigns over to his son then it all went downhill. You used to be able to find some real intresting stuff there. Moro Craft shut down about 5 or 6 years ago now.

On the matter of Roundhouse Sales, I had a couple of bad experiences from them and haven't been back in a number of years.

The worst thing about Hobby Wholesale for me is that its right near the unemployment office and the one time I was there, I had just gone on to EI. There it was, my hobby taunting my new found unemployment I've been meaning to visit again since working steadily again but I haven't gotten to it.

Outside of the general scale modeling of real world subject matter. Edmonton also has two Games Workshop outlets, one in Kingsway Garden Mall and the other in West Edmonton Mall for those who also like to build the Warhammer miniatures and vehicles. I prefer the Kingsway location, the WEM location can get more than a bit crazy and overcrowded at times.

Shermanfreak:

It'd be great to meet up next time you're through town if circumstances permit. My work is pretty crazy right now and overtime and weekend work isn't unusual.

On top of that, I'm trying to secure some English teaching work in Europe, so a lot of my time is getting taken from modeling and put toward scouring the net for jobs, or dealing with someone or another to cut red tape for the impending trip or just packing stuff into boxes around the house (including the models).

All the same, let me know next time and perhaps we can meet somewhere for coffee.

Upnorth:
Thanks for setting me straight about Old Soldier and Moro. I was at work while the kids were browsing, and so had another Senior moment when I wrote my post. That being said I must add that I never was in the Old Soldier.

Interesting how different people rate the same shops differently depending on circumstances.
Regards,
Bruce