good vs bad shopkeepers

I think it really depends on who you are and who's working the shop at the time how you get treated. The couple of times I was in roundhouse, I was a kid and the fellow who was working the counter didn't want much to do with me if I wasn't an adult and intrested in model railroads.

On the matter of Moro Craft, the old guy who ran it for so many years took his time doing anything including customer service, but he'd chat you up and was always intrested in helping you find what you were after, if anything specific. I once went in after his son took over and instead of getting the usual " How are you today, can I help you find anything?" I got an indifferent "What do you want?" Didn't go back after that.

Some of the most pleasant customer service I've had in recent years had been at the Games Workshop outlets, I don't play the games, just pick up a figure or two for fine detail painting practice. Some places that sell the role playing game stuff will look straight down their noses at you if you treat their products as display items rather than game playing pieces, but the folks at GW have just as much respect for those who approach it from the modeling angle as they do those that actually play the games. I've learned a ton about painting and diorama techniques by talking to GW staffers and their always friendly, attentive to customers and knowledgeable on their products.

When I began building models in the 1970s, I obtained most of them (Matchbox kits) from my local post office. Obviously the owner didn't have a clue about the product, as it was just a side line and I didn't really care as I was far more interested in getting it home and finished before tea time!

As I got older I discovered chain hobby stores and in the UK, one chain ruled the roost (Beaties). They catered for plastic and RC aero modellers, model railways and Slot car enthusiasts. The weekend staff generally didn't have a clue (Most being on minimum wage), although you could generally find what you were looking for with a little effort.

On the surface at least, they gave an appearance of having an interest in the hobby, with completed models hanging from the ceiling (although close inspection was never a good idea). They diversified to the extent that really they just became another toy shop and ultimately the chain went bust and some of their stores were taken over by another company.

On the whole, I found these to be a lot worse as they were obviously just run for profit and the level of product knowledge was practically non existant.

It wasn't too long before most of these stores went the same way as Beaties had before them! Like many others, I started using mail order outlets prior to this and this dissaffection may have been one of the reasons for their eventual demise.

When I moved to the other end of the country, I was forced to look around for a new supplier for my plastic habit and came across a small family run business in Preston Lancashire.

I've always found the staff in Transport Models to be both helpful and knowledgeable. They had an excellent range of models, accessories tools and paints. They will also order in any specials or unusual items. If you're in the UK and the Lancashire area in particular, I'd give them a visit (Oyston Mills, Preston), as you won't be disappointed.

Other than that I use Hannants Website to order aftermarket decals and etched brass, and e-Bay for OOP kits.

I try to 'Share the love' so that my local store remains viable, and also to get the best deals for rare bits and pieces.

I'd like to think that the home grown industry and bigger players can coexist and carve out a reasonable living.

That's my 2 cents worth,

Rob M.

An interesting thread indeed!

In my experience it really seems to depend on the "professionalism" of the people involved and not so much on the size of the shop.

Some people only want a job and a paypacket and won't care if it's a model shop, Walmart or the nearest gas station.

Others want to encourage the hobby and take an active interest in what they do ; be it gardening, modelling or something else.

That is just people and most likely it wil never change.

Model shows are also populated with jerks as are some model clubs but mostly the people I have met there are willing to share their techniques and information for no benefit to themselves much like those who are here.

Me?
I just keep going until I find someone who is willing to look beyond the sale today.
Sometimes that takes some finding.

Cheers, Pete.

Well,

On PEI we do have two hobby shops, both located in Charlottetown. First one is Leisure World. Not a bad spot but selection is limited as they are more of an all around hobby and craft store. We also have Great Hobbies, they do know their stuff and can usually place special orders for you. Shermanfreak & Upnorth, not sure what the Edmonton location is like except that they are mainly mail order and can get you what you would like. You may have to wait for a week or two for the order.

Well I really don't have a local hobby shop, but I would like to share something from personal experience. Since I was a little boy I have done business with one hobby shop in particular. I remember my first time in the store, it was magical. As a matter of fact if it hadn't been for that store I wouldn't even be enjoying this hobby. My first visit with my grandpa was great they helped me pick out several kits and supplies. They took the time to explain how each product was used and invited me to come back any time for advice. I took them up on the offer and was in the store frequently. I learned everyones name and became friends with several of the guys. They were all grown men with an obvious passion for plastic kit building. I started doing business with that shop when I was 7, at the age of 22 I moved to Missouri and had to give up my favorite shop. At least once a year I would make a trip to see my folks and always went to my favorite hobby shop. Over the years a funny thing happened, the first 3-5 years I was greeted with "look what the cat dragged in" and we would catch up on old times over a cup of coffee. One of the guys would be gone, replaced with a new one who was also friendly, but not always a model guy. The next 5 or so years saw a staff that rotated toward teenage help that seemed more interested in their bubble gum than ringing you up, let alone helping you with a model question. Now Rider's Hobbies has went hollywood with a big new store in the swanky part of town, that would make Wal-mart proud. Gone is the little shop that leaned toward plastic kits, replaced by a train and RC selection that is huge. I guess it has been about 5 years since Nathen quit working there and now there isn't anyone that reconizes my when I walk in every year. I don't know why but I still go yearly and the saddness is almost overwhelming as I walk into that colorfully lit hobby store that I grew up along side.

leemitcheltree: I'm based in vic as well, not metro though. Just wondering if you could name those two outlets? I'm always looking for alternative sources!

I am extremely blessed in that I have about five hobby stores in my vicinity and two of them are superb with the plastic. They both are staffed by modellers and one only carries plastic models and does very well. It's great to see a store where the clerk stops painting his kit to srve a customer. He has a little work bench near the cash register and a lot of his handiwork as well as customers' in his store. As for the first incident in thyamis' story, I have before offered my own advice to a fellow customer whi is inexperienced and would have in that incident. Don't be afraid to help out a fellow hobbyist in a store. I've never seen a shopkeeper have a problem if the advice is sound.

By the way, if you are in the Northern Virginia area and like plastic models, the two are Granddad's in Springfield and Piper Hobby in Chantilly. Piper is the place where the clerk builds his models there in the store and gives advice as willingly as change. The guys at Granddad's are very knowledgeable especially in the scale accuracy dept. I have saved gobs of research time there. Support your local hobby dealer before there are none.

Great topic!
I as a hobby store owner, and a modeler (all around hobby enthuisist) relate from both sides of the counter. Most of the bigger places w/ the letters USA in their name somewhere could care less. The only area I can beat other shops, is my customer service. We carry a small amount of plastic, but I will order anything any of my customers request and that alone sets me apart in my area. Kids coming in for their first model or first anything in the hobby world is my favorite job, it usually is a great time helping them get set up w/ what they need to get started, and if they have a limited budget I will make a little list for them of some other items they may need or want down the road as they get into it more. I have found both the kids and parents appreciate this approach and it makes for return business as well.

I´d just be happy to find a store that doesn't regard me as a health hazard as I amble through the door (twenty something, usually unshaven, long hair, drives a shabby old (but very faithful and lovable) 4x4 or motorcycle.. But its me, and whoever doesn't like it can rest assured I take my business elsewhere. I know I´m a nice guy, Ask Shermanfreak!.), let alone have any knowledge about the stuff they're punting. It seems there's an age and dress code in this country. Unless you're 40+, fairly heavy in the wallet section and wearing a flat cap you´re not taken seriously..

Being in Holland, which is only 100 miles east-west, but denser than a neutron star, it takes forever to get anywhere (45 minutes at least to get from one town centre to another. We're talking a distance of 10 miles here..), so distance certainly is an issue for me. Unfortunatly I haven´t found anything yet. And thats just the basic plastic bit. So far I've found one or two stores nearby, but nothing I'd really want to visit, purely due to the staff. They usually make Darth Vader look like a warm and fuzzy guy you´de just want to give a big hug. Which is unfortunate, because one of them (they also sell mopeds and scooters, bizarly enough..) is actually pretty well stocked with stuff like trumpeter et. al. as opposed to the normal Revell toys. Its run by a hubby and missus.. I´m guessing hubby influenced the model side of things. She´s a flippin' dragon though...

I´d also better forget aftermarket parts, as nobody stocks them near me and I don't have a credit card, so that rules out internet trade.

The places I do visit from time to time are the model department in an Amsterdam toy shop, which is manned by an older guy who does seem to do a little modelling himself, though judging by all the trains, I'm guessing he's a RR'er, but I appreciate his kindness. Downside: Its a day trip for me and I´d really be spending some time over the weekend also doing some other stuff than sit in public transport (parking is not an option in the big High (before you ask, no I don't.. Have brains, will keep.)). Another place is not too far away, limited but good selection. Downside: Staff isn't that great and only one type of paint available.. Revell enamels.
Another is a place strictly limited to cars. Not such a problem, but hardly any kits and none of what I want (Landy's). No offence, but I really do think there are more cars out there worth reproducing than Jeeps, hummers, American muscle cars, Ferrari´s and Porches.. The staff is actually more enthousiastic than the owner, who lectured me on the decline of kits last time I visited.

Some places I want to try are another couple of stores not too far away, but if they´re RC, I don't want anything to do with them. I had several bad experiances with RC stores.. I'm also going to give the 'local' aviation hobby shop a try. They stock tonnes of AC stuff.. Both injection molded as vac formed. Also huge amounts of resin and PE, decals books.. The lot. Downside: They're to hell and gone (South African-ism for far away.. About an hours drive or so), the place is inhabited by an interesting mix of anorack plane spotters and aviation snobs (you know the type, an hour and a half of flying under their belt and they're claiming they're Biggles, with handlebar moustaches and huge arrogant ego's). Their prices are also something that shouldn't be tackled without abseiling gear.

No wonder kids prefer console games.. Only yesterday I advised one of my collegues to start his kids of 5 and 7 to start on a healthy diet of Airfix, to shy them away from the damn playstation their granny bought them. He said it wasn't a bad idea, but I doubt whether he'll do it, he doesn't listen to my advise any other time on other subjects I know..

't Is dire lads.. Dire..

don;t start about dress code and shaving man....that;s another sad sad sad *1000000 story.

Oh? Do tell..