Is it any wonder that the LHS is a disappearing entity?

[paulh]

When this is an option?

P
BTW this isn't a judgement- simply an observation of what seems to be an increasing inevitability.

[tonylee]

Paul I feel the LHS will make a come back.
#1-Postage is out of site.
#2-NO sales tax on out of state purchases is going away.
#3-Our government needs the money and it's going after it on a dead run, E-Commerce will die on the vine.

Tony lee

[dierk]

The only chance of survival for LHS is to branch out into online ordering, I reckon. Take mine for example: as there's nowhere to park near it, I'd have to take the bus: £4.40 return - more than most postage.

[pantherf]

Now I don't want to sound accusational or condemning the LHS, but they kinda are doing it to themselves.  And I DO mean the brick and mortar shops too.  They most likely pay a HUGE rental on the building and their prices on most of the armor kits are through the roof!  I have bought a few things from them but I do shop around.  And if it's not on eBay or an online store doesn't have it... then I'll check them out as a last resort.  I already know they will be higher.

My LHS, HobbyTown USA is just way to high in their prices for the armor kits, but surprisingly their Sci-Fi stuff isn't?  Go figure.  And I'd really like to talk to whomever set the prices too.

I have bought radio gear and tons of batteries from them so it isn't like I am not supporting them at all.


(just my 2 cents worth)





Jeff

[paulh]

Nope - no typo
To your door for 25 quid - or, given the pricing of Tamiya in this part of the world- probably close on £52 off the shelf in even the online retailers in the UK.
Its a no brainer really

P

[wbill76]

Lots of factors in play in different markets around the world when it comes to import duties/tariffs, monopoly or near-monopoly control by the distributors of different brands, and all the other stuff that goes into the 'final' retail price that a LHS will charge. Some are just obnoxious in their pricing, sticking rigidly to MSRP for example no matter what. Those are the kits that tend to have a nice little layer of dust on them every time I go by.

[deafpanzer]

I think I am with you guys... I see myself visiting LHS more than ever. I don't mind spending extra bucks on kits... figured postage makes it even. And I have been ordering from smaller shops like Last Cavalry, Colorado Miniatures and Michigan Toy Soldiers instead of dealing with big online vendors. It would be great if we can check our sponsors here first...

[rbaer]

I have a couple of local shops, most have pretty poor stock and higher prices, but I still buy what I can from them, mainly supplies, plastic stock, etc. I really hope they stay in business long enough to benefit from exactly what Tony brought up: sales tax WILL be collected on out-of-state orders soon. It's way too much missed revenue for the gubmint, so you betcha they'll figure out a way to get on it. I dealt with this when I had my own business, and the amount of money involved is garhugeantuan.
In the meantime, if a LHS has to sell R/C and kiddie games to stay open, more power to them.
BTW, I think we're going to Austin this weekend, King's here I come!

[bbd468]

Sept 20, 2013 13:33:42 GMT -5 tonylee said:

Our government needs the money and it's going after it on a dead run

You aint wrong there Tony! I would replace "needs" with "wants & takes"!

I go to the same LHS's as Russ (rbaer) and i only get supplies....glue, paint, styrene etc. The Armor selection is almost nonexistent these days and what they do have is grossly overpriced.

[tonylee]

"Will be collecting tax" Russ they are already.
My wife works for Bass Pro mail order sales and they've been collecting sales tax in states where they have stores for a long time now. On top of that they also collect sales tax on shipping too but aren't allowed to mention that to the customers.

Cheers
Tony lee

[WigWag Workshop]

Good Day Folks,

I am lucky to have a wonderful and dedicated model railroad shop, the folks there are very helpful. The prices on some stuff maybe a tad more, but it's worth it to me, has they also provide hands on tutorials, and instructions when needed. Another bonus - it's located next to a busy mainline, where I can sit back, relax and watch real trains. We also have a decent locally owned LHS (not part of a big chain). The prices there are sometime a little high, and they mostly deal in R/C, but they will give deals on some stuff when you ask them. According to the R/C guys, they are the best in town. Both of these stores, have the huge Walther's catalogue that you can browse, and order stuff from at cost, plus FREE shipping to the store.

-Steven

[rbaer]

Oct 2, 2013 10:29:51 GMT -5 tonylee said:

"Will be collecting tax" Russ they are already.
My wife works for Bass Pro mail order sales and they've been collecting sales tax in states where they have stores for a long time now. On top of that they also collect sales tax on shipping too but aren't allowed to mention that to the customers.

Cheers
Tony lee

Got a cousin that works S&R for BassPro in Springfield, been there a loooonnnngggg time.

[Mence]

I try to support the three Model Shops that I can access either from home or my work address.

Here is an example why for me it is getting harder.

These days I tend to build larger scale bikes and cars, not cheap. I have on preorder Tamiya's new Harley in 1/6 scale. Including shipping from Japan, it will hopefully land on my doorstep in December for an all in price of £125 - £130.
I have spoken to all three model shops, one has no plans whatsoever of stocking it, the other two will sell at what they think will be full list, approximately £155 - £160. Add to that at least £6 in fuel to visit them and a further £3 in parking and I'm £40 better off by doing nothing more than spending 5 minutes on my iPad!

Postage within the UK for a box that size will be close to the combined fuel and postage cost so no gain there.

I really feel for them but premises rental charges are killing the little men and I'm certainly not wealthy enough not to find the cheapest deals!