Let's discuss Online purchasing {Good or bad}

[JGtruggy]

I hear a lot of people tell new buyers to buy what is mostly sold at their LHS. I myself hate hearing this as many hobby shops are married if you will to one product. This means the store will carry this one particular brand of parts and cars more than any other. So if your a new buyer how can you really make your own choice as one salesman and his buddies say this is the best product so that's why we carry it most. Honestly their just saying that because most hobby shops have to push certain brands as they have contracts with that brand. Also it may be the most popular rig for beginners I.E. Traxxas, Team Associated etc.

I say get what you really want. If you want a Losi get one, if you want a HPI get one and so on. I love to order all my parts online as traffic and gas have made it more difficult to get to the LHS. And of course all the LHS don't ever carry what I need. If you have a budget monthly for your parts do it online. AMAINHOBBIES is so fast it blows me away. It will always be cheaper to buy from online stores in the long run. When you purchase buy things that you would never think to break or go out. These usually are the hard parts to find at the shops. I make big purchases instead of running to different shops to find what I need. I like having things delivered to me:D I'm not by any means saying stop buying from your LHS. Just get what you want as it's your $$$. Don't be pressed by no it alls on one brand. Online will always have what you need and you can purchase and find what you want from home. Enjoy this awesome hobby no matter what you run:cool:

[looker2756]

I Totally agree !!! This hobby offers so much. Get what you want to & enjoy it for what it is. Purchasing on-line is very safe & reliable. I've been doing it for years & have had no issues, other than a few e-bay deals. But purchasing from reputable dealers is very worth it. As with anything, most of the time you get what you pay for. So if you see a normally priced item that would cost 500$ for 250$. You have to question that purchase. If you see some off rand vehicle you've never seen. You might do some research on them to know before purchasing first. I agree on the LHS deal. Don't stop purchasing & dealing with them either. Local shops is what drives the hobby & without them, the industry would be crippled. It's all about what you like & want. :D

[LSD-LST2]

I also agree , I am in the middle of BFE with the closest hobby shop of any kind 30+ miles away ! And like you said some shops like to push brands on you or they only carry a parts for a few makes .

I will say that it seems too me the prices between online and the hobby shopsare getting closer , either the online sellers have raised their prices , or the LHS's have lowered theirs .

Nobody beats the RC chop shops on Ebay though , I have gotten parts that were 70% cheaper than the LHS sells them for ......

[blackfoot]

I wont buy anywhere but my LHS. If Everyone like you guys, buy online and stop supporting the little guys, we wont have any choice but to order online and from catalogs. Maybe its cool for you guys to wait for a week for parts and pay top dollar and shipping charges, but thats not good econoics. My LHS is a good buy, helps me out and cuts me deals all the time. I buy a new mill, he throws in a gallon of fuel of my choice, If I need something and dont have the cash, he will run a small tab for me to get running again. What online store will do that for you? He is a Horizon Dealer and can get almost anything on the market, if you need it he will get it, at the same cost as Tower or any other major online store. Piss on online shopping, keep the money local or you will wish you did when all the local guys are gone. And I drive 55 miles 1 way for my LHS and I do it sometimes 2-3 times a week.

He started carring Mugen parts, just for me and got signed up to be a Mugen dealer. So if thats not carring for your customers, what is? Oh and he also sponsored me on since first year of racing, picked me up and gave me everything at cost. I dont race anymore and but I will never forget him giving a new racer a chance and hooking me up like a father would to his own son. Greg Mohler of Craft World and Action Hobbies in Jamestown, NY will forever get my business, all 100% of it!

[LSD-LST2]

I wont buy anywhere but my LHS. If Everyone like you guys, buy online and stop supporting the little guys, we wont have any choice but to order online and from catalogs. Maybe its cool for you guys to wait for a week for parts and pay top dollar and shipping charges, but thats not good econoics. My LHS is a good buy, helps me out and cuts me deals all the time. I buy a new mill, he throws in a gallon of fuel of my choice, If I need something and dont have the cash, he will run a small tab for me to get running again. What online store will do that for you? He is a Horizon Dealer and can get almost anything on the market, if you need it he will get it, at the same cost as Tower or any other major online store. Piss on online shopping, keep the money local or you will wish you did when all the local guys are gone. And I drive 55 miles 1 way for my LHS and I do it sometimes 2-3 times a week.

Ok , thats all good for you , but where I am all the good hobby shops are gone , I drive an SUV so gas prices mean alot too me , and all I have within 55 miles are 2 Hobby Towns . Both carry Traxxas , HPI , and Losi and thats about it .

No AE , Kyosho , Ofna ect .....

Now I dont wanna bash Hobby Town , they are ok and I do use them ALOT for body's , fuel , paints and anything I dont want too wait for .

Everybody's looking for the best buy they can get .

[JGtruggy]

I wont buy anywhere but my LHS. If Everyone like you guys, buy online and stop supporting the little guys, we wont have any choice but to order online and from catalogs. Maybe its cool for you guys to wait for a week for parts and pay top dollar and shipping charges, but thats not good econoics. My LHS is a good buy, helps me out and cuts me deals all the time. I buy a new mill, he throws in a gallon of fuel of my choice, If I need something and dont have the cash, he will run a small tab for me to get running again. What online store will do that for you? He is a Horizon Dealer and can get almost anything on the market, if you need it he will get it, at the same cost as Tower or any other major online store. Piss on online shopping, keep the money local or you will wish you did when all the local guys are gone. And I drive 55 miles 1 way for my LHS and I do it sometimes 2-3 times a week.

He started carring Mugen parts, just for me and got signed up to be a Mugen dealer. So if thats not carring for your customers, what is? Oh and he also sponsored me on since first year of racing, picked me up and gave me everything at cost. I dont race anymore and but I will never forget him giving a new racer a chance and hooking me up like a father would to his own son. Greg Mohler of Craft World and Action Hobbies in Jamestown, NY will forever get my business, all 100% of it!

Sounds like a geniune guy. Your one of the lucky ones. It's not that way for a lot of us. Hobbytown USA is as coporate as they get. No deals at all. And to say that shipping is more than a gas bill is just plainly not true. Why would you go to a shop 55 miles a way 2 or 3 times a week when you could have just made a large purchase at once:confused: And no, not all hobby shops will start carrying parts just cause you want them too. Like I said in my thread, I still by from the LHS but I'm sick of walking into every shop and seeing Traxxas parts fill the whole wall. Anytime I need tires or anything important no one has it. Like I said, if more guys were like your LHS guy it would be a different story. In the long run as we age in the hobby, we'll do whatever it takes to get what we need to drive our rigs. Online or through the shop.

[Kevin Trudel]

I also will not buy anything unless it's from my local hobby shop. Fortunately my local hobby shop has an outdoor track that I run on and hold weekend club races as well as the R/C Pro series race. Generally the hobby shop will only carry the products that run well, longer lasting, as well as durable for the everyday racer/basher. I'm fortunate that Wolcott Hobby carries Kyosho, Ofna, Mugen, Losi, AE, HPI, Traxxas, Jammin as well as a few others. If you don't support you're local hobby shop, where are you going to go when you need a race track to run at.

In addition, if you local hobby shop doesn't have your part in stock, grab that part number and have them order it. Chances are, the part will be delivered to the local hobby shop quicker then you doorstep. One last thing, when you buy a product from your hobby shop, they will help you break it in, get it running and help you with and problems you might have.

[looker2756]

I agree with supporting the LHS. On the other hand, it sounds to me like many of you have not been in the back ordered situation. I have purchased many items from auctions that were Not even available to the shops. Rather than let my stuff sit and wait for sometimes forever for these parts to become available. I would much rather source my parts & be up and running. It always sounds great to be good to your LHS & I feel you should. Again I'm in a situation like many where my supposed LHS is over an hour away. This is hardly local to me & with gas prices the way they are. I'm going to get things to me the ways I need to. Along with that, I work for a hobby distributor / retailer. The vehicles we sell are imported by us. We run an on-line business that stays extremely busy. I can guarantee these parts will not be available at 99% of the LHS places. So, I will agree, but also believe, one must keep their eyes open. Not everyone has unlimited funds & need to save every peeny they can. Even though I can get parts at extremely good prices. Availability still keeps me buying on-line & from other sources because of the time factor.

[JGtruggy]

I also will not buy anything unless it's from my local hobby shop. Fortunately my local hobby shop has an outdoor track that I run on and hold weekend club races as well as the R/C Pro series race. Generally the hobby shop will only carry the products that run well, longer lasting, as well as durable for the everyday racer/basher. I'm fortunate that Wolcott Hobby carries Kyosho, Ofna, Mugen, Losi, AE, HPI, Traxxas, Jammin as well as a few others. If you don't support you're local hobby shop, where are you going to go when you need a race track to run at.

In addition, if you local hobby shop doesn't have your part in stock, grab that part number and have them order it. Chances are, the part will be delivered to the local hobby shop quicker then you doorstep. One last thing, when you buy a product from your hobby shop, they will help you break it in, get it running and help you with and problems you might have.

Again, I guess you have great people. All the shops around here don't have any tracks not unless their indoor onroad or 1/10 scale. There use to be one outdoor track and shop but the guy sold it. There are some good outdoor tracks but none attached to shops. If portland OR. would wake up and get an indoor track big enough for 1/8 scale with a shop I would only support them. We're in the rainy city so indoor keeps it going all year round. Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and other cities in washington provide racers with indoor 1/8 scale as they know it rains all the time there as well. I read about everyone's local tracks and it pisses me off that it's not here all year round. It's hard to support what we don't have. And let's talk about Hobbytown USA. They have two shops close enough but no outdoor track. They have enough $$$$ to make it happen why don't they? Then a new shop has come in right next to me but the guy doesn't even know anything about the hobby at all:mad: You get where I'm going hopefully. He said he would carry major brands and parts but how can he when he doesn't even know what to buy? His shop is filled with Traxxas of course and some Losi and HPI but not enough. If I lived where you did I'd be down of course. Lucky you and poor me;)

[JGtruggy]

I agree with supporting the LHS. On the other hand, it sounds to me like many of you have not been in the back ordered situation. I have purchased many items from auctions that were Not even available to the shops. Rather than let my stuff sit and wait for sometimes forever for these parts to become available. I would much rather source my parts & be up and running. It always sounds great to be good to your LHS & I feel you should. Again I'm in a situation like many where my supposed LHS is over an hour away. This is hardly local to me & with gas prices the way they are. I'm going to get things to me the ways I need to. Along with that, I work for a hobby distributor / retailer. The vehicles we sell are imported by us. We run an on-line business that stays extremely busy. I can guarantee these parts will not be available at 99% of the LHS places. So, I will agree, but also believe, one must keep their eyes open. Not everyone has unlimited funds & need to save every peeny they can. Even though I can get parts at extremely good prices. Availability still keeps me buying on-line & from other sources because of the time factor.
EXCELLENT POINT

[blitzer621]

Easy people ...
Are you trying to scare the crap out of the other newbies here. I will order online as well as go to my LHS. And yes most of the little guys do only carry one or two brands. If your LHS will throw you a bone when your in need in order to keep you coming back just imagine what he is doing to a newbie in the store,as a general rule -- when you cut some one a break, someone else has to pick up the slack.

The last time I was in my LHS they only had one RC vehicle on the shelf it was an RTR (nothing wrong with that) when I asked the counter clerk where all of the RC stuff was his reply was {I'll get you what ever you need, but I'll have to order it.} So I figure I can order it myself.

[hajile97]

I have to agree that supporting the LHS is a good way to keep the "little guyz" in business HOWEVER I always say the to the LHS SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HOBBYIST!!

I live not 5 minutes away from the largest Hobbytown in the country. I wish I could tell you that the employees there are at least somewhat knowledgeable and courteous. There used to be some great guys there but no more....

It always interests me greatly when you get on a forum and guys say support your LHS and then buy an Ipod or download music ONLINE....Can the same not be said for local record stores and mom and pop electronics stores??

I will continue to support the online stores and continue to keep more money in my pocket. I dont know where you guys buy from but I have yet to pay shipping on the items I purchase....Getting more for your money is the American way and I for one will always support online stores/services....At least until such a time that the LHS provide better deals and better service and adhere to the same standards as any other store I patronize RC or otherwise.....

[JGtruggy]

I have to agree that supporting the LHS is a good way to keep the "little guyz" in business HOWEVER I always say the to the LHS SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HOBBYIST!!

I live not 5 minutes away from the largest Hobbytown in the country. I wish I could tell you that the employees there are at least somewhat knowledgeable and courteous. There used to be some great guys there but no more....

It always interests me greatly when you get on a forum and guys say support your LHS and then buy an Ipod or download music ONLINE....Can the same not be said for local record stores and mom and pop electronics stores??

I will continue to support the online stores and continue to keep more money in my pocket. I dont know where you guys buy from but I have yet to pay shipping on the items I purchase....Getting more for your money is the American way and I for one will always support online stores/services....At least until such a time that the LHS provide better deals and better service and adhere to the same standards as any other store I patronize RC or otherwise.....
Yeah, a lot of the guys working at these shops don't know S$%#@ or think they know it all. Most are in a hurry to get you out of thier hair. Or to busy to give you the time you need. Online you can take your time and if one knows how to read well there is more information on the web then anywhere else.

[maximumNRG]

I would agree with supporting your LHS. For me though, I've shopped more and spent much more at online store rather than my LHS. The only things I purchase from my LHS are full kits and electronics/some tools.

With that said, I don't purchase specific products online since its really hard to do a refund within so-and-so days, since shipping takes time, as well, what happens when something goes wrong during the shipping process and your product is damaged and non-refundable or replaceable?

On the LHS side, I do wish LHS would cater more for the customer ratherthan only for the purpose of just making a sale. The reason I stopped purchasing from my LHS is that they've slipped on customer service. They order parts for you and take your number, but never call you to tell you your product has arrived, or whether your product will arrive at all... For example, I ordered some chassis parts for my GT2 a few months ago from my LHS. A month later, NOTHING! I visited them and it still hasn't arrived. I then placed an order online to Tower and before two weeks were over, there's my package!

With that said, whenever I do visit hobby shops not in my area, I do purchase from there. I only support HS that treat you respectfully today, tomorrow, next year, and so forth. My LHS' stopped being respectful after a few days I visited after school just to look around and ask questions...

[hajile97]

I always visit the LHS and look around for the odd and I do mean ODD deal and what not.. I have lived in this area of Atlanta for almost three years now and I have seen two other LHS either close completely or change ownership.

At my local Hobbytown they have a TNX (the old version) that has been in the same beat up box for almost three years. It has no radio, and the box looks like it came from a swap meet. They still want $400 dollars for it and they dont even carry the new one or parts for the one they are selling!! I have asked on several occasions what will you take for this truck and always I get a smart answer that basically says what the sticker on the box says....Now that is why it has sat there and made not one red cent for them.......

I can get the newer version for $350 online with parts support.......

I say support your OHS:cool:

[Taqrin]

I for one, like buying on-line and eBay, why you ask, it may take time to get here, because of shipping and PayPal, but you get what you want and no pushy sales person selling only what they have and at a drastically inflatted price.

The only thing I go the my LHS for is fuel, because you can't send fuel through the mail and maybe the odd part or tires just because you need them asap to finish of your most recent build.

There are some great deal to be had on line, one just needs to shop around and on line you can take your time, read about products and you will get more info on something that no sales person will ever give you.

I found that some hobby shops, if your not buying, a whole truck, all its accessories and spending a grand, from them, they won't even give you the time of day. (you almost have to become thier bum buddy and bend over for them while they screw you, to get a good deal from them)

If these guys who run these LHS relise the amount of money I've spent on this hobby buying stuff on line, they'd have to change thier shorts, but I've received more parts and trucks then I'd ever get from spending the same amount at thier stores.(probably as much as 5x more)

Why buy one truck from your LHS when you can buy 3 on line for the same price.:cool:

Sure, I'd like to support my LHS, but I can't afford thier prices......:eek:

[tearemupanfixem]

I use both. I get online and price what I'm looking for then I go to my LHS's and price it there. If the LHS is at least close to the same price, I'll buy from him. Otherwise I'll order online. It's good to support your local people, but as someone else already said, why should you have to pay alot more for the same stuff? I won't unless I just have to. I don't mind waiting sometimes.(depends on what it is) In this case I don't think there is a right or wrong, its what you prefer.

[Gt-bone]

I do both as well. But I definatly try and go through the LHS first. Most NON corperate hobby shops will match the online price and or get very close so I ussually do that so I dont have to wait or pay shipping. My shop has realized that if they cant come close the only thing they will sell is fuel and they obviously cant make any money off that. So if they go out of bussiness b/c evereybody bought thier stuff online we would have to drive VERY far just to get our fuel. I have a MUGEN (they dont stock stuff for it) and I just tell him what I want and he has it in 2-3 days and I dont even pay the shipping. I also like the feeling of being able to run my buggy all out and know that if I break something I will just have to run to the shop and buy a part instead of getting online and ordering it and then waiting. I do however get somethings online just b/c of the conveniance of it. I would say its about 50/50.

[mxnoah418]

ya i def. can relate to blackfoot and jgtruggy. and i know about the small buisneses and how it keeps the world go round. but we dont always have an awesome hobby shop dealer. ya know? my lhs is 10 min. away but he only carries traxxas. so that doesnt help me at all. so i buy everything online.
thats just my opion.
noah

[aeguy18]

I can see both sides of this. The guys at my LHS know what are good products but they can be pricy. by shopping online I will save $20!!!!! Although thier electronics are much cheaper. Their selling micro sidewinders for 82 bucks, the speedo and motor. As for products they carry anything from team associated to traxxas to hpi to custom works to losi. and they are 5 min away

[Maxx man]

I have to say online stores are the way to go but a lhs is a good way to get small odds and ends like small screws, fuel tires and such but my favorite online hobbie store is www.towerhobbies.com they have fast shipping great prices on most or at least comparible and they have some of the greatest costemer service around

[volsfan]

I usually go to Ricks now in Cleveland Tn. if I can get there before he closes. He carries a broader selection and more of the stuff I need. He goes out of his way to help. Love the fact he started a indoor track. Bad thing is his shop is a hour away. If I went to my original lhs which is much closer I would lose my mind. What little I have. He doesn't carry much and likes to blow his smoke in your face at times. Not helpful in the least. If you didn't buy from him you could forget about the help. Didn't matter if it was ordering parts or trying to figure out what might be wrong if you didn't know. Especially when I first got into the hobby years ago. Hate he is going out of business but he brought it on himself. It usually is easier to buy online and have bought most of my stuff online. If you have a good lhs help support them especially if you have a good one. I have seen both sides of owners.

[Microdriver624]

My hobby shop is only 10 minutes away, so we usually bike there (then its about 25 minutes) And the r nice, but I think they r more for traxxas. And i gotta admit, I hav never ordered online before. I just never hav. Especially on ebay. i think that i want to give this online purchasing a try!!

[notatoy]

hi guys just a note beware this model site ,very bad service . i ordered a graupner 600 motor money sent through pay pal over a week later no motor i have had to seek compensation , and re order from a different supplier . very poor service ,,,http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Muckypup-Models

[shane34]

Will do notatoy thanks 4 the heads up!

[Maxx man]

order from tower hobbies they have almost everything exept for losi i dont know why they dont have them they just dont but other wise they have almost everybody at great prices!\:D

[notatoy]

order from tower hobbies they have almost everything exept for losi i dont know why they dont have them they just dont but other wise they have almost everybody at great prices!\:D thanks bro i will order from tower next time , better to be safe than sorry , :D

[miniRaminator rules]

with web sites do you use some are just scam artists

[hpifirestorm]

if you want it bad enough,you can wait for your lhs to back order,i had to wait and plus,that money stays in the community usually, so if you are about your track and stuff that your lhs sponsers/provides money for,your track may be kept up less because of money.......and the people who work will spend money in theyre community, so if it was ur biz. that they were shoping at, youd want to shop at your shop so money can go back to you,the worker or owner,,and another reason,.....do you even know the people who work at online stores,no do you know the people at the LHS....yes...I REST MY LHS CASE.

[miniRaminator rules]

i hate it:mad::mad:

[hpifirestorm]

say whaaaa?

[shane34]

I say its good as you can get parts so much cheaper online. Like the the other day i got 6 parts brand new online for $45 postage included where as if id have got them at my lhs they would hav cost me $120+ in saying that i still use my lhs for fuel & the odd part & advice.

[LSXEric]

Have to go south shane. My lhs is about the same as amain, tower, etc with shipping. I have a 10% discount. (too much crap:rolleyes:) How would it be without hobby shop? I cant see it! lol:D

[hpifirestorm]

I say its good as you can get parts so much cheaper online. Like the the other day i got 6 parts brand new online for $45 postage included where as if id have got them at my lhs they would hav cost me $120+ in saying that i still use my lhs for fuel & the odd part & advice.
that money stays in the community tho.....think if you had a shop that the owner shoped at.....the moneyd go back to you.....

[shane34]

that money stays in the community tho.....think if you had a shop that the owner shoped at.....the moneyd go back to you.....

I totally agree with you hpi im all for supporting the local community small businesses wouldnt survive without it. All im saying is its good to hav an alternative to the lhs at times. Specially these days when finances are some times streched to the limit.

[shane34]

Have to go south shane. My lhs is about the same as amain, tower, etc with shipping. I have a 10% discount. (too much crap:rolleyes:) How would it be without hobby shop? I cant see it! lol:D

Sorry LSXEric i forgot to say that i got them off ebay at auction.:D

[hpifirestorm]

hah, luckey you didny get screwed my dad got mac,well accually he got a dell instead a mac......about a 4000 $ differance