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Post by cfesmire on Apr 24, 2004 15:24:01 GMT 1
A new hobby shop has opened within the past few months, nearby. I stopped in to see his wares and found 3 1-87 Boley fire trucks. That's it. I asked him about HO scale stuff and he said much of his new business was train folks buying trees, grass, and structures. I spoke to him about my interest and offered up some web sites since he seemed puzzled at the idea someone actually built 1-87 vehicles. It was obvious, despite his attentive look, that he couldn't care less. He asked no questions, knew none of the 1-87 manufacturers I mentioned, and generally displayed a totally apathetic attitude towards the subject of 1-87. Now I understand that it takes money to stock a shop, and you can't know what exactly to stock until you start selling, but I returned a full month and a half later and there was 2 of the Boley trucks left and a very meager selection of modeling supplies (paint, tweezers, knife blades, etc.) How does one break the barrier, create an interest? This is someone that could greatly influence a community involvement in a hobby. My word, we live in an area that has only indoor activities for a good portion of the calandar. I would think that since this person has taken the plunge to start a new business, he would do all that he could to promote it. Listen to his customers and at least respond by saying he would investigate the wants of customer. I am very disappointed. I plan to make another trip there soon and bring some models this time, and ask if perhaps I could leave some or set up a small diorama to show his railroad customers what can be done. If he still shows the same lack of enthuisiasm, I will probably make the trip to Portland for my next hobby shop visit.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Apr 24, 2004 17:07:46 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
What Chester described above I met one or two times before. When I moved to Van Nuys in 1979, there was a hobby store that was run by this ederly couple and their were patient with me despite my very poor english at the time. It was not a big affair,but he had a good selection of everything. By 1982 or so, someone else took over the store and moved elsewhere and,at all, the new owner had a very bad attitude and thought that no one had a selection like him. Consequently,around 1985, the store was gone and even today Van Nuys has not a hobby store. The same happened to a gift shop recently. I found the 1/87 scale Maisto cars in there. Again, the store changed hands and the new owner added another selection of items besides toys and at one time no models at all. Again,this long running gift shop is no more than an empty building; stores on Van Nuys are these of clothing,electronics and general merchandise and that is that. On the other hand, I know of hobby stores-such as Burbank House of Hobbies,but there are others- who accept to display your assembled models or have a permanent, not for sale assembled models- who promote the hobby any way they can. It is my observation that the new entries to the hobby are run by people who want to make money at times only. Considering the overhead costs, that may not be such a bad thing; however,I know the saying that in order to be in business on whatever, one needs the costumers. Here in Los Angeles, is my personal observation that hobby stores who suceded generaly are the ones who been in business for a while and perhaps,just perhaps, know how to face uncertain times. On the case of Burbank House of Hobbies, it was the fact that it feel on the hands of a very enthusiastic and competent fellow, as opposed to the store from the one in Van Nuys. These things do affect business. And then- and MAR was mentioning it again- is the case to get new entries to the hobby. But that is another business.
Dear Chester: Please,tell Us how your third visit went. Nick K
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skunk
87thScale addict
5th B-day
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Post by skunk on Apr 24, 2004 19:37:33 GMT 1
Leaving a small diorama on display in a local store is an excellent idea.
I am currently moving, but I think I shall do that when I am settled. I am even going to center the diorama on some lowriders and such, to hopefully garner some interest from those otherwise involved in 1/64 cars (sorry Nick!).
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Apr 25, 2004 14:57:18 GMT 1
Dear Skunk:
The low-rider project is an interesting one. Prior to 2001, Jada Toys was one of several unknown manufacturers; now is a household name, and something like 90% of their products are low-riders. But Revell was the one who introduced this trend by the late 1990's. And the 1/64 cars of the latter are more detailed.
The diecast industry is a billion dollar affair; as you can notice, gas stations,pharmacies and at times Newstands carry a line of two of diecasts- and besides the toy and hobby stores. As it was explained, 1/87 scale cars are a hazard to,and not that appreciated by little kids; some adults also avoid them and I always heard that a price of a Busch model- around $13.00 for the police series- is way too high. Let's face it: in 1979,when I came to the US, a price of a diecast was around $ .99,and today one still can get one at this price. By that time one could get a Wiking for $3.00 and Herpas cost less; now the average price is circa $9.00 per car; around $15.00 to $35.00 for a truck or well-modeled bus. However,as compared to 1979, the HO hobby grew by leap and bounds, including the number of manufacturers. The same happened in 1/64, and by the 1980's, highly detailed cars at this scale were introduced- and RCE continues this trend,with their Route 66 series. Otherwise,good luck with your project. You will be sucessful, because,as police cars some time ago, low riders are popular items now. Just look at the sucess of Jada Toys- and their vehicles are not even that detailed!
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Post by Eric on Apr 26, 2004 22:21:00 GMT 1
I am even going to center the diorama on some lowriders and such, to hopefully garner some interest from those otherwise involved in 1/64 cars (sorry Nick!). Skunk, I don't know if you've already built some, but pictures of your lowriders are welcome, it would be nice to show some on the site. Eric
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skunk
87thScale addict
5th B-day
Posts: 2,762
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Post by skunk on Apr 27, 2004 3:21:59 GMT 1
All of my old lowrider models are sadly stored (somewhere) in my parents house about one thousand miles away... Cannibalized several Wiking Chevy Malibus to build them, too.
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BillC
87thScale addict
Posts: 2,541
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Post by BillC on Apr 27, 2004 5:35:35 GMT 1
A new hobby shop has opened within the past few months, nearby. I stopped in to see his wares and found 3 1-87 Boley fire trucks. That's it. I asked him about HO scale stuff and he said much of his new business was train folks buying trees, grass, and structures. ... Chester: You raise an interesting point. Sometimes shopowners have their own prejudices (and that's exactly what they are). Other times limited capital means they don't have the money for what they regard as non-essentials. Whatever his problem, it certainly sounds like your local businessman needs some help. Here are some ideas: 1. I will be happy to supply you with the latest catalogs for at least Busch, Herpa/Promotex and Wiking. I will also see if I can get you some materials from CMW. Show them to him and leave them with him. If he's a Walthers dealer, he can get all of these wholesale through them. Yes, there are lots of "furrin" cars in there, but an incredible percentage of them are suitable for North American layouts. 2. If you offer to build a diorama and he accepts, let's create the diorama with products he carries and populate it with models he can order and stock. Offer to create a "bill of materials" he can use to promote sales. Once again, I'll help you with the models. Additional suggestion: add a section of track long enough for him to display a new locomotive or rolling stock. Now he has a display he can use to promote a variety of items. 3. Let him know you want to be a customer and that if he can get what you want, you'll be there as often as the fierce Maine weather will allow (I understand there's a thaw sometime in July or August ). Just let me know if I can help.
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Post by cfesmire on Apr 27, 2004 12:34:32 GMT 1
Thank you Bill. Great ideas, I would appreciate being able to show him product, both in the way of a catalog and some of the real models (that I haven't torn apart). I like the idea of a diorama that has what he would perhaps be interested in stocking. I have not lost hope and I can be persuasive (no, no brass knuckles) so maybe I can turn this lemon into lemonade. When we last spoke, he mentioned moving to a larger space in the same complex. I'm sure he will be amenable to these great suggestions. There's another shop that lies in the shadow of the huge cranes of Bath Iron Works that is not too far from me also that could use some 1-87 help. If my efforts help in any way with the first shop, I may try them with him as well. Sort of like the Johnny Appleseed of HO, eh?
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BillC
87thScale addict
Posts: 2,541
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Post by BillC on Apr 27, 2004 19:18:53 GMT 1
Sort of like the Johnny Appleseed of HO, eh? Chester: That's the ticket. There's a lot of fertile ground out there. Just need some people to head out into the wilderness and plant some fresh ideas. Bill C.
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Post by cfesmire on Jun 21, 2004 3:07:43 GMT 1
Two small bits of good news relating to modelling. First, I have approached the owner of the previously mentioned hobby shop and he has agreed to make space for a small diorama in his shop. The only stipulation being that I somehow incorporate a train item in it that he sells. No problemo. Secondly, today being Fathers Day, some of my family got together to visit my Dad currently staying in a nursing facility. My 14 yr. old nephew gave my Dad a 1-43 scale Pontiac Firebird that he built for the occasion. In talking (encouragingly) with him, I found out that he loves building models and his model showed some fine promise. His mother (my sister) had some trepidations about the amount of space the models took up. Of course I was quick to point out how little space a 1-87 scale model would occupy and as soon as I got home, emailed them a list of sites (this one included) that might be of interest. What a nice surprise to find a young person involved in modelling.
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Post by keroliver on Jun 21, 2004 15:30:31 GMT 1
The future of 87th scale models is safe in my house. My 2-years-old son loves them and shows a lot of respect to them. They are displayed behind windows. Safety first. But when he is back home, the first thing he asks now is to look at the models. He will point at them, make admirative sounds, clap his hands and smile. I let him play with Hot Wheels and sometimes let him touch some 87th scale models. He is very careful, respectful and focused on his movements. Maybe he has been watching me doing so and copies me. He obviously loves them.
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Post by keroliver on Aug 12, 2004 5:19:33 GMT 1
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Aug 12, 2004 5:31:36 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
Oh,boy! At least 60 % of my purchases are done at this store,and Wal Mart does not have as many toy products as Toys R US!
It comes to tell that Rod Ward-editor of MAR- is right whe he suggests that he accepts any hints how to make the youth interested at the hobby.Personally,I do not see how,and the above article about Toys R Us just proves it.
Nick K
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BillC
87thScale addict
Posts: 2,541
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Post by BillC on Aug 21, 2004 4:50:11 GMT 1
Curiously, Toys 'R Us carries many of the items they say kids are now choosing over traditional toys. And don't forget, Toys 'R Us was the category killer some years ago.
Toys 'R Us also kept Wal-Mart out of a lot of important lines through exclusionary contracts with toymakers. It was only after Wal-Mart successfully challenged these contracts that Toys 'R Us began to have problems.
The biggest problem was that Toys 'R Us never gave customers any other reason to shop there. The stores were messy and poorly merchandised, the staff was clueless. And the giraffe was stupid.
Then they revamped the store. From the store I saw, it was cleaner, but there was more limited selection and the staff was still clueless. There was still no advantage to shopping there over Wal-Mart. And the giraffe was still stupid.
Add to that the market's unrealistic expectation of growth and increased profitability in a mature, cutthroat market.
So Toys 'R Us, rather than developing a strategy that would allow them to address the thriving premium market, is going to sell off what is still a profitable business to concentrate on a baby business that will last until another game comes to town.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Nov 24, 2005 4:27:33 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
The year 2005 was golden as far 1/87 models were concerned.Now, if the models will be purchased in good numbers,more interesting models will come out.
Also,thanks to Ricko and Billc,desirable models such as Chrysler 300,Dodge Charger,new Mustang are being offered. Normally,these cars were found in other scales or offered as kits which a lot of work to be properly done.
Now,is to be seen what is next. Probably more exciting news are on the way as this year departs and more next year.
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