Topic: What would make you use a UK Model Shop?

Just wondering what peoples reasons are for using UK based model shops rather than use ones from abroad?

No names please, just reasons.

Also what could the UK trade do to improve the service it provides?

I think we all know that the prices from abroad are sometimes cheaper but is that all it takes?

Freindly service and knowing that you are supporting the UK modelling scene,,,,

Knowing you have backup if you have problems,  able to go in and have a wonder around and have that face to face contact.

Knowing you have backup if you have problems,  able to go in and have a wonder around and have that face to face contact.

seconded. my lms has slowly gone from mainly rc stuff planes helis cars boats etc, to about 75% trains. the reason? quote 'its what sells so we're stocking more of it'

Customer service and support 

I only buy from uk shops now. If we don't support them they aint going to be there when we need them

Si

Advice, brain-picking, chat.
Handling the merchandise and opening the boxes.
Finding stuff I never knew I wanted needed.

my local shop offers a particular blend of sarcasm and verbal abuse

tea and biccies

  cj

Localness, car parking and a company name that appeared as "Educational products for secondary school children" on the bank statement.

PDR

for mail order: no import duty, (usually) lower p&p, I can phone to check the details/availability.
for counter sales: only because I want something quickly, as fuel costs there and back are similar to postage from mail order suppliers for smaller orders.

Help, advice, look at the product "in the flesh", after sales backup and if we don't use them they won't be there! Why is that so important - well when you forget that little £1 item do you really want to wait and pay the postage?

I generally buy from wherever has what i want. 

CM

If I do mail order its from a UK shop. My LMS is a good one, but not all are like that. I can see why people go abroad, not just prices, but availability. I have bought from the US in the past, usually Bobs Hobbies (hi Steve) but its not such a big advantage as it used to be, with stuff from Britain improving each year and charges from the US going up. So, I dont need to be made to use a UK shop, I already do!

If I do mail order its from a UK shop. My LMS is a good one, but not all are like that. I can see why people go abroad, not just prices, but availability. I have bought from the US in the past, usually Bobs Hobbies (hi Steve) but its not such a big advantage as it used to be, with stuff from Britain improving each year and charges from the US going up. So, I dont need to be made to use a UK shop, I already do!

Same here, I use online in the UK as long as it's not too much more expensive.

My LMS is pretty small and has a very limited range (and low stock), so it's 50:50 whether they have what I want, even if I've got it from there before. And the chap behind the counter is very knowledgeable but can talk the back leg off a donkey...

Between that and difficulty parking, I'd prefer to order online and wait a few days.

Just wondering what peoples reasons are for using UK based model shops rather than use ones from abroad?

No names please, just reasons.

Also what could the UK trade do to improve the service it provides?

I think we all know that the prices from abroad are sometimes cheaper but is that all it takes?

I've always used my LHS, even before I came back into the hobby I used to buy boxes of scalpel blades for work, from there. They used to order them in for me. So it was natural that on deciding to revisit a childhood hobby tat I should get the expert help and advice available. That's gone on ever since and I appreciate having such a excellent resource available right on the doorstep, with good stocks of most things that you'd need.On occasion I've used specialist UK electric flight retailers for some things as well, but the vast majority of kits and bits and all of the consumables come from the LHS. Long may that continue.

Basically I would be unlikely to visit a model shop unless I was passing, unless there was one within a couple of miles of home. I think the last one I went to was 5 years ago. I can use the internet to get what I want. I use mostly UK suppliers, because the bits get here quickly and because the price difference is not so huge compared to the HK suppliers. There are a few exceptions to this when I have used the HK suppliers and they have been pretty good I have to say.

I'll go to a shop that has plenty of accessories and the basics for building (wood, piano wire, covering material etc).  Slough were good for this (probably still are, just haven't been down that way for a while).  Usually the main reason for dropping in expanded considerably!
Price has a bearing on things too.  I'll swallow £5 on a £100 engine at the LMS over mail order, £10 I'll look twice and if it's £140, well, forget it.

It's rare for me to visit an LMS, simply because the local one shut down. They were utterly useless anyway. It costs me around £15 in fuel to visit the (very good) one in Lancaster, so mail order is cheaper.

I buy mainly from HK, but when Hobbyking open the UK warehouse in the next couple of months I'll probably buy from there and GC. Balsa always comes from SLEC.

I tried my best to support my LMS, but when it took them three months to get fuel in, for example.....

Yes, the actual shop makes a difference. I'm lucky in having a really good one within 5 miles, with plenty of parking, good stocks and good banter. However, I look for prices (have to!) and what they have in stock, and I do shop around the UK stockists. I can recommend a few, Kings Lynn are good.

Yes, I've used most of the ones that advertise on the forum- including SWM, SLEC, KLMS, AL's Hobbies, Airtek, T9, etc.

Good service from all of them. However, unless your shop is blessed with a very large footfall/local population then the future is with online sales.

I'm more than happy to go to my local (15 miles away) shop if I'm restocking on balsa and materials, and it's worth a gallon of petrol and and a couple of hours of spare time.

If it's a single item that I need desperately, then it tends to be a quick phone call and overnight delivery from any one of a dozen suppliers - all UK-based.

tim

Freindly service and knowing that you are supporting the UK modelling scene,,,,

Like stuey said; what will we do when the only 'shops' left are on a computer. I like going in, having a mooch, and always buying something, even if its only a plug/props or other trivia.......

Stock (that interested me) would make a difference, as would distance. My nearest shop is a gallon of petrol and over an hour of my life to visit, and it's rarely got anything I might need or want. The nearest that has any use to me is in Edinburgh but that's £75 worth of petrol and a whole day out to visit, so I only go there if I happen to be visiting my father in Livingstone on a Saturday. I don't live in a very good part of the country for model shops, and the few that do exist survive on selling overpriced cars and helicopters to flash-in-the-pan highstreet shoppers.

Like stuey said; what will we do when the only 'shops' left are on a computer. I like going in, having a mooch, and always buying something, even if its only a plug/props or other trivia.......

We'll order stuff online.

There will come a day when the only physical shops are those where being there in person is required, such as shoe shops and hairdressers.

Mooching can be fun, I agree. But unless you have a busy shop with many people mooching all the time, the overheads become way too high. You just don't need to mooch 100 slight variations on a LiPo pack...

I can see a physical front end on a mail order operation working, but it's hard to see how a small purely physical shop will work in the future.

Until we have working replicators, that is.

I guess I am quite lucky, for most small bits, balsa, ply and piano wire I have a model shop just a couple of mles away. If I need more than I can get there then Al's in MK is about 18 miles away - not usually much I can not find there. Otherwise I use mail order such as Electric Wingman, BRC, Giant Cod and on occasion Hobby King.

We've been here before, but hey..........................

I have three "local" model shops depending on my regular movements (no ribald comment please!).

In one there is usually most things in stock, but you'd better allocate a long time while the shop people handle internet/phone orders as a priority, and some seem to take delight in making you feel you are imposing by actually visiting their large showroom type shop.  One day out of interest I stood at the counter for ten minutes, while shop "assistants" (Ha Ha) studiously pretended I and the money I was holding ready to pay were not there, not one serving or helping me or the few other shop customers.

No 2 is a small family business where service comes first - you might say a trifle cynically it has to be first, as stocks are usually minimal. They can get items either quickly if it's a supplier they visit regularly, or taking up to forever if not, that bit is not fully reliable. They are though helpful in the extreme to anyone, even if they didn't sell the item in the first place and don't make any money from their actions.

No 3 is a biggish shop, and on the face of it should be the happy medium, but happy is seemingly a state far removed from the status quo I have found on visits, glum resignation to a fate worse than death seems more relevant.

So, I DO use UK model shops, even though it fairly frequently seems they don't want my money.

On the other hand, I use a few UK mail order "model shops", and I'll name one, Midland Helicopters, never had anything other than good service, friendly treatment, and quick delivery......a genuine sense that they actually enjoy what they are doing....wish I could browse the items "in my hand" but they are too far away, so other than that, they come VERY close to an ideal balance.

On the other hand, I use a few UK mail order "model shops", and I'll name one, Midland Helicopters, never had anything other than good service, friendly treatment, and quick delivery......a genuine sense that they actually enjoy what they are doing....wish I could browse the items "in my hand" but they are too far away, so other than that, they come VERY close to an ideal balance.

The one in Ledbury? I pass that fairly regularly. Send me your cash and a shopping list and I'll go and fondle the goods for you...

In one there is usually most things in stock, but you'd better allocate a long time while the shop people handle internet/phone orders as a priority, and some seem to take delight in making you feel you are imposing by actually visiting their large showroom type shop.  One day out of interest I stood at the counter for ten minutes, while shop "assistants" (Ha Ha) studiously pretended I and the money I was holding ready to pay were not there, not one serving or helping me or the few other shop customers.

this reminds me of SMC. it might well be somewhere else, but that was how i felt last time i was in there. that said havent been in there in a while

this reminds me of SMC. it might well be somewhere else, but that was how i felt last time i was in there. that said havent been in there in a while

Didnt used to be like that. Only went in once, about ten years ago, and was treated fine.

I will always try to use my local model shop for the parts that i want to complete projests that i am building, as they are always friendly and have a cup of coffee for me when i visit. For large purchases eg radio's i will ask them what price they can attain and from that make a descision if i will use mail order or not.

I have noticed over the years the stock in many model shop as change from what the modeller of old wanted and needed to toys and ready to go planes,cars and boats which i am sure has pushed the modeller to the internet for there shopping
 

I have several reasons for choosing to use my local model shop, plus other UK based suppliers.

1. I've known my LMS proprieter for 20+ years. He's visited sites local Clubs use, he always tries to match the offers of others where he can, and he can sell your unwanted items in his shop. Internet based shops can't/don't do this.

2. Quite often I prefer to see/handle an item before i purchase. How many times do you need to look at horns, hinges, fuel tanks, linkages etc, to see if they're exactly what you need? Try doing that at an internet shop.

3. After sales service. My LMS can and do return faulty items when necessary.

4. Good old fashioned service. I get offered a brew on almost every visit. Hands up those who've had a brew from a Hong Kong based supplier?

Living south of Birmingham i don't really have a local model shop but I do use about 5 regular ones either at the shows, via mail order / internet or in person if I'm in the area.

To get on my preferred suppliers list the following is needed:

         Stock availability
         Good Selection of bits
         Speed of delivery
         Price and discount as a regular customer
         Sarcasm and a good chat (Tea also helps)

I also like to rotate larger purchases around them, running on the theory they will be around longer.

I live abroad, but the hobby shops here in Dubai stock very limited parts and accessories. they are full of ARTF's at high prices for the locals who try to build and fly them, only to crash and go and by another.
So I do mail order most parts, usually from a UK shop.
When I visit , usually once a year, I am straight of to Slough RC and just spend hours browsing all the small accessories and parts in stock, that you probably all take for granted. To me it is manner from heaven. Two weeks ago I spent over 500 pounds on just small bits and pieces, filling 3 carrier bags, of parts completely unavailable here.
I used to come over on a private Jet, that I looked after, and then could load it up with unlimited weight with no customs either end, so I used to buy multiple kits and ARTF's as well, but I have since changed jobs and cannot do that anymore.
I do build most of my own aircraft and it is so frustrating not having a simple part like a control horn, or a hinge, or even the correct size prop, hence the shopping trips.
Be thankfull that most of you have a hobby shop to visit in person, as I have to take an 8 hour flight to visit one worth going to.
Any way happy new year to you all, and hope you all have plenty of flying this year.

Darryl

 Yes we do not realise how lucky we are in good old UK...   In a  local shop you can meet up with your mates,    convince  one that its just the plane he wants... "Its a Bargain"..   Have  a good old Banter ...+ able to Haggle a price  & convince your self you came out best off.  also you can take your purchase back & have another  go at that  perfect bargain... I am lucky  my local has stock  & more  stock  with service to match.. thank's S  oh we are  not to say  whom... Pete F.....

I have two shops one 16 miles and another 47miles away both very good - the one been further has more stock to peruse... bbut I mainly save larger purchases for my visits to shows like roughham or nats etc... I know you dont save any money on visit there but you come back with something nice n gleamy in the back of your car....

I do use fleebay but prefer to support local model shop, If I can leave wife in ca and go in shop on my own and "smuggle" something out of there....

John   

unfortunatly - dont really have one at the moment.

One has some of what I use - luckly they are in the same area I work in. Nice shop but not a massive amount of aircraft stuff in.

After that its Mail/Internet order when price is king.

Chris

The nearest model shop to me is in Lancaster, brilliant place, good banter, excellent stock and free coffee to boot, not too local to me but well worth the visit every few weeks. My last visit I walked away with the Mintor I had been after, which they only got in because we talked about them on my previous visit and he wanted to see what they were like. And I have to say, I was in 2 minds whether to have one or not till I actually saw it in the flesh and totally forgot what I went for in the first place.

Ok I understand people usuing the bay of E for odds and sods when you know exactly what you are after, but for bigger purchases its a must see in the flesh for me, I mean I wouldn't buy a new car without seeing it first

In one there is usually most things in stock, but you'd better allocate a long time while the shop people handle internet/phone orders as a priority, and some seem to take delight in making you feel you are imposing by actually visiting their large showroom type shop.  One day out of interest I stood at the counter for ten minutes, while shop "assistants" (Ha Ha) studiously pretended I and the money I was holding ready to pay were not there, not one serving or helping me or the few other shop customers.

Hi Raven...Sounds like a very well known one I visited on the South Coast during my summer hols...had ordered well over a grands worth of planes and acessories over the past couple of years and thought I would take the opportunity and visit in person when I was in the area.

Like you I stood at said counter with 3 shop assistents £20 note in hand and afew bits and bobs and they spent 10mins all trying to find ways of not seeing me. When I finaly dropped a hint like saying out aloud "anyone interested in taking my money" on of them says Sorry I didnt see you..(Thought he was a ****ing comedian)...well whilst  i'm paying i says I'm in the market for a 30 - 50 cc petrol plane what have you got....I was met with so much indifference I didnt bother...I had £600 budget to spend in their shop and it was their loss.

Ended up buying a 30cc Yak from Kings Lynn Model shop on line and the service was outstanding...

I have a good local model shop which I try to use as much as possible but I feel I get a better service using an on line uk supplier.

 I don't support my Lms any more they don't  always stock what I want.My local shop has changed owner and the new owner just does not stock the shop. For my big purchases I use Sussex models,Inwoods ,Al's hobbies.My faverite model shop is Andover models the owner Neville a great guy and he keeps the shop stocked but its 50 mile round trip so I try to go once every one or two months.I have also used HobbyKing and Giant Cod.last year my Lms did not even have any closed loop cable just expensive closed loop kits so I now use giant cod mostly for my day to day stuff including props I like the Webb site as much as his prices if you have an idea what you want you can probadly find some thing that will do the job there any way that's my point of view