Well, i experienced the sensation. I wandered by my “local” hobby shop because I drove 25 miles for something else and was in the area. I had always bought and perused stuff there, and the staff, older folk, were always gentlemen, very helpful and interesting. Always enjoyed talking with them there. But a sign this time, quite to my shock, in a couple of weeks, the store was closing. There’s nothing else for many more miles around.
And so, there was everyone in there, picking the bones. It seemed kind of frantic and sad. I did it too, had to load up on discounted paint and supplies and cars, to the tune of 300 bucks. I know it was a deal, but it felt crummy. Felt like a scavenger taking advantage of something that was helpful and I liked.
Man, its seemed tough for the staff to deal with, the dismantling before their eyes. And going over the story over and over again with each customer. Yeah, it’s a business, but I guess for some it’s more than that.
So goodbye, old friend. I guess I now have to buy just online, and not get a good look at stuff before I take a plunge.
Reminds me of the time a local computer store liquidated part of his inventory. He had a lot of used stuff he’d picked up over time from customers upgrading, etc., but it had to go. He didn’t have the time or the people needed to deal with that segment.
He was sad to see it go, but was consoled by knowing it went to people who appreciated it, and would make use of it.
Sadly, when the business went under later in the year, a lot of stuff went into the landfill, after being siezed for taxes.
Well it is more than a job for some of us. And regardless of what others think, this should make all of us feel a little sad when a small shop - any small shop - disappears, for whatever reason.
But don’t feel too bad about buying up the deals at the end. Something has to be done with all that stuff.
It is for just this reason that I support my LHS, often paying full price rather than waiting for the sale. That’s not to imply that I’m independently wealthy (HA!) or foolhardy with money, but some things have value far beyond the cheapest price. A good LHS is worth paying a little more for.
Chris
I also agree 200% with Chris.
I’ve been in the postion many times in my vocation, in administration, where I was making decisions as a buyer, signed contracts for equipment leasing, putting out bid requests for major purchases, etc., and I always will choose service over price hands down.
Anyone can sell you something at a “good” or more appropriatly called “cheap”[tdn] price, but after the sale, it’s the “service”[tup] that keeps you going and not [banghead] loosing your mind.
I’ll take a good LHS anyday, and when I find one, which I have, I’ll give them all kinds of repeat business. Life is tough in the business world. If more people would look at it as an investment in the future (your own need for service)[;)], then maybe, just maybe, a few LHS’s would not close their doors.
Woodlandtoots