i_r_beej
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 993
Sorry, this is a lengthy rant.
A couple of months ago, before I got my Boost, I started visiting every LHS I could find to see cars, talk to people, get a feel for the current RC scene. I discovered on just a few minutes from my office so I was pretty excited about that. Imagine the possibilities! Lunch-time visits to peruse a wall of parts, add-ons, and hop-ups! Wow!
My first time there I'm greeted by a clerk; "Can I help you?" I mention that I'm looking to get into RC cars and stopped in to see what they had. She immediately points me to a small stack of Dromida RTRs by the counter. I can't believe that can be ALL they have. She beckons over "the RC car guy" and repeats my story.
He asks me what I'm looking to get and I tell him I'm not even sure yet since I don't have a car and I'm re-entering RC and I don't even really have a good idea of the potential expense. The Car Guy then gives me a brief overview: "...and cheap cars start about $150 RTR." I'm feeling that this conversation is seriously lacking any enthusiasm and is probably academic since I don't see anything other than a $118 Dromida truck-thing and a couple that shoot NERF darts.
So I thank they both for their time and leave. As I walk past the front of the store and stop to admire the large train layout in the front window. And guess what? In the back corner of the store, partially obscured by the aisles, IS THE CAR SECTION. Never once did either of the clerks say "Hey, new to RC? Thinking about buying? Well... let me show you our selection of RTRs, kits, and wall of parts!"
What the heck, LHS.
Not one to really hold a grudge, I've been back several times looking for various bits and pieces. Only once did they have what I was after-- a pack of balance charging leads. And once, the Car Guy seemed actually alive and enthusiastic in helping me find some turnbuckles. (No dice, that time.)
On what will likely be my final visit, today I go in during my lunch break looking for a tool. Once again the Car Guy is summoned. He listens to my explanation that none of my tools fit properly and thinks it odd. I even show him the part that needs the tool and he takes it and disappears for a few minutes. He comes back and explains that most likely the tool I'm using at home is defective or worn. He leaves it at that and I thank him for taking time to diagnose the problem and close by saying that "I guess I'll have to go buy a new hex key."
Car Guy wanders off and I take a few minutes to browse the car bits and roam around the store. Just as I'm ready to leave I notice that there is a selection of tools hanging on the wall behind the cash register. I see Bondhus hex key sets. I almost open my mouth to request the set of tools when I remember that NO MENTION was made that tools to suit my need were available to purchase.
WHAT. THE. HECK. I mean seriously, WTF.
So fine. I'll stop at the other LHS on my way home and buy there. Sorry to break up with you near-the-office LHS; it's not me, it's you.
Jeez. An hour later and I'm still really annoyed.
A couple of months ago, before I got my Boost, I started visiting every LHS I could find to see cars, talk to people, get a feel for the current RC scene. I discovered on just a few minutes from my office so I was pretty excited about that. Imagine the possibilities! Lunch-time visits to peruse a wall of parts, add-ons, and hop-ups! Wow!
My first time there I'm greeted by a clerk; "Can I help you?" I mention that I'm looking to get into RC cars and stopped in to see what they had. She immediately points me to a small stack of Dromida RTRs by the counter. I can't believe that can be ALL they have. She beckons over "the RC car guy" and repeats my story.
He asks me what I'm looking to get and I tell him I'm not even sure yet since I don't have a car and I'm re-entering RC and I don't even really have a good idea of the potential expense. The Car Guy then gives me a brief overview: "...and cheap cars start about $150 RTR." I'm feeling that this conversation is seriously lacking any enthusiasm and is probably academic since I don't see anything other than a $118 Dromida truck-thing and a couple that shoot NERF darts.
So I thank they both for their time and leave. As I walk past the front of the store and stop to admire the large train layout in the front window. And guess what? In the back corner of the store, partially obscured by the aisles, IS THE CAR SECTION. Never once did either of the clerks say "Hey, new to RC? Thinking about buying? Well... let me show you our selection of RTRs, kits, and wall of parts!"
What the heck, LHS.
Not one to really hold a grudge, I've been back several times looking for various bits and pieces. Only once did they have what I was after-- a pack of balance charging leads. And once, the Car Guy seemed actually alive and enthusiastic in helping me find some turnbuckles. (No dice, that time.)
On what will likely be my final visit, today I go in during my lunch break looking for a tool. Once again the Car Guy is summoned. He listens to my explanation that none of my tools fit properly and thinks it odd. I even show him the part that needs the tool and he takes it and disappears for a few minutes. He comes back and explains that most likely the tool I'm using at home is defective or worn. He leaves it at that and I thank him for taking time to diagnose the problem and close by saying that "I guess I'll have to go buy a new hex key."
Car Guy wanders off and I take a few minutes to browse the car bits and roam around the store. Just as I'm ready to leave I notice that there is a selection of tools hanging on the wall behind the cash register. I see Bondhus hex key sets. I almost open my mouth to request the set of tools when I remember that NO MENTION was made that tools to suit my need were available to purchase.
WHAT. THE. HECK. I mean seriously, WTF.
So fine. I'll stop at the other LHS on my way home and buy there. Sorry to break up with you near-the-office LHS; it's not me, it's you.
Jeez. An hour later and I'm still really annoyed.
