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Originally Posted by Dudders
Good words and agree with everythnig you say, but perhaps there is a bigger picture emerging here?. Two fold:
Without any disrespect to people who may fall into these catagories but you have people selling equipment now over the internet and trackside who do not have a 'proper model shop'. These suppliers have no overheads over than their household bills thus can charge less, the majority of people will go to who charges the least.
Distributors in this country selling direct. I know you can buy direct from Schumacher if you wish too..... how long before the margins get so tight the other distributors will sell direct as well totally forclosing the 'model shop'.
Food for thought, as always there is evolution but you do have to wonder where the hobbies help and guidence, local shops and advice... will be in 5 years time for the new starter...
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Yes the r/c retail industry is becoming more web based, however there are a number of distributors who will not deal with web only based companies CML, Horizon, to name a couple.
Those companies that are willing to deal with web based companies, one company charges an additional 5% for products, another company the margin is so tight that on a high end kit, by the time you pay the payment fees, and postage the actual profit is less than £5.00.
The web based shops including myself are not really able to offer any substantial discount over a bricks and motar shop. The margins are just not there.