For those who run hobby shops...

[spaceversusmodels]

Originally Posted by tigeraid

Thanks for all your replies guys.

AFV carries nothing whatsoever to do with models really, just R/C stuff (unless they've changed in the 6mo or so since I've been there.)

It's on the side, through a wall but the selection is rather insignificant but the prices were alright the last time I was in there (a good while ago).

Originally Posted by tigeraid

Amazing Hobbies, when you walk in, you get the impression that the place is highly specialized and very expensive (which it is.) He has a decent rack of Tamiya and Revell models, and then nothing else. The rest is all expensive collectable stuff and R/C cars.

I was impressed by the turnout at the Hobby show as well, and I got a ton of good deals from the dealers there! I'll definitely be entering a car next year.

I really think my shop would have a chance to take off because I'd be focusing more on keeping prices down, focusing on the automotive side of the hobby, workshops and seminars on techniques of model building, and as I said I'd mix in some collectable stuff to keep the customers coming in. And be open on the weekends

Keep the ideas coming guys, I'm eating this up!

You'd enter a car next year? Did you see the Jaguar and the Scott Goodyear lola? Oh, I felt bad for everyone else who put anything on the table! But, yes there were some fine deals there and it would be fun just to have a car on the table.

I think if you could get folks out to the workshops and seminars it would definitely help build a community and loyalty to your shop. And don't get me wrong, I would love to see an automotive focus in a hobby shop in London! Especially if I can get a Tameo kit or two there (something lacking in SW Ontario in any shop really!)

As far as location if you are going to rent or lease... too bad Wortley Village is expensive... but just outside downtown at a plaza like the one on Springbank would be best lots of parking and close to my house! Downtown on the lower side would also be good, maybe on Wellington after York... But I do believe there are programs through the city right now for new businesses on the east side... just don't go too far East! really though, if you're beating him on price being within walking distance of mccormicks might not be so bad!

Cheers,

Oliver

[tigeraid]

Hmm that's an interesting point, if I can compete with him that well huh... oh well, I'll consider many locations of course.

I'm really hoping I can build around the workshops and seminars. Like I'd mentioned, my girlfriend is into scrapbooking, and there's a couple stores in town here that do the same thing, just an afternoon with all the local scrapbookers exchanging ideas and tips and techniques. Really seemed to take off.

[aN4rK1]

Originally Posted by tigeraid

Thanks, I'll keep that mind.

aN4rK1:

I'm referring to McCormicks. I'm a regular there as well, for my kits as well as all my supplies, since I only live a couple blocks away. Tim and I get along great. But some of the prices can be rather exorbitant. I'm hoping to focus more on online sales, maybe find SOME way to get Tamiya here cheaper, deal more with inexpensive old AMT/Revell kits, bargain stuff, that sort of thing.

As for Peter well, he kinda creeps my out. I avoid the place

Ya you are right. Tim is great, I go in quite often and yes your right some of his prices are just plain RIDICULOUS!! And ya peter is really wierd. Everytime i go in there, he ALWAYS tries to push a sale on me. He was trying to sell me a $500 Rc car when i already have a better one. I htink he died a little everytime i come out of there with nothing in my hand LOL! Its the same for my friend, he bought the 1/12th enzo diecast there from tamiya. And everytime he goes in, Peter tries to sell hima 1/18th enzo which is made by liek some crappy company for $400. Wtf is that? My main beef with Peter tho is hes always about sales, ALWAYS making a sale as if he was on comission. A well thats my $.02 Anyway, back on topic, ya if u were to get cheaper tamiya, iam definetly in. ANYTHING cheaper would be great, and dont forget the three laws of business: Location, Location, Location!! Make sure u setup shop in a very good spot. Cant think of any off the top of my head but iam sure there are some out there. good luck!

[tigeraid]

Ya, I know, I think location will be key. I really think down near the end of Dundas would be ideal... but spacevsmodels makes up a good point, if I'm gonna compete that well with Tim, maybe I SHOULD stay downtown...

[DJ_Merle]

I would support it, I don't have any really good LHS around here. I would take the trip since I live near there.

[2.2 Straight six]

damn, when i read London i was thinkin "woo..." then i realised you meant London, in Canada.

hope it all works out, here in the other london there's only really one model shop, well only one i've found. i gotta venture a long way out to go get sytrene an stuff.

[spaceversusmodels]

Originally Posted by tigeraid

Ya, I know, I think location will be key. I really think down near the end of Dundas would be ideal... but spacevsmodels makes up a good point, if I'm gonna compete that well with Tim, maybe I SHOULD stay downtown...

Part of the way I see it is like decent record stores in London (Grooves, Dr. Disc and Speed City - mind you I have no use for Dr. Disc anymore) if you're going to look for music you're going to hit all the shops within walking distance (or a short drive), especially if you're only casually looking. So I figure if someone is going down to McCormicks for something they'd think, hmmm, I heard there's another shop that opened up just a couple of blocks away, let's go check it out... As long as I didn't have a problem with a shop owner, even if one was my absolute favorite, I couldn't help checking out the other if they were close. It makes a trip more worthwhile.

Odds are if you open, you'll share business and kinda feed of each other's customers with you doing somethings better then them and vice versa.

Other than that you can try and find out where all the modelers live and plunk your self where most of them can have access to you.

Downtown also has the plus of more people walking around (looking in shop windows) down there now with the JLC and library... there'd be a lot of gearheads going to the JLC for hockey and the seniors rock tours... plus a lot of nerdy types hanging out at the library ; ) both good potential new modelers! If you're talking the end of dundas by the JLC that would be both close enough to McCormicks (2min drive) and a close to the JLC, Bell, the Market, etc.... not bad at all for potential traffic... if you're talking the other end... erm, that's tougher...

Cheers,

Oliver

[tigeraid]

You know that's a good point, I'd guess people walking around would be stronger potential customers too... thanks.

[druid_99]

I don't know if this idea can be used or not, but a friend of mine who owns a hobby shop usually organize classes for anyone who wants to learn how to build models, be it automotive, aircraft, tanks or even Gundams.

He organize those classes every Saturday where he will open the shop until 10.00pm. The tutors will be he himself and his friends (including me ) and each will have their own specialties (I myself is responsible for teaching automotive modelling). By doing this, indirectly it will increase sales a bit (paints, glues and tools usually). By the way, the class is free. He has three compressors and airbrush handpiece to be used for teaching.

I will have to agree with the majority of the replies here that automotive models will not be able to be sold as fast as others. That's why he mostly stocks aircraft, tanks and Gundams at his shop.

Just my two cents.

[tigeraid]

druid: thanks, but I specifically mentioned doing workshops and seminars ... but I appreciate the support for that idea. How's his business doing?

[druid_99]

Originally Posted by tigeraid

druid: thanks, but I specifically mentioned doing workshops and seminars ... but I appreciate the support for that idea. How's his business doing?

Seems that I missed the statement, sorry .

Well, for your information, the business is doing well, eventhough the shop is just about 2 months old (previously the shop is at different location for nearly two years and need to move to a bigger lot), a lot of customers are coming in. Most of them knew the place through word of mouth, some just happen to pass through in front of the shop (it is located by one of the busiest highway in Malaysia... a banner with red lettering is hard to miss ) but most of them are long time customers and persons who wants to learn at least how to assemble and paint a decent model (and also to have a go at using airbrushes ).

There are a few new modellers enroll in the modelling class an this indirectly helps the sale as well as helps increase the number of modellers here.

[Jurva]

I once had an idea of hobby shop too. It didn't last long though.
But had this idea, that i would be doing my modelling in store. That way i coould be show my models to people and show them techniques using my projects.
Of course, building would happened when no custumers are in store.

Also people could be just there looking your project. Maybe they also buy something.

Hope you get my point.

[redstang423]

actually sorta building on that idea... if you are able to have at least one other person in the store to run the register and keep an eye on shoplifters, maybe building while people are there would be a good idea. it would most likely draw the attention of people, including non-modelers if you were in a downtown location. obviously once you have people in your store, they are more likely to buy something. Also if modelers see you do some technique that works well that they haven't tried or seen before, they would almost definately go pick out the supplies for it right then. not to mention, you'll have some people saying, "oh wow, thats what mica red over gold looks like! i gotta try that on my next model!" and they'll probably pick up the paint right then...

[tigeraid]

Ya, I had considered that too. My only issue is that the painting really couldn't be done in-store (at least not in the main room) for health reasons, but ya, I like that idea too. I have a friend who's willing to partner the business later on, so that might work great.

[redstang423]

Originally Posted by tigeraid

Ya, I had considered that too. My only issue is that the painting really couldn't be done in-store (at least not in the main room) for health reasons, but ya, I like that idea too. I have a friend who's willing to partner the business later on, so that might work great.

whats the matter, you wouldn't want to invest in an elaborate spray booth with exhaust fans gonig to the outside of your shop?