Don't forget though that a lot of the stuff being sold by domestic companies is manufactured over seas. You'll probably make more of an impact buying all your food from local sources then hobby supplies.
This is a great point.
Frank, my problem with your statement/point is that you're over-generalizing and you're playing the "America" card when it doesn't apply completely as you infer.
I know you mean well and I understand you want to help local economies, but I feel your argument and reasoning don't match up and you're playing the "local" and "domestic" card which tends to stir emotion...but in reality, it doesn't add up. (This is my opinion and I'm very open to discussing...I WANT to hear everyone's view on this)
I especially hate it when local VENDORS use this argument to get us to feel guilty and buy from their stores. Why does that piss me off? Because they're saying it's not ok for ME to buy from China...but it's ok for THEM to buy from China and sell to me at a profit. That’s just a hypocritical way of marketing to make money off of emotion.
This is 2012 and the internet has changed everything and that includes commerce and how business is conducted. That’s the simple fact. Businesses need to adapt and change…not try to stick to 50+ (just grabbed that number out of the air) year old supplier/distributor/consumer models simply because that’s how they learned business works in college 20 years ago. Business is NOT how it was when you had a local supermarket, hardware store, appliance store, or a Local Hobby Store.
That’s simply how it is now. To survive you have to be INNOVATIVE and figure out how to adapt to what’s happening in the world. That’s what promotes competition and ultimately makes things better. We (collective) can’t harp on how things “used” to be and try to make everyone feel guilty about what’s happening.
Frank, I really love your list of US companies that manufacture here in the US. I without a doubt use those whenever absolutely possible.
However, I feel that when a consumer makes the decision to use a product that was manufactured overseas…then money is going overseas no matter what. It’s then up to the consumer to decide what he/she “wants” and where they spend their money.
Here’s the thing!! 9 times out of 10, if the consumer does their homework…they WILL find a vendor that makes the most sense for what they “want”….and that happens to be domestic!!
I love that you are trying to get the word out about some of the AMAZING US based vendors, Altitude, HURC, (I’ve left many out, but you all get my point)….they are without a doubt GREAT vendors and do a lot to deserve our business. I’m saying that the decision to use these vendors should have nothing to do with if they happen to be in the same country as you!!
That’s what the “keep your money local” argument does…and in a round-about way you’re “guilting” people with the idea of keeping money in America when that’s a large over-generalization with many more factors then your money staying in our country. I think I think Azarr said it best:
let's say instead of buying a $50 item from a mail order company in a different state, I buy the same item direct from overseas for $10. In both cases the overseas company gets my $10. Yet if I buy direct from overseas, I now have $40 to spend at my local farmer's market, pizza place, movie theater. Now my $40 really stays local. If I have an excess of funds and don't need it for day to day expenses I can invest my $40 and still it remains domestic.
My Vendor Philosophy
I feel the better philosophy is to simply support QUALITY vendors. Locality should have nothing to do with it. (PROXIMITY yes...proximity and locality are two different things) You should choose vendor that supplies you with what you “want”…and that includes service, communication, speed, quality, reliability, etc etc.
Unfortunately, consumers get fooled and don’t take the time to figure out what they “want”. We need to stop and think beyond the shiny part/gadget/gizmo/aircraft and think about service, shipping, time, support, etc etc.
If you take your time and base your decision on what you really “need”...then the consumer is satisfied and the vendor they chose DESERVES that business.
Now, that’s easier said than done and it TAKES WORK and TIME to figure out what you really “want”…and that’s where LHS can play a part. Actually, that’s where they MIGHT play a part…I’ve been to many LHS’s who know HARDLY ANYTHING about what I want. Is that MY fault? No. Do they deserve my business simply because they’re located near me? No.
The simple fact is that everyone in this hobby is unique and everyone “wants” something different. Some consumers “need” different things. In the year 2012 your vendor should be based on those “wants” and “needs”….not on locality.
I used to buy from Hobby King until I learned about Anthony Hand and how he does business. I have not placed an order with them for over 22 months and I never will again.
I HAVE ordered from pw-rc.com in Hong Kong before because they used to carry FMS products and the owner, Phillip is one of the best examples of a quality shop owner who will quickly support you and help you get what you “want”. I do NOT feel guilty for doing business with pw-rc.com and I resent anyone for trying to make me feel like I made a bad choice for doing so.
I HAVE ordered from SN hobbies in Canada. Same thing…I was looking for FMS products and Delfin (the owner) is a stand-up gentleman who gives the support I “want” and is another example of someone I want to do business with. I do NOT feel guilty for doing business with SN Hobbies and I resent anyone for trying to make me feel like I made a bad choice for doing so.
This whole time I could have gotten my FMS products from Nitroplanes and Banana Hobby, but I chose not to based on what I “wanted”.
In closing, just like Gyro said, this is my opinion and how I choose to do my business. Just wanted to share my thoughts!
