Posted on 02/17/2006 12:06:55 PM PST by iPod Shuffle
On the Left Coast they have big electronics outlets like Fry's but here on the East Coast RS is about it if you need a component. Unfortunately, RS has become mostly a novelty or toy store and the people who work there are simpletons. I can understand why they are in trouble.
I thank my lucky stars whenever I need such components.
I have a little Mom and Pop electronics supplier 1 mile from my house.
When I need shrink tubing, resistors, caps, SCRs, PC cooling fans, 3 conductor 1/8" male/female stereo connectors, LEDs, solder or any one of a thousand other things....they've got it. Even if they don't, they can order it.
I needed 2 dozen 6-wire coiled microphone cords for a restoration project I had undertaken...Rat Shack employees didn't even know what I was talking about. My local supplier ordered them for me...I received them in 3 days and he only charged me $1.50 each.
I can't wait to tell him the local Rat Shack may be closing.
This is my latest experience. I am on a Fire Dept (Vol). When my county went to 800 MHZ trunked radio I investigated and bought a scanner that was PC programmable. I sent 10 other people to RS with the proper part number and model number so I could simply clone my scanner to theirs using a cable. 2 out of the 10 were sold a different scanner that could not be PC programmable. They were incorrectly assured that the scanner they bought was compatable when it was not.
And they don't seem a very inviting place either. Sort of like the post office: one in every town, and job security no matter what -- at least until now.
Radio Shack is waaaaaaaaay overpriced. The price premium used to at least have some value, because they employed intelligent salesmen who were knowledgeable about the products.
More and more, however, they're employing the same morons that every other retail outlet employs.
Too bad in a way, because when I was a kid I used to LOVE going to Radio Shack. Intense competition and changing tastes have doomed the Shack, I fear. That they've managed to stay afloat this long is a miracle.
The name made sense when they started out in the business in 1921 when they catered to ham radio operators and experimenters. Hams have always called their equipment location their "shack" regardless of where it actually was. Some actually had shacks for the purpose (wives wouldn't let the stuff in the house). What with the evolving technology and vastly changed consumer electronics market, it's a wonder they have survived as long as they have.
I hate that part VERY much.
The only thing worse that radio shack prices is compusa prices for bits and cables.
The problem is there is no other brick and mortar store for "odd parts" or project boxes.
I'm jealous!
Not many places like that left though. You are indeed lucky to have a place like that nearby.
I never went to a Radio Shack where the salesperson knew anything or the item was in stock. Haven't stepped foot inside one in years.
You wouldn't believe what unbuilt Heathkits are bringing on eBay these days!
When did the CEO admit his wrongdoing. The last story I read, he was claiming that the school had lost his records.
Yes, but will they still continue with the free battery card - or is that still even available any more?
I think they should re-vamp and focus on selling all the parts needed for someone to build his own computer (or other electronic gadget like a shoe phone), either by general components or bit by bit. Select quality parts so the end result makes the effort worthwhile and economical. Wrote to them about this once, but they did not seem interested.
When they essentially stopped selling (stocking) electronic components, all that was left in the stores was crap that no one wanted.
I was a real fan of Lafayette Electronics for those like me older than dirt. Good products and parts with a smart sales force.
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