A comment in the age poll gave me an idea for this one. Two part poll: First is where do the majority of your N scale purchases come from Second - would you buy more at your local hobby store
I was trying to vote in the poll without answering the first question. I pretty much mix up my shopping between all, but if I could find everything I'm looking for at the LHS, I would probrbly by most there.
I mix and match as well but my majority comes from web stores. Its interesting the early differences between two similar polls- Granthas shows 41% at LHS and 30% web While this poll shows 55% web, 18% LHS One thing in common is that lack of selection at LHS seems to discourage sales..
I buy scenery materials and miscellaneous low-cost items at the LHS, because I like to touch-n-feel before buying, and the owner has great experience building dioramas. However, I buy high-cost items from the Net for three reasons ... selection, price competition, and discounted pricing. The problem with my LHS is that if Walthers doesn't offer it, he "can't" get it ... and he has to cater to the plastic model market just to stay in business.
Got a wierd setting for me. The LHS's that I've bought from are close to my club, but not me. None are in town. Sooo.... the LHS closest is at least an hour away, North or South. Than the club is an hour and a half from me, with three LHS near it; with good N stock (one's super pricey though). So the LHS ain't "L." Oh well! Keeps me off the streets.
