Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / March 2004

Jason,

Very nice looking site design.  I'm too new to this stuff to give you
any advice on 'major players in RC', so I'll leave that to the more
knowledgeable folks around here.  Just anectodotally, where I live
(western NY) Traxxas seems to be a heavy hitter - I've got a TMax and so
do a lot of folks near by.  But, that means nothing.

What I thought I'd tell you about was a fellow I know who did exactly
what you're describing.  This guy had a very successful, primarily web
based biz in Florida.  Due to a family crisis, he moved up here to NY,
continued the online store but also opened a B&M.  He stocked *a lot* of
manufacturers models, parts and supplies, Traxxas being just one of
many.  It was really great having his store at the end of my street,
walking distance away.  But, he got overextended on inventory and just a
couple of weeks ago had to shut down.

The simplistic advice I'm offering is this:  be careful with the
B&M...overhead is significant.  It might not be a bad idea for your
brother in law to take some time to check out what brands are popular in
the region he's looking at establishing the store.

Best of luck to you both.

Bert