With Ken going to the large convention it gave me an idea. What if willing forum members with the help of Parallax held regional/area training meetings to help introduce and train Radio Shack sales people on Parallax products and great support resources? Might be a bit easier to cover more stores and may just get managers attention and support of the new products.
I would be willing to try it in Central Illinois. If Parallax is interested please contact me.
Here's what we're thinking: We going to create a "demo device" that can be used to show off multiple items that RS will be stocking, and then you can leave it with the Store.
We're also developing an of incentive program for those of you who want to participate!
Evolving as we speak, toss your ideas into the mix...more details to come :-)
They were in a premium ($$$) location in a busy mall, they lasted several years. Sold all sorts of robots (Parallax too) but their mainstay was an R/C arena where kids (and adults) rent a robot and race over light-up targets and move balls around to score. They did birthday parties and robot building sessions, which were very popular and fairly pricey. I wonder if Radio Shack would consider hosting any BoeBot competitions or something similar.
Most stores are too small for huge events, but maybe people could come by in small groups and compete over the course of a week to post their best score on a board. Rolling Robots maintained a web site with weekly and all-time high scores.
Hmmmm....a picture of a STANDARD PRODUCT line MadeUSA on display next to a Quad-copter and above other STANDARD PRODUCT LINE items.....did someone leak a photo they shouldn't have???? Is this like the spy photos of the 2014 cars in Popular Mechanics????
The BOEBot and the S2 SHOULD have been included in the rollout. There is nothing like moving objects to get the kids interested. (Price too high? They sell R/C toys that are close in price)
I understand that all the i's are dotted and t's crossed, but it could be a push for the Christmas season. Still time for a November-December sale.
Hi,
As a member of the Shack team in Phoenix, I could not be more excited about the new product. I for one was very upset when they removed most of the DIY product from the stores three years ago. Now we are swing back toward the end of the spectrum where we started. I will go after my bosses to make sure that my store has all of the new product as I am the most qualified in the district tosell it. I get phone calls from stores all over the district on what size a resister do I need for this LED.
Jim
Here's what we're thinking: We going to create a "demo device" that can be used to show off multiple items that RS will be stocking, and then you can leave it with the Store. We're also developing an of incentive program for those of you who want to participate!
I'm in.
What about software, in particular software training? In the case of software, the product is not parts, but it is books and classes. There is a LOT to software that has not been addressed by industry in general. I deal with experienced professionals, and many pro's don't know about process. Anybody who still thinks software starts and ends with coding has missed out.
The concepts of software development process as evolved from telecommunication, medical devices, and later aerospace and aviation, are now fairly well known and established. But this technology has not made it down the technology curve to other fields. Since this effort is focused on making "high tech" into "common tech", the software aspect should not be ignored.
My humble suggestion is that this has huge potential.
from the looks of it the "project" is a bi color LED, two buttons, and a battery. please let me know if i am right.
That's about right, bomber, except for the fact it's a tri-color LED. Each button press is a different color. The RadioShack folks were rightfully proud of the project and results.
Thanks for the photos. Training thousands... Who would have thought? Clearly, I have to go visit my Radio Shack, and I'll have to show 'n tell and leave a card. What a wonderful way to meet up with some fellow prop heads, or potential prop heads in your local area.
OMG!!! Radio Shack training managers to solder real boards!!!!! YIKES!!! What is this world coming to? I may not even have to go to Frys for a while?.. ....
Anyone out there remember the old Radio Shack P-box kits???
If we Forumistas unite and help RS teach their Stores, the whole community benefits :-)
Still working on our "RS Store Education Initiative" here. Will keep you posted!
I am not sure if my store will get the product immediately but I have put my word in with the district manager. Count me in from the Parallax side to teach my fellow associates!
Jim
Made my second trip to a Radio Shack today, this store the two sales people were interested and talked about
how the amount of area for parts and DIY had recently been increased in their store.
One of them indicated if I call back in the future I can get the district managers phone number and he is the one
who would decide what products are carried in the store. He indicated that many customers asking for them to
carry a particular RS part can be the driving force in having it in the store.
I put on my retailing hat and am thinking there needs to be a set of projects that uses the individual sensors and
other parts Parallax is going to package up for Radio Shack. Projects for local Boy Scout groups or school projects that
creates foot traffic at Radio Shack to get their project parts. Someone mentioned selling the S2 there and that is fine
but it is one higher cost item which already has all the sensors so it is a couple of sales but the rest of the parts just lay
there. Individual projects that use each sensor for learning would create more sales .
Ok, so I can't speak for the owners, but I'm pretty certain it ain't gonna happen.
One of the many beauties of being a privately held company is that there is no pressure "to hit expectations", or to do things that create more hype than substance, rather than simply making the best stuff we can, and selling it at a fair price.
Honestly, if I were given the opportunity to gain some equity myself, I would take it in a heartbeat - not because of an "anticipated meteoric rise in value", but because the company is well ran, we invest in the best equipment, and the employees are treated more fairly than anywhere I've ever been. (And I've been a lot of places).
We're not perfect, but we're encouraged to do the best we can and when mistakes do happen, we're empowered to make things right.
Sounds trite, I know. But it's true, I see it happen everyday.
-Matt
We're slammed right now with three significant "projects" (that I'm involved with to some degree).
One is Radio Shack, second is Maker Fair NY prep, and the third is the "mystery project".
No, I still can't say.
Anyway...standby for upcoming details on how we (us and you) are gonna help usher in a whole new generation into geek-dom. It'll be fun, and it'll be an opportunity to grow our community!
We don't have all the answers, so "brainstorm" along with us :-)
-Matt
Technically speaking... it has already gone public. Public meaning that it was announced on the forums. Public meaning that anybody can visit the forums. Public meaning that... you get the idea.
Any chance of the 3 wire extension cables being available? Maybe a 5 pack of the 10" variety, for like $9.95
I would definitely second that suggestion! Those cables are some of the most valuable commodities in my shop. And when you need one really badly, having them on the shelf at RadioShack -- at whatever price -- would be much better than waiting for an order to arrive.
In the same vein, an assortment of #4 hardware (screws, nuts, spacers, R/A brackets) would also come in handy. The local hardware store does pretty well with the screws and nuts, but spacers and, in particular, R/A brackets are not so easy to find in the small sizes.
Comments
I would be willing to try it in Central Illinois. If Parallax is interested please contact me.
Tony
This is a great idea. I would be interested in providing support (effort, not money) or at least observing, as possible from Chicago.
Here's what we're thinking: We going to create a "demo device" that can be used to show off multiple items that RS will be stocking, and then you can leave it with the Store.
We're also developing an of incentive program for those of you who want to participate!
Evolving as we speak, toss your ideas into the mix...more details to come :-)
-Matt
They were in a premium ($$$) location in a busy mall, they lasted several years. Sold all sorts of robots (Parallax too) but their mainstay was an R/C arena where kids (and adults) rent a robot and race over light-up targets and move balls around to score. They did birthday parties and robot building sessions, which were very popular and fairly pricey. I wonder if Radio Shack would consider hosting any BoeBot competitions or something similar.
Most stores are too small for huge events, but maybe people could come by in small groups and compete over the course of a week to post their best score on a board. Rolling Robots maintained a web site with weekly and all-time high scores.
Communique from Ken:
"TELL THEM WE ARE TRAINING THOUSANDS!"
-Matt
This is Ken and Amy Shineman - the girl from the video...
-Matt
I could be wrong. But is it really possible that Radio Shack is SERIOUS about DIY? Me thinks so!
YA-HOO RADIO SHACK!
-Matt
RS looks like they're serious.
If we Forumistas unite and help RS teach their Stores, the whole community benefits :-)
Still working on our "RS Store Education Initiative" here. Will keep you posted!
-Matt
BTW nice little kit that they are soldering, is that a work of Parallax?
What? Me? I didn't see nuthin' unusual........
I understand that all the i's are dotted and t's crossed, but it could be a push for the Christmas season. Still time for a November-December sale.
As a member of the Shack team in Phoenix, I could not be more excited about the new product. I for one was very upset when they removed most of the DIY product from the stores three years ago. Now we are swing back toward the end of the spectrum where we started. I will go after my bosses to make sure that my store has all of the new product as I am the most qualified in the district tosell it. I get phone calls from stores all over the district on what size a resister do I need for this LED.
Jim
I'm in.
What about software, in particular software training? In the case of software, the product is not parts, but it is books and classes. There is a LOT to software that has not been addressed by industry in general. I deal with experienced professionals, and many pro's don't know about process. Anybody who still thinks software starts and ends with coding has missed out.
The concepts of software development process as evolved from telecommunication, medical devices, and later aerospace and aviation, are now fairly well known and established. But this technology has not made it down the technology curve to other fields. Since this effort is focused on making "high tech" into "common tech", the software aspect should not be ignored.
My humble suggestion is that this has huge potential.
That's about right, bomber, except for the fact it's a tri-color LED. Each button press is a different color. The RadioShack folks were rightfully proud of the project and results.
Ken Gracey
Thanks for the photos. Training thousands... Who would have thought? Clearly, I have to go visit my Radio Shack, and I'll have to show 'n tell and leave a card. What a wonderful way to meet up with some fellow prop heads, or potential prop heads in your local area.
Anyone out there remember the old Radio Shack P-box kits???
Frank
Jim
how the amount of area for parts and DIY had recently been increased in their store.
One of them indicated if I call back in the future I can get the district managers phone number and he is the one
who would decide what products are carried in the store. He indicated that many customers asking for them to
carry a particular RS part can be the driving force in having it in the store.
I put on my retailing hat and am thinking there needs to be a set of projects that uses the individual sensors and
other parts Parallax is going to package up for Radio Shack. Projects for local Boy Scout groups or school projects that
creates foot traffic at Radio Shack to get their project parts. Someone mentioned selling the S2 there and that is fine
but it is one higher cost item which already has all the sensors so it is a couple of sales but the rest of the parts just lay
there. Individual projects that use each sensor for learning would create more sales .
Just my thoughts
Tom
Ok, so I can't speak for the owners, but I'm pretty certain it ain't gonna happen.
One of the many beauties of being a privately held company is that there is no pressure "to hit expectations", or to do things that create more hype than substance, rather than simply making the best stuff we can, and selling it at a fair price.
Honestly, if I were given the opportunity to gain some equity myself, I would take it in a heartbeat - not because of an "anticipated meteoric rise in value", but because the company is well ran, we invest in the best equipment, and the employees are treated more fairly than anywhere I've ever been. (And I've been a lot of places).
We're not perfect, but we're encouraged to do the best we can and when mistakes do happen, we're empowered to make things right.
Sounds trite, I know. But it's true, I see it happen everyday.
-Matt
We're slammed right now with three significant "projects" (that I'm involved with to some degree).
One is Radio Shack, second is Maker Fair NY prep, and the third is the "mystery project".
No, I still can't say.
Anyway...standby for upcoming details on how we (us and you) are gonna help usher in a whole new generation into geek-dom. It'll be fun, and it'll be an opportunity to grow our community!
We don't have all the answers, so "brainstorm" along with us :-)
-Matt
How was your trip to FTW?
Jim
Any chance of the 3 wire extension cables being available? Maybe a 5 pack of the 10" variety, for like $9.95
In the same vein, an assortment of #4 hardware (screws, nuts, spacers, R/A brackets) would also come in handy. The local hardware store does pretty well with the screws and nuts, but spacers and, in particular, R/A brackets are not so easy to find in the small sizes.
-Phil
Great Idea! MOTION CARRIED..
OBC
How about some 3 pin headers as well! I am taking apart some old protoboards to get them!
Jim