I'm really glad to see RadioShack moving in this direction. I went to the Great Create website to see what others had done, thinking I might see Instructables-level detail for each project -- especially since Instructables is one of the sponsors. Instead, each project's "details" consist of a short YouTube video of the project in action and a sentence, such as,
"Using K'nex stuff that you probably have at home, and some electronics stuff from Radio Shack, plus a few other things that you will need to order online...for about $100 you can have a working robot without being a NASA rocket scientist!"
I'm a little surprised that RS didn't at least capitalize on the moment and require each project to list which RS parts were used. But, beyond that, enough project detail to inspire other budding creators would have helped both RS and their customers even more. Still, it's a move in the right direction, though, so I can't be too critical.
My latest creation was going to use three 40 pin IC sockets......I went to my Radio Shack and bought the two they had in stock. I guess my detailed instructions could read "buy the two 40 pin sockets your Radio Shack has and then scrounge around for a third socket or redesign your project to use only 2 40 pin IC's" I guess I'll have to work on a positive spin for this!
As usual, I was somewhat cynical when I heard Radio Shack had decided to shift some of their resources toward the DIY movement, but when I noticed my local store actually changed their layout and now have a reasonable stock of components, including some Parallax stuff, I was pleasantly surprised. They even changed their management and the new people who work there sound almost like they know something. My eternal cynicism then has to ask: Can it really last? Can a community that apparently sees nothing wrong with laying off teachers also support an outlet for an activity that occasionally requires people to use their minds?
Even the local RS Associate store in this little burg carries a lot of DIY stuff, including at least two Parallax products in the parts drawers. But, for them, at least, it's not a new trend. Aside from a modest selection at the local hardware store, RS is the only place in town to buy electronic parts and pieces, so the store owners know their market.
One of the new guys at my local Radio Shack told me that all the stores are owned by the company. And when I expressed some enthusiasm over their nod to DIY, he seemed a little uneasy, saying something along the lines of "Well, the corporation seems to think it's a good idea." Which almost seemed to imply that he didn't think it was such a good idea. In any case, I hope the move works. And I hope more kids will see all that stuff in the drawers and flip through some of those books on the shelves and start doing something with their young minds besides playing computer games or watching TV.
One of the new guys at my local Radio Shack told me that all the stores are owned by the company.
New guy needs to learn about his company and his products!!
You too, could own a Radio Shack!! ABOUT 20% OF STORES ARE FRANCHISES:
Q. What are the minimum requirements for franchise candidates?A. To ensure that our franchisees will be able to qualify with both lenders and landlords, we require that potential franchisees in the United States have at least $150,000 in liquid (cash) capital and $250,000 net worth. In addition, retail experience is desired.
Q. What will be my initial investment? A. This can vary greatly based upon differences in store size, inventory, exterior signage needed, etc. The estimated initial investment can range from $150,000 to $350,000. The initial investment could exceed $350,000 if the franchisee pursues ownership of their retail property.
Q. What are the initial franchise fee and royalty payments? A. The initial franchise fee for a single store in the USA is $39,900, which is paid in full at the time you execute the Franchise Agreement. Discounts for multiple stores are available. The ongoing royalties are 7% of your net sales and 2% for the Ad Fund (AF). Master Franchise/international fees vary per country. Please contact us directly for more information.
An opportunity for a wealthy Propeller-head to leverage Parallax in a retail environment???
A. The initial franchise fee for a single store in the USA is $39,900, which is paid in full at the time you execute the Franchise Agreement. Discounts for multiple stores are available. The ongoing royalties are 7% of your net sales and 2% for the Ad Fund (AF). Master Franchise/international fees vary per country. Please contact us directly for more information.
An opportunity for a wealthy Propeller-head to leverage Parallax in a retail environment???
I think that the community would have to show Radio Shack how it is done and Radio Shack would almost have to set up a table or hackerspace to get people interested.
I'll have to go and check them out once more but my feeling is that it won't be enough.
You can open your own store without Radio Shack and it wouldn't cost you #39,900 for a Franchise Agreement.
Needed some 339 quad comparators to finish a project and I didn't want to spend the hour and a half driving to/from the local surplus store...so I check Radio Shack on line and found stock at the local store just a few minutes away.
I was very surprised to see a visable increase in DIY products and kits.
Yeah, I paid $2 a piece for the 339s, but I had 'em quick. Picked up some solid 22AWG wire too.
I told the kid who was manning the store how pleased I was by this. He was happy - didn't really undestand, but he saw a happy customer.
I had to read your post twice to get the "ads" part, as I was confused when I clicked on the link.
However, very cool. I like the publicity that they are trying to get out for this, I really hope it takes off.
jdolecki
Posts: 726
Comments
I'm a little surprised that RS didn't at least capitalize on the moment and require each project to list which RS parts were used. But, beyond that, enough project detail to inspire other budding creators would have helped both RS and their customers even more. Still, it's a move in the right direction, though, so I can't be too critical.
-Phil
-Phil
One of the new guys at my local Radio Shack told me that all the stores are owned by the company. And when I expressed some enthusiasm over their nod to DIY, he seemed a little uneasy, saying something along the lines of "Well, the corporation seems to think it's a good idea." Which almost seemed to imply that he didn't think it was such a good idea. In any case, I hope the move works. And I hope more kids will see all that stuff in the drawers and flip through some of those books on the shelves and start doing something with their young minds besides playing computer games or watching TV.
New guy needs to learn about his company and his products!!
You too, could own a Radio Shack!! ABOUT 20% OF STORES ARE FRANCHISES:
Q. What are the minimum requirements for franchise candidates? A. To ensure that our franchisees will be able to qualify with both lenders and landlords, we require that potential franchisees in the United States have at least $150,000 in liquid (cash) capital and $250,000 net worth. In addition, retail experience is desired.
Q. What will be my initial investment?
A. This can vary greatly based upon differences in store size, inventory, exterior signage needed, etc. The estimated initial investment can range from $150,000 to $350,000. The initial investment could exceed $350,000 if the franchisee pursues ownership of their retail property.
Q. What are the initial franchise fee and royalty payments?
A. The initial franchise fee for a single store in the USA is $39,900, which is paid in full at the time you execute the Franchise Agreement. Discounts for multiple stores are available. The ongoing royalties are 7% of your net sales and 2% for the Ad Fund (AF). Master Franchise/international fees vary per country. Please contact us directly for more information.
An opportunity for a wealthy Propeller-head to leverage Parallax in a retail environment???
I think that the community would have to show Radio Shack how it is done and Radio Shack would almost have to set up a table or hackerspace to get people interested.
I'll have to go and check them out once more but my feeling is that it won't be enough.
You can open your own store without Radio Shack and it wouldn't cost you #39,900 for a Franchise Agreement.
I was very surprised to see a visable increase in DIY products and kits.
Yeah, I paid $2 a piece for the 339s, but I had 'em quick. Picked up some solid 22AWG wire too.
I told the kid who was manning the store how pleased I was by this. He was happy - didn't really undestand, but he saw a happy customer.
DJ
http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2011-08/new-spin-road-bike-frames-smooths-your-ride
However, very cool. I like the publicity that they are trying to get out for this, I really hope it takes off.