Rat Shack dying
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:thmbsp:
Cogito
Well-Known Member
+100!!!
I worked for them early in life (early eighties) and people would come in droves looking for their latest catalog. Was kind of a cult following. Good products and good prices. They went from an innovator to a "me too" company. Too bad, really...
fred soop
Super Member
I could never figure out why, they, a store with one of the first personal computers (trash 80) used handwritten receipts and a plain wooden drawer for the cash.
For small parts, Digi-Key and Mouser have it all and can put it on my doorstep in almost the same time it would take to drive to a rat shack at the IRS rate of 56 cents per mile. Help is excellent as well. I was recently looking at thermal pads to replace mica washers and the messy heat sink grease. A Digi-Key spec sheet led me to the Bergquist web site where I sent an email, got a pile of detailed information, and free sample parts. Try that at rat shack.
Worst Buy will be following them into the dumpster.
For small parts, Digi-Key and Mouser have it all and can put it on my doorstep in almost the same time it would take to drive to a rat shack at the IRS rate of 56 cents per mile. Help is excellent as well. I was recently looking at thermal pads to replace mica washers and the messy heat sink grease. A Digi-Key spec sheet led me to the Bergquist web site where I sent an email, got a pile of detailed information, and free sample parts. Try that at rat shack.
Worst Buy will be following them into the dumpster.
superlew
New Member
Here in MA, we're a bit spoiled. We have You-Do-It Electronics in Needham. It might cost an arm and a leg, compared to online distributers, and customer service is a bit...um...anyhoo... But I usually walk out with 80% of what I'm looking for, so instant gratification is a plus.
As for the Shack, when someone comes up to me asking what I need, I ramble off a few random part numbers. They just point to the parts drawers and leave me alone. But that doesn't stop them from trying to sell me phone at checkout. I walk out empty-handed about 50% of the time.
As for the Shack, when someone comes up to me asking what I need, I ramble off a few random part numbers. They just point to the parts drawers and leave me alone. But that doesn't stop them from trying to sell me phone at checkout. I walk out empty-handed about 50% of the time.
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
I sure hope RS doesn't fold.
Living in the largest city in my state there's no other option if I need a capacitor on the weekend.
Living in the largest city in my state there's no other option if I need a capacitor on the weekend.
johnr66
Well-Known Member
I feel so fortunate to live close to Parts Express that I can go to their warehouse showroom when I need something.
Mister Mike
Member
I could live with the cellphones and teenagers for the parts drawers in the back, if they only kept them full! The problem is they don't even keep an eye on the inventory any more (at least at my local RS). I don't even waste my time there anymore. I just order what I need online. When I go to RS in search of instant gratification, I either leave frustrated, or annoyed that I've just paid $15 for a $2 part.
If all those delicious drivers and plate amps were right down the street...I would need an intervention within days. :yes:
I feel so fortunate to live close to Parts Express that I can go to their warehouse showroom when I need something.
You poor bastage.
jblmar
JBL & marantz
RS has been fighting a losing battle for the past 10 - 15 years. Their sales staff is more like security guards. Most don't know what they're selling. Poor management & training is catching up with them. Still, I would hate to see RS close as they have a store across the street from my home.
rnorton
Super Member
I feel so fortunate to live close to Parts Express that I can go to their warehouse showroom when I need something.
That IS fortunate. Their exorbitant shipping charges keep me from buying anything from them unless I have no other options.
Old HiFi Guy
Well-Known Member
They need to bring back their free battery of the month club. It used to bring in a lot of traffic in their stores. And around here they hide the stores in the most out of the way and hard to get to locations.
icenine
Super Member
Actually sometimes they know what a capacitor is and will ask me what I am working on so they are not all complete dolts. Once a young lady actually helped me find the speaker posts I needed for my Maggie console pull. If you print up the web page with the item you want and bring it in to the store that really helps too.
I mean who here has not gone to the cabinet looking for resistors and lamps?
Beats the Parts Express shipping charge. And I recapped my Advent/1s with those cheap capacitors they sell. The speakers sound great to me.
quit hating.
grrr!
I mean who here has not gone to the cabinet looking for resistors and lamps?
Beats the Parts Express shipping charge. And I recapped my Advent/1s with those cheap capacitors they sell. The speakers sound great to me.
quit hating.
grrr!
fredgarvin
Super Member
The parts express shipping has gotten crazy. It's sending me elsewhere.
Rob41
Don't stop believin'
Unfortunately I doubt that will ever happen. Most of the small town Rat Shacks I've seen are in the back of an Ace Hardware. But I'd be happy to manage one of their (Parts Express) stores in Northern Mi for them.
I've found the opposite to be true. I absolutely LOVE the Parts Express shipping charges. On most orders over $98 the shipping is....wait for it......FREE! I've bought from them for years and have yet to pay anything for shipping. :thmbsp::thmbsp::thmbsp:
