RC India

Hi All,

         I am Kalyan from Hyderabad.I am into this hobby for nearly 3yrs.Now I am planning to start a RC outlet in hyderabad.So pls everyone give me the feedback and any suggestions on the investment(howmuch),the wholesalers and the potential.

Regards,
Kalyan.

Please do read up about the issues faced by local hobby stores, and think twice before jumping in.  It can be done, but please do be mindful about competing about china/hongkong shops, and the limited number of prospective customers.

The worst thing is to have too much of product variety which leads to dead stock.  Pick a few "winners" in each category, and stock only those... but be sure to stock common parts for THOSE.

exactly!
electronic parts like servos, ESC's,lipo's and motors sell like hot cakes here, but be aware of its cons too..
one unsatisfied customer can bring the who economy in rc down..

The best people to answer your questions will be some LHS itself..

This is what I like to see with Indian LHS.

1. Do not specialise in one product, model or brand. Research on the fast moving ones. The forum is a good source of info.

2. Offer choices even if its limited. SERVICE, yes I am screaming... is the key. You need a person dedicated to offer support both sales and repair/setup. I know some people who are struggling or have closed operations due to support because they dont know how or dont have the time.

3. Dont try to compete with chinese clones and shops. You will mostly lose. Keep tower hobby as a base.

4. Have a properly designed website with prices even if it doesnt have a buy option

5. Have atleast the commonly wearing or breaking spares of the models you deal with.

6. What are you planning to sell, cars/aircrafts? Associate yourself with a flying field/track and help flyers/racers. There are many people who keep talking from behind the computer/phone, but never have the courtesy to come on the field/track and help.

Look at US LHS, they support hobbyists. Not sure about flying, but cars you can definately see LHS coming to the tracks to support racers. They ultimately earn confidence and do sales. Think of this as an long term business. Quick money intention will spoil the hobby and take you no where.

From a noob point of view:
Service and support are important. I would appriciate and be loyal to a LHS which can offer support and help with building the kits and stuff. I do not mean physical help - help in terms of sharing knowledge. This encourged me a lot and im loyal to my LHS. Customers will come back to you even if your price is a little higher than the competition.
Be friendly to potential customers even if they do not make an immediate purchase.
Iv been to a particular LSH several times and was standing all alone and staring at the products. The guys there didnt even approach me although i was the only customer in the shop. I had to call him and ask for what i wanted.
Next i visited Indian model makers and the guy (only one person) was so very friendly. Iv hardly made any purchase's but he still welcome's me every time i visit.
Personally this is all i would want from a LSH.
Good luck :thumbsup:

I would prefer a hobby store, which really have the basic interest and knowledge in rc hobby rather than just doing business. See running a hobby store is not just selling some rc items, servos, escs or some cheap helis at a competitive price compared to other LHS or online stores, but the involvement / interest / guidance which he must show in selecting products / which is best suited for the customer. We often see person purchasing a wrong powered battery and selling/ altering the same within few days. It is the lack of guidance which we initially face selecting every product.

So my advice or wish someone with a big heart and enough knowledge in rc field should start a hobby store. Once said by Sreekant (Mumbai) “calling him is like pressing F1”  is what I am expecting from a hobby store.