Radio Shack

[raybe]

Dear Art would love to discuss the difference between the older Radio Shack history and what they really did in the past. Don't get so impressed by College degrees. It is still the individual and experiences outside the classroom. The employees I have spoken to at many Radio Shack locations have schooling but no real experience. Radio Shack was good for project builds in electronics and carried an extensive supply of parts for novice to pro applications and the personnel to build these projects. Today, great at selling toys, radios and I phone accessories but like many don't get paid enough. As told by others. But I guess this really doesn't matter since their filling for bankruptcy or just selling out.

Just so there is no mis-understanding I am not knocking education or any one that works at Radio Shack today. But things have and do change including Radio Shacks direction in business and electronics. I will miss them if they completely shut down.

Hope you don't mind the reply. Worked with Radio Shack for many years and was able to see the major transformation. We built many things for use in the Pro Audio field for years and Radio Shack was a decent suppliers of electronic parts.
Just conversation thanks, ART. Always enjoyable.

raybe

[Art]

Fine, then go to Walmart and ask one of their knowledgeable staff instead! 

Better yet (for real) ask the 14 year old kid down the street and I'll guarantee he can help you!

[raybe]

Thanks for the reply but you need to take it down a notch Art even if you never liked me. Conversation remember and no I don't need to get the last word in.

My experience of what has happened to Radio Shack. It has been pretty obvious at least to most people that have used Radio Shack in the past that they were much more geared to components and project boxes than I phone and mobile phone paraphenalia. (don't know if I spelled that correctly)

For that reason I'm upset what has happened to Radio Shack and the personnel. God bless you if you found someone knowledgable because their good at finding stuff but forget the technical side,ex. parts to build a amplifier. All get is a funny stare back at me. Why make anything when its easier just to buy one and sometimes just as cost effective. I guess these are the times we are in today and granted that it is most of the time true. I still enjoy building things. This always comes up when I'm building a new computer. Why build it when you can purchase a specialty or a just as good computer? Get that all the time or people just argue the negative and the positive sides.

As far a Walmart goes I sometimes do buy electronic gear if it suits my needs but it doesn't solve the problem of having any local suppliers any more. Maybe just not enough call for it any more. As far as the 14 year old kid down the street, that wouldn't bother me in the least provided he or she had more knowledge then me about an electronic problem. To be honest wouldn't surprise me. Cloud is a great example. Unfortunatly people are convience driven in my opinion and the tech side of things has gone to replacement and not repairing. Sorry if I ruffled feathers but it doesn't bother me it still makes for conversation.

raybe

[doggs]

I have found one or two good radio shacks left. Both are franchises and have a treasure trove of parts for short wave radio etc. But I know radio shack is dying a slow death and has been for a while. I went to one near my moms a bunch of young kids doing the listening to music instead of helping deals. Grr thank you Asia for our disposable world.

http://www.superpages.com/bp/Socorro-NM/Radio-Shack-L0125731169.htm

One I have found but no longer near.

[raybe]

Thanks doggs for reply. I didn't realize that Radio Shack had franchise opportunities. I thought they were all corporate owned.

You see Art even I can learn something new. That could explain how some are much better then others. But as a franchise they still would need permission to change the business plan for that corporation. Like owning a Hallmark card store. I used to believe and say to myself all the time,"Jeeze I'm going to open a Hallmark card store and relax, how hard can it be? A frienfd of mine reminded me about getting what you wish for when he explained how they really work. For example it's okay for Hallmark Co. to sell cards in major food chain stores. There are other things that I know would upset me about Hallmark but not the topic. I'm sure every franchise has its do's and dont's.

The intent for my comments again were to share my experiences with on-going changes and when Art mentioned Radio Shack it really caught me off guard. Many people I have worked with and that have been working with Radio Shack over the years echoed the same sentiments about the change just as you experienced at your moms & now it probably doesn't matter.

raybe

[Carl2]

  I'm sorry to learn Radio Shack is going out of business, I've worked in electronics (now retired ) and I still shop there for different projects I get involved in.  In reality Radio Shack is high priced compared to wholesale electronic parts suppliers but is handy  since it is just located close by.  My main problem is it seems for example when an item is sold out it is no longer carried.  I just did a google search for   electronic parts stores near me  and came up with quite a few places that sell parts online.   Wish you guys luck with your projects.
Carl2

[raybe]

That's the problem Carl I don't think I will ever retire. Still enjoy my tinkering as you probably do. I guess I haven't really tried looking as of yet for those reasons as well. Radio Shack was kinda the Starbucks, every where still found those odd ball cleaners, caps, resistors, switches and the list goes on. My best memories was working with my friend, mentor and my partner Sid Z. We were working with Wendy Carlos on the original soundtrack for "TRON" the 1st movie. Needed to make a box that would slow the frame rate down on an old BVU video deck without having lines so she can watch the scenes without to much interference between frames and continue to wright the sound track. A friend joined in on the project, Paul if I remember. Most of the parts came from pro whole sale suppliers we had relationships with. But project box, knobs and other things they needed on the fly basically was Radio Shack.

I mention names because you never know who is out there and I want to make sure they receive their props and I thank my lucky stars they were apart of my life. Just a note: Sid Z. is no longer with us and Paul, well let's say it's been a long time but I do have pictures. Radio Shack was a part of my life back then. No, not the most important but still exciting when we used to build most of our own projects,such as Direct Boxes for instruments and even our own mic cables or adapters and cable continuity checkers. I've live back then almost every night and since the passing of Sid. That should be my worst problem!!!!

Thanks for chiming in appreciate hearing from you.

raybe 

[Art]

Hey Raybe... If your browser is functioning properly, you should be able to see the wink icon at the end of my first sentence.

The whole reply was a tease and yes I do happen to like you after all these years of posting. You need to perhaps lighten up a bit and not be so defensive.
We're here to learn and have fun in the process (at least I am.) Heck...I rarely take myself that seriously!

Yes, I've been around the block a few times. Many years ago I did a very short time helping out at a RS store. It was then I found out that they actually had a (ready for this?) 400 % markup on computers! (yea back when they sold computers). 400 % markup!! Wow! I don't mind a store or someone making a profit but to absolutely gouge someone is way out of line!

I some ways, I'm glad to see them go under.  Kind of like when the playground bully trips and falls down! (smiley face)

Hang in there Raybe, you're a good egg!!

[onthecuttingedge2005]

the only computer I ever bought was for my wife's birthday, all others I built myself or repaired back into service like the one I'm typing on now, payed 80 U.S.D for the mat finish screen and 7 U.S.D for the letter N button. best laptop computer I ever had.

[raybe]

Sorry Art but I do see the little wink. The problem is I could never see those darn little things and I have a decent screen but my eyes don't want to cooperate. I'm glad that you we can still communicate. That's a good thing. I do get defense don't I? I will lighten up. As I posted I think I'm holding on to the past a little tight these days. Yes and I have to admit on certain topics I do enjoy a nice debate but I don't take it personally even though my writing skills don't always present themselves correctly.

That's the other thing that I never thought of Radio Shack to make those purchases. Purchasing parts to fix or build things,yes but purchasing a computer or television never. Your right maybe the pricing had something to do with it.

OTCE thanks for the input and you remind me of my partner. He was never impressed with lights and buttons. If it does what it needs to do then what more could you really need not just want.

Thanks,
raybe

[Carl2]

  I need a few components for a project and stopped at 2 Radio Shacks both have closed down.  I tried the electronic wholesaler who is also closing his shop, already got rid of the parts I needed.  Guess I'll have to try getting parts online, Mouser electronics looks good at this time.
Carl2

[Art]

I noticed someone mentioned something to the effect of Thanks Asia! Well it's really not Asia's fault. They obviously had a request for smaller, cheaper and faster parts and delivery of parts.
We first allowed it to happen, then allowed it to proliferate, then we realized a share of the profits from throw-away plastics, electronics and plug-in components that once problematic, were simply removed and replaced. Everyone was happy with the new society we had allowed ourselves to become, except for some purists and others who don't particularly care for change. Now we look back at where we where, the paths we've taken and scratch our collective heads wondering how it all happened, and so fast to boot.

Well friends, it is called <some of you may want to cover your ears>, Progress. Yep...Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger, Cheaper and more of them.

In the end, we reap what we sow. This is vastly true in practically every venue in life from religion, politics, business, education and yes friends, even gardening!

[doggs]

You may have,

 I still have my briefcase phone 

 if you remember correctly...don't know how old you are...japan pushed the cheap electronics and cars into the us market.  Sure we supplied the money to prop thier economy after ww2(why? Because we are soft in my opinion) but the liberals got into the disposable cheap products while preaching help japan and green. remember better there than here (we still have countries buying our trash).... Hmmm hit a few topics there didn't I.

Also, Art I am not part of the "collective" I am no socialist, liberal, progressive, communist or democrat (go to school if you don't believe me) I am a individual and make choices for myself. I may relate to the  conservative thought (which believes in individual rights)... I am by far not part of a collective.


 I don't run out and buy an icrap every year. My shirts are so old they could probably stand by themselves (I buy quality not Walmart).

  Anyways again thanks Asia and as Art pointed out "liberals" for our disposable society.