I used AES quite a few times over the years, but mainly small ticket items.
The Internet didn't kill them as when properly used it can increase
market share while decreasing handling costs as well as overhead., but
it does require proper organization of shipping and advertising along
with the mindset to use it.. It's "little different" than mail order
business.
Even once large, major, prosperous chains with an Internet presence are
slimming down. Our town, which rode the economy well, losing few jobs
has seen a number of large chain stores close with more major store
closings on the way. There are, after all, over 90 million Americans
out of work, rather than the few percent the unemployment figures show.
Recent mergers of major manufacturing companies WILL end up costing
thousands of manufacturing and middle management jobs here and in the
companies involved in the mergers as duplication of services and
unprofitable ventures are spun off.
Methods for figuring cost of living and unemployment numbers have been
adjusted many times over the past few decades to make the numbers look
good. Both are far higher than the actual numbers given would indicate.
People are finally starting to plan ahead, with the likelihood of the
dollar losing its place as the international standard bringing the
potential of greatly increased costs. Easy credit allowing the young to
run up huge debt they can't afford for college they don't need and
aren't suited for, removes a whole generation (or two) from the customer
chain.
The last couple of generations seem to have lacked any semblance of
financial knowledge, or planning ability. Huge college loans that their
chosen fields can never pay back. I was 47 before I figured I could
afford college. Buying on credit can easily double the cost of items,
removing a great deal of cash from discretionary spending. Easy credit
was "supposed to" increase spending and it did until the huge increase
in costs due to interest came due. How many would take out loans for
18% (or more) when loans are available for a few %, but that's exactly
what they do when carrying a balance on credit cards
Amateur Radio has always been a niche market that required effort to
reach. "In general" the last two generations want it now, instead of
doing things that require both mental and physical effort.
The lack of desire, ambition, curiosity, and money have hurt Amateur
Radio from the number of new Hams joining, to equipment available, while
the cost of quality rigs is in an ever upward spiral.
Gone are the days of substantial inventories of high ticket Ham
Equipment. Just-in-time supply chains work for some products and not
others. Once big name manufacturers have closed their doors, or have
been gobbled up, for pennies on the dollar for companies that want the names
I predict that antenna lines with long delivery times, days are
numbered. People will settle for less instead of waiting.for quality,
causing more companies to shut their doors.
Let's face it. "Most Hams are cheap"! Otherwise, why would so much
"CHEAP" stuff sell at swaps? Only the major swaps and swaps near large
cities draw full line vendors. In the 70s a vendor could load up and
sell nearly everything at a swap. You could make good money at swaps!
Times have changed!
73
Roger (K8RI)
On 7/7/2016 Thursday 6:16 AM, Ed Sawyer wrote:
I used AES many, many times over the years but they never had a local store
where I lived. I think that it's a case of the Internet killing a brick and
mortar store that didn't adapt well.
HRO and DX Engineering have a much better store and internet model.
I have an HRO store within a next day UPS Ground circle of my QTH and its
free shipping over $100. I just pool up my needs and place the order when
its over $100.
I do remember going through the store in OH on a number of occasions that I
was in the area on business. The used equipment shelves - pre internet -
were second to none. Now, most of that business is done on line between
parties.
A piece of history that is respected in my opinion but I can't say that I am
surprised given the competition.
Ed N1UR
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73
Roger (K8RI)
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