[TowerTalk] AES SK

[Bert Almemo]

Hi guys,

I was surprised when I read Roger's statement about US unemployment but here
is the proof  http://www.wethepeopleoftheus.org/true-us-unemployment-rate/

I guess it depends how you look at it but politicians tend to skew the
figures a little or a lot depending on which side they're on. ;-)

73 Bert, VE3NR



-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Roger
(K8RI) on TT
Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2016 10:48 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] AES SK

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
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk


-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus


_______________________________________________



_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk