[Elecraft] my radioshack

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I wonder just how many people still string parts together for fun
anyway? I wouldn't carry parts in my store that didn't pay for the space
they take up in sales and turnover. 

It seems to me that far fewer folks use soldering irons than just a few
years ago. And that most of the folks who enjoy their soldering irons
are building kits, and don't go digging for individual parts except on
the rare occasion when they have some common part broke, burned or
missing. That leaves a very small number of people to patronize those
wonderful 'parts emporiums' we love to remember. The stories about Radio
Shack sound to me like they have their business heads screwed on right
if they want to stay in business.  

I've always tried to support those businesses who do the most for me.
And the Radio parts business is becoming the on-line businesses in order
to reach the number of people they need to reach to find enough
customers. 

Radio Shack doesn't have 10% of what I need. Shoot, it's been a lot of
years since they carried the 900 volt electrolytics I need for an
amplifier power supply that I'm scratch building. Just try to pick up a
pair of finals for your K2/100 or even the K2 at a Radio Shack! 

I deal with Elecraft because they do a great job of providing me with
some stuff I want. They certainly aren't 'down the street' (since I left
Capitola, sigh), but they are as close as my telephone and computer.
I've patronized them because I want them to stick around. And they won't
stick around if they don't make money. 

I do the same for those on-line suppliers who fill my needs with parts
as well. Because they might not be there tomorrow if I don't "vote" for
them with my wallet today. 

Ron AC7AC
K2 #1289