[KYHAM] Right To Know?

[Mike Pugh]

Ron Dodson wrote:
> 
> While buying some connectors etc. for a project today, I
> asked the local RS folks if they ever asked to see an
> amateur radio license before they sold someone one of the
> Amateur Radio transceivers that they sell.  The two workers
> looked at me and said, " No, If they got the money, they can
> buy anything they want.  What they do with it is their
> problem."  I then told them that I felt that they at least
> should TELL the buyer that a license was required and they
> did not seem to agree as they again did not feel this was
> their problem.

And this likely will not change. My personal opinion is that the people
that work for RS are largely compensated by commission. And they would
rather make the sale than risk losing it by asking..  

> Has anyone else ever tried asking this
> question??? If so, where your results favorable or more on
> the order of mine?  I realize that they might not be Legally
> required to do this, though as I tried to tell them, I felt
> it would be in everyone's best interest if they would.

But then again, it easily goes too far the other way. I went into a
local RS recently to buy a CB mobile antenna to cut down for 10 meters.
For that sale, the sales clerk asked if I had a license!! <grin!> Now,
if I had wanted to buy a radio, he probably would have not asked. Go
figger...

> Most dealers who advertise in amateur magazines ASK FOR A
> CALL SIGN or verify license possession before a sale, just
> to keep everyone straight.  Perhaps we need to start asking
> my earlier question more of our local vendors who sell
> consumer market goodies and amateur rigs as a sideline.
> 
> Just a thought.
> 
> 73 all,
> 
> Ron

As an old ham used to say to me, "Good luck in the contest OM"! :-) Mike
KA4MKG