I walked into a Radio Shack the other day. I needed Cat 5e plugs for a wiring job I was working on. For those that don’t know, they are the actual plugs on the Ethernet cable.
Bottom line: I was in and out of Radio Shack in under 2 minutes. And it wasn’t with positive results.
The first thing that really annoys me walking in the store – Velcro salesman. Doesn’t matter which Radio Shack it is, they just cling on and hold. And 90% of the time, it’s usually that cheesy car salesman feel.
This is really the reason for the rant: I told him I needed Cat 5e Data plugs. He pointed them to me. 10 for $8 – Seriously?
In and out. I drove to Home Depot where I got 25 plugs for the same price. I should have drove there to begin with. And while thats not the best price around, it was the best price for when I needed them.
I really scratch my head on how this store still survives. The products are sub-par, the prices are too high and the quality of service is spotty at best.
About 10 years ago, this place was a great outlet to get the hard-to-get items. Components to build or repair a device, soldering guns, wire, component plugs and just all the really geeky items. Nowadays you can get network connection items at the local hardware store. Whatever you can’t get at local stores, you can get online.
Two months ago I needed a component to finish a project – a piezzo sensor that I have bought there before. The only place that would have it is Radio Shack but they didn’t – “only on line” says the store clerk. That didn’t help me finish the project. Luckily, I was able to reuse another Piezzo and replace it later.
I would love to see a component store with good quality stock and decent prices. I understand it’s specialty items, so prices would be more than online. After all, you are getting something here and now.
However, places like Home Depot, Best Buy and even Toys R Us are stocking items that were once hard to find. It really makes me think when I walk into a Radio Shack. After all, I don’t want to waste gas, too.