please read

[Krux]

I caught word of something that is a growing concern for at least one of our local shops, and I am sure it is not an isolated problem.

It seems that folks are using the parking lots outside of our lfs to perform exchanges, trades, and sales. This causes issues on two fronts. First, when folks are not discrete with their transactions, it can be offensive to the folks that spend a lot of time and money supporting the club. Secondly, while folks are waiting to complete their trades, they are apparently milling about, window shopping, and taking time away from other customers who are seeking the attention of the shop operators, only to jet out as soon as their transactions are finished.

We need to make a conscious effort not to insult the folks who are helping us out. Parking lots are great places to meet, folks like to shop, most people know the location, but we need to be considerate of the fact that we are indeed sitting on the front porch of people who are trying to make a living selling the exact thing that we are moving ourselves.

Just a warning to all of us (I am guilty myself) that it is making the owners uncomfortable with the club, and that we need to be more careful in the future with our actions so as not to alienate ourselves.

To the shop owners - thanks for your patience.

To the membership - thanks for your time.

[michael7979]

I have hear of this from a shop also. I don't know if it's the same shop. But they were nice and asked that it not be done so I make sure to not meet anyone there anymore, (I'm guilty also). So I apoligized for doing it. Didnt know it was still a problem.

[AHBrit]

Will the store owner please call me ASAP. i want to discuss this immediately!

[Krux]

this was not in response to an isolated incident, it just came up in casual conversation, nothing to do with you smeggy

[impur]

Its not Taco Bell is it? Dang i thought they would realize that you can't eat this stuff after the last time! Guess i'll have to change my trade spot to in front of the strip club

[Twitterbait]

I have done it once... And i made sure to go in afterward and buy something anyways.

[stangpwr71]

It's my opinion but, i would only hope that the store owners would have enuff courage to go up to these people and tell them. i am guilty of doing this aswell but.... does every lfs deal in used lighting and other such electrical????? NO! so when i do something like that i go there.I could be wrong but i have not seen a lfs that will extensively modify your hood and make it 9" taller, 4"wider and add doors. you maybe it is just me but it does kind-of irritate me that the owners in question will not speak to
the individuals themselves.

If the owners feel that the guy in the Big Red Dodge is a problem, please PM me.

Ron

[Piero]

i think hobbyists shouldnt be dealing in LFS parking lots, period...common sense i'd think. biting the hand...

it's been happening off and on for the past year I've been told by the lfs....not an isolated thing.

[michael7979]

I have been talked to by the owner, like I stated in my first post, and they were really cool about it and asked that I stop. No problem and no harm, I don't meet people there anymore.

I can see their point, if someone buys a used _____ from whoever, it stps them from buying new and possibly spending their money there. YES I understand that if you can buy used it is an option worth while. Lets just stop meeting people in front of ALL OUR LFS', we need them for support of our club and they need us for support.

Is it that hard to meet some where else?

[theron]

This is interesting. I have not done much trading yet, but I would not have thought twice to meet someone outside a LFS to make the trade. I don't think the LFS does not want to stop the trading that is going on. It will happpen if it is done near the store or not. I would think they would be happy that people are showing up at the store. And if someone just sold a piece they might just spend their new aquired money in the store.

Most likely the deal was made somewhere else, like the forums. Now if someone was outside selling, then I could see the problem.

Just my thoughts ...

Theron

[Shooter9er]

You cannot blame the LFS for this at all! I was trading with another member a couple of years ago in front of one of the LFS and while we were completing our trade another person approached us and asked us what we were trading. The conversation continued, we showed them what we had just gotten and then rather than going into the store to shop ended up leaving with the other member to go back and buy some frags from them. This may only be one instance but it shows exactly why the owners don't want this happening in front of their stores.

[AHBrit]

Conflict Resolved with LFS

[reefcam]

I agree with many that we should do our trading/selling else where, away from LFS.

As for telling it to "your" face that they are displeased with your action in front of their store, this can be offensive to some and not others. So how to do you please 100% of the reefers while trying not to be offensive. It's a tough line. Regardless of how easy they can be in telling you, it can still be viewed as being offensive. So as a courtesy, they rather not create the situation.

I personally like it when everyone just take their trades to the meeting or meet at the person's home. This way I get to see all the other stuff that is available for trade as well. "One Stop Shopping. " --- I know, I have to attend first. I will...

[jmanrow]

Originally Posted by michael7979

Lets just stop meeting people in front of ALL OUR LFS', we need them for support of our club and they need us for support.

Is it that hard to meet some where else?

Back alleys behind stores have successfully been used for such clandestine activities for some time now... (psst... hey buddy, wanna buy some hot frags?) Remember - keep a low profile, and be sure to have a lookout to watch your back.

[michael7979]

Jim -- I'll believe it when I see you!