----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:18
AM
Subject: [SA] RC Marketing
questions
Hi Guys,
I am looking at some marketing plans for a new company
that makes electronic components for RC. They will have a respectable
budget for marketing and I am trying to help them spend it wisely.
I'd
like to know your thoughts on marketing --
1. Do your dollars follow
print ads, web banners on RC Groups/RC Universe, or the advice of your flying
buddies?
No, mostly from reading others experiences and
the reputation of the vendor if he has been around for a while.
1a.Do you attend any of the RC sales conventions?
Only those in conjunction with large modeling events SEFF, Joe Nall,
Perry Swap Meet, NEAT etc.
2. Do you find your Local Hobby Shop a
valuable resource on choice of electric motors and controllers? Do you buy
locally or online?
Not really, most purchases are on line. We have a
modest shop about 25 miles away, the next is 40 miles away.
3.
What are your deal makers/deal breakers for electronics such as controllers,
servos, receivers -- ie, is price your main concern, quality (and how do you
decide that something is quality), or perhaps made (and serviced) in the USA
vs. overseas for manufacture, support and service?
Certainly made in USA would be favored over
imported, particularly from China. Quality is percived as doing what it is
designed to do for the life use. Not being the first thing to wear out in its
catagory. Poor quality is cracking fiberglass after 10 easy flights, Poor
quality is throwing a brush after 10 minutes total run time. Poor quality is
shaking so bad it cracks the fiberglass. Good Quality is smooth running (as in
Graupner folding props). Good quality is still going strong after 100s of
flights over the past 10 years (As in Astro 05 motor).
4. How
many electric planes do you buy/make a year?
4 or 5
5. Would a company's support of (your club's) events with
prizes or advertising be a factor which would help you choose their product of
equivalent price and capability over another manufacturer's
offering?
No. Good stuff will sell itself, Junk is still junk - no matter how
agressively you promote it.
I would really appreciate your input.
RC is a small community and every little bit of support helps -- helps the
hobbyist, helps the events, and helps the manufacturers pay their bills so
that they can develop and make cool products available at the most reasonable
prices so we can all go out and fly.
However - with the growth of the now generation
and instant gratification of ARF modeling, flim flam, smoke and mirrors will
probably net you the most profit the fastest - in the beginning at leat. Then
when that hits the fan, just re-invent yourself under another catchy name and
start again.Thank you in advance for your time!
Lee
Estingoy
(913) 685 8291
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