VRC31_006

Velocity RC Cars Magazine VRC_031

EDITORIAL PENNIES MATTER These days, I am all for saving a dollar, a quarter, or even a penny. As the world becomes more global and we can order anything from any part of the world, things become less personal.1 The RC industry relies almost entirely on China for its products. Of course, a few rogue soldiers who produce their products locally are still out there, and for the sake of this editorial, I’m talking about the USA, since that’s where we are based.2 1. There are only a few companies left where you know who the owner is. 2. This still pertains to 06 WWW.VRCMAG.COM you, other countries ... so listen up. 3. I pay 50 cents more at Target to never step inside a Walmart. 4. Come buy a VW from me ... and yes, they have a plant in the U.S., so settle down. 5. Ben’s other hobby is giving money to Kickstarter for outdated products. 6. If we rely on other countries for every-thing, we aren’t in a good position; we’re the middle link of a human centipede. Not too long ago, Walmart was going to put everybody out of business. They would lose money to eliminate the competition and control the market and, eventually, the payscales of the local economies.3 That prediction did come true, and now we have another demon: Amazon. I do shop there from time to time, even though I also realize the bigger threat to your neighborhood is buying direct from any manufacturer. This saves you money, but the long-term net effect is going to be on your workplace. We are based near a giant Amazon warehouse, and I work in the auto industry where I see people’s pay— and they don’t get paid much.4 Jeff Bezos might be the world’s richest man, but his employees are far from wealthy. As more local stores and shops close their doors because they can’t compete with online prices and/or even the convenience of online service, I worry that we are slowly killing the RC industry. Unlike many products that don’t have hundreds of hours in R&D and a race team to help develop RC cars, many of the products coming in are knockoffs of those products. Big Ben5, our tech-loving editor, says you’re stupid and should get a better job if you can’t compete, and he might be right, but I don’t see a consumer-only society as something that’s healthy for me or the U.S.6 This topic is much deeper and more complex than space allows here, but my story does have a moral. Your local RC businesses— whether tracks, manufacturing companies, or hobby shops— need your support. Saving a penny might help you a little, but spending an extra penny will help you have a place to race, a place to buy parts, a company that supports people, and a place for you to get help. Support your hobby. Support your local business. Godspeed Derek Buono Nice car you got there, be a shame not to have a place to race it.


Velocity RC Cars Magazine VRC_031
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