Hillsboro Hobby Shop — Attraction in Hillsboro

I like having a local hobby store, and overall the inventory is broad enough to cover many of my requirements (model rockets and RC tanks/helis/planes). Pricing on items is nearly equal to the best prices available on identical items on Amazon. You also get a good read on some of the local hobby events whatever they may be - like the OMAS airshow every august, or the high power rocket get together in Brothers ... Another big plus in my book is it is much less crazy than Tammie's Hobbies - both in location, available staff, as well the number of people in the store.

My customer service experience varies depending on who you run into (and sometimes the day you catch the same individual on). Most visits, I have received thoughtful, honest, clear explanations of what best to buy - they won't necessarily steer you to the highest priced item in the store (and even will point out you can use items you already own in new ways ... like RC transmitters).

That being said ... the owner doesn't always suffer fools gladly ...

a) don't let your kids run around unattended. I let my girls wander around for a while, and they ended up looking at the train demo in the front window. There was a bench there for awhile - unfortunately, my kids stood on bench to get a better look. (The bench did have a sign saying 'no standing on bench', but what little kids read signs). Had to apologize to the owner on that one and shoo off my kids ...

b) this is a small business - which means cash is better than credit cards. They have to pay a fee on each transaction, no matter how small.

c) They also need to actively discourage theft. The Thriftway up the street has started posting security officers for the same reason ... .

So - overall they are passionate about hobbies, but frustrated by (foolish) customers. So long as you can stuff your ego into a can for a while and apologize as necessary for any affronts you may be unaware of committing - its a very good hobby store to visit to learn from their deep experience in...

Since I was a child I have been a big supporter of hobby shops and the inspiration they offered just looking at all the different things to build with. I would rather pay a little extra and get the immediate excitement of having the parts in my hand rather than wait for mail order. And I support my local economy at the same time. This hobby shop is an now an exception. I have spent a lot of money in this store and yet I feel like I am either being rushed out or ignored every time I go in. I buy the wrong parts because I get misinformed or rushed. Today I experienced the final straw when I was ignored while the employee and a good ole boy customer talked and talked. When I finally went and joined in, the customer was talking about being asked to quit driving his RC by security and saying that the security gaurd didn't have a gun. He said he told him to get the owner to come tell it to his face and went on to ridicule the security guard. Then he said the guy with the gun always wins the fight. I felt very uncomfortable and immediately left. In conclusion I hope that customer isn't someone that carries a gun because he is looking for his Trevon Martin if he does. And i no longer support...

When you're a local store competing with online prices, you have to offer some alternative to bring in the customer, and have them return and keep you in business. This store is conveniently located and well stocked, but as to the staff- what a rude bunch of inconsiderate senile folks. The old man (owner?) sits behind the counter and plays idiotic solitaire games all day, and appears put off by customer requests, unless of course you're one of his equally old customers. The other attendant follows you around checking on you, and is unable to answer questions, and turns instead to --- you guessed it: the grumpy old guy. I'll probably continue to go there for my dollar hardware purchases because they're convenient & the items are immediately available. But for the expensive stuff, where they could be making some real profit? Online- where I don't have to deal with this bunch, and can save...