Zaks Hobbies — Local services in Buena

A few weeks ago I was visiting my family and I decided to visit some of my old stumping grounds. So I took my nephew to Zaks hobbies because he is starting to show an interest in hobby grade RC. My experience with Zaks and Ron Webb go back over 20 years ago. I would go every Friday night and spend most of my paycheck building my TC3. Ron was very knowledgeable and taught me a lot. So I was excited to visit his store and talk to him again. So upon entering into his establishment, I noticed he had a lot of inventory and the store was well organized and clean as I remembered it being. Ron approached the counter from the back and asked us very curtly “what are you doing here today?” I found it to be a weird way of greeting someone but I proceeded to explain who I was and my past experiences with him and I was happy to see him. He’s response was..”Yeah? Ok...” He then went on to ask a series of questions about what cars I have now and what I was looking for today. I told him what I own and he told me that basically what I have is “garbage” and he doesn’t sell that brand anymore. (Traxxas was the brand. One of the largest and oldest companies in the RC game...) So I was standing there trying to process all of what just happened and my brain finally engaged and I told him my nephew is showing interest in RC and likes the no prep drag racing arena. Ron told us that no prep is a fad and it’s only popular due to the pandemic. He went on and said it’ll end once things get back to normal....so I’m thinking to myself... I know for a fact that no prep was a thing before COVID and a guy just won $18,000 in Vegas at a large King of the street no prep racing event. AND all the major manufacturers are making kits and chassis’s for this type of racing! So I asked Ron what he has in stock and what he would recommend for a no prep car. He stated a brand and said it’s not in stock and wouldn’t be for awhile. So I looked at my nephew and asked if he was interested in looking around anymore and he said “nope”. I thanked Ron for his time and my nephew and I left. When I got in the car with my nephew I taught him a new word. That word is ‘myopic’. I told him that it doesn’t matter if it’s toothpaste or socks, people will have their own opinions and be nearsighted on certain things or topics in which they believe they are right and you’re wrong. But they believe they are helping you at the same time.... I guess my past experiences with Zaks hobbies and Ron Webb were looked through rose colored glasses. I shutter at the thought of novice or casual RC’er walking into Zaks and being belittled and talked down to. It’s a shame...Ron has a lot to offer, but I believe he needs to stay in the back and run the business. Hire a few good people that have customer service experience. But as for me, I won’t be returning. Sadly. Years ago I’d given a 5 star rating. But Zaks hobbies gets a 2 star now and it’s only because they have a lot...

Traxxas owner? Call ahead first as there's limited Traxxas parts in stock. HPI, Redcat, Team Associated parts for sure. However, if you want to make something "work" like a different body onto a car or truck be sure not to tell him because he will tell you it won't work and your wrong. Want a1/8th wing on your 1/10th truck, won't work if you ask him. Don't worry he'll tell you anyway. I guess people returning items causes this but its my money and I'll spend it on whatever for whatever I want. Don't need a fight. Pricing is decent on whatever they have you need but no better then online. Also don't get there exactly when they open. Multiple times I've shown up when they open only to have to come back alittle while later because no one is there. Small business in a tough industry so I get it but a smile, less attitude and advice when someone wants it goes along way. Hate it to be the case but Amazon and Ebay along with 20 other sites all provide the same items with...

Went in today 1/17/21 looking for information on a rc that I was given before I could even ask a question the guy behind the counter started going on about how I shouldn’t run my truck in cold weather that I would blow it up in no time then I would be back for an engine rebuild and that he wouldn’t fix it because he doesn’t carry parts for my rc because it’s “ancient” so I then asked about an electric rc he had on one of the walls and he completely ignored my questions about it and acted as if I was bothering him at this point... I was ready to spend the 600+ dollars on a “modern” rc to support a small local business and possibly start a new business relationship with this store but I’ll just take my...