Ham Radio Outlet — Local services in Phoenix

As a new ham licensee, I really wanted to like having a local source and supporting a local store rather than purchase online from online only retailers. My first few times in the store, the staff is working with other customers and if you know ham operators, the conversations aren't short. Nothing wrong with that, I just don't have that kind of free time. The one gentleman was helpful when we did get to talk. To save myself some time, I started ordering online and coming in to pick it up. I picked up an order yesterday and was "scolded" in front of several other customers, that I should have called before I came in, because "those computers aren't right sometimes." So today, I ordered online, went to a few appointments and two hours later called the store. The man (same guy from previous day) was annoyed that I was calling, he said he didn't have the order it was probably still "back east." I asked what I should do and the guy seemed to just want to complain to me and make excuses. I told him I was getting upset, again asking what should I do. He told me they had lots of the product I had ordered, I should just come to the store. I was only 10 minutes away, when I arrived I could hear three men in the back room complaining about my order and trying to figure out what I had ordered. Finally a person came out to see who was there. I told him who I was, he went back the back room and the gentleman who was giving me troubles said loudly "he's already here?". 2 minute later they had my order and I told them, I'd be going elsewhere in the future, there are better prices online and I can save an hour driving. These folks need to get with the times and be glad that I order and pay on line. I don't spend two hours shooting the breeze to buy every item, but instead they want to be mad that I'm...

I saw the review that was 1 star for not being greeted. I will agree this happened to me too. But when I went and started to ask questions there was no hurry to rush me off or make me move along. I really think they just let you be to leave it low pressure and give you time to think and shop. To me, this is a IMPORTANT resource to any new Ham. You can find stuff online cheaper, sure. But do you know their return policy? Do you know it will arrive in one piece? I went here wanting to purchase a radio I had my eye on for a long time. I had done my research and of course I found people who loved it, and I found people who hated it. But you have to know what you are going to use it for. You have to know what you like. Maybe you love CW, maybe digital. It is very had to know what to buy that first fits the budget and what will fit you. I needed something that was low cost (I am on disability and money is ALWAYS a issue). I wanted it for my shack and I wanted to take it camping. So the owner helped me and gave me his honest opinion. He did not push the warrant. He said if I hate it or it doesn't work out of the box, bring it back with in 7-10 days no questions they will either swap it out or sell me a new one. We sat there and talked how hard it is when you get into Ham Radio how exciting it can be. But you can get overwhelmed with all of the options of equipment and ways to work the bands. I know people who love CW, fox-hunting, digital and even bouncing stuff off the moon! Me I like public service and rag chewing. So I am confident I got the right rig FOR ME and they will...

Don't waste your time going here. A friend of mine and I decided we are going to get in to HAM radio and was excited about the potential new hobby. I've been reading up and various equipment and was pretty confident I wanted the ICOM IC-7300 but was still unclear on everything else that I might need to go with it. Upon searching I found out there was a Ham Radio Outlet 30 minutes from my house so I made the drive. Upon entering the store I was greeted by a staff member who was helping other customers. Since he was helping other customers I parked myself in front of the books where I also noticed someone else waiting sitting in a chair by the transceivers. 10 minutes or so go by and another customer walks in and walks right up to the guy sitting in the chair and asks for him to troubleshoot his headset for him... It was very clear the customer was a regular and also very clear the guy I thought was waiting as well was just an employee that didn't want to get out of his chair to help me. I then moved towards the counter to see if there was anyone else that could help me out. After several more minutes of standing at the counter listening to the staff talk about their blood sugar and medical issues instead of ham equipment or help me I decided it was probably best to leave and purchase my equipment elsewhere. I'm not one to usually write reviews but as a business owner myself I would want to know if my staff was dropping the ball like this and my business was missing thousand dollar sales...