How to…the Radio Shack edition

Posted in Observations — by Don on 05/03/06

C’mon guys, we’ve all been there. You are setting up a computer or stereo or something like that and you are a cable short or need an obscure connector of some type. First place that comes to mind is Radio Shack, right?

Now, back in the day, Radio Shack used to be, truly, a haven for nerds and geeks. They had more than 1 aisle, didn’t sell cell phones or iPods and the guys all had ponytails. All of them. You could actually ask them a question and not only would they give you an answer, but would help out with a schematic for you to be sure you got it right. Ahh, the good old days.

Now it’s a bunch of high school kids that are trying to make commission by selling you cell phones or batteries or a cover for your iPod. Or, my favorite, the most expensive item they have for what you are looking for. Can’t blame them for wanting to make some money, but I only need a RCA to 1/4″ plug adapter.

So, how do you get into Radio Shack while avoiding the lackeys? Easy. Walk in and go straight to the center aisle. What you need is there anyway, so don’t mess around. The ‘salespeople’ are afraid of what’s on that aisle anyway (LED’s, misc. connectors, zip ties, etc.) and there is a good chance they won’t follow you. If they do, they are smarter than the rest and will still try to push the most expensive item at you, but once on the aisle, you can ignore them until you find what you have.

This has worked for me at 2 stores so far. I’ll keep you posted should I have to visit more.