Bill,

In the mid-'80s and into the early days of the codeless Tech license we had a great relationship with RadioShack. We did a special RadioShack branded version of our introductory book (which by the way had the side benefit of forcing us to put a realistic -- but high for us -- cover price on our basic book, which over the years generated a lot of revenue that we otherwise would have left on the table through our decades-long practice of underpricing our publications, but that's another story). RadioShack stores had printed lists we provided of clubs and licensing classes in their area, because of an agreement we worked out with the folks in Fort Worth. Their first 10-meter monobander was a sincere effort on their part to support our Novice Enhancement program. Later they added handhelds and mobiles for Techs. But the size of the amateur market didn't support stocking such low-volume items in their stores.

The situation probably varies from place to place around the country -- in particular it may not be true of the Dealer Stores that are locally owned and generally carry RadioShack branded products as part of their broader business -- but the RadioShack stores I have been in and walked past lately are not stores that cater to do-it-yourselfers, except perhaps those in need of batteries. They sell consumer electronics.

To the best of my knowledge, the folks I knew at the Fort worth headquarters are retired or have moved on. Bob or Harold may be able to provide an update on my admittedly somewhat historical perspective, but I thought sharing it might be useful.

73,

Dave K1ZZ

Now, if we could only get a working agreement with Radio Shack. There isn't a town in America that doesn't have a Radio Shack and most perspective hams stop by their local Radio Shack to pick up any information possible about ham radio. Just a thought.

Bill Sawders, K7ZM

V.D.

NW Div.

-------Original Message-------

From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B

Date: 10/30/08 13:32:06

To: arrl-odv

Cc: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R

Subject: [arrl-odv:17283] ARRL Book Sales on Amazon Update

Hi,

Here is an exciting update from Jackie on our efforts in improving and expanding our on-line book sales on Amazon.com and Google.

We have also just implemented a similar, but smaller in scale, system on our own Web site. For an example:

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/10/29/10415/?nc=1

73,

Harold

Harold Kramer, WJ1B

Chief Operating Officer

ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio

860 594 0220

hkramer@arrl.org

From: Cornell,Jacqueline, KB1PWB
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:30 PM
To: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B
Cc: Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R
Subject: Amazon Update

The ARRL Operating Manual is now part of the search in the book tool on Amazon. If you click on the book it will allow you to search inside. It’s pretty neat.

The following books were just uploaded and should be available to search inside shortly.

The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual

The ARRL General Class License Manual

The ARRL Extra Class License Manual

Emergency Power for Radio Communications

ARRL’s VHF Digital Handbook

ARRL’s HF Digital Handbook

ARRL’s Low Power Communications

Once I receive PDFs for The Handbook and The Antenna Book, those will be added as well.

All the same books have been uploaded to the Google Search tool, it just takes much longer to process.

Thanks,
Jackie