THE Cub Report, 09.08.2014, Version- Pinned Through Eau Rouge
Most of the rc industry refuses to acknowledge they are part part of the greater automotive industry. It seems many people in the rc industry are content to just be a “toy manufacturer”, instead of reaping the benefits of cross pollinating with people inside the full scale automotive industry. This may be something that has never crossed your mind, but for rc to go more mainstream, it is only advantageous to use every outlet possible.
I’ve found that there are a couple of different types in our industry that want nothing to do with the full scale scene, those that think our “toys” aren’t worthy of more attention, and those that are old school and aren’t open to cross marketing. Ya sure, everyone is entitled to do business their own way, but by not collaborating with companies like Ford, or Goodyear, or Borla, rc doesn’t get maximum exposure to a more mainstream audience. And of course less exposure means less $$$$ in the sales report at the end of the month, less $$$$ to develop new products with, and ultimate less $$$$ to feed their families with.
I am fortunate enough to work with people across a wide range of industries now days, one of them being the full scale scene, so I can say first hand that many of the full scale manufacturers are huge fans of what we do in rc. They dig our scaled down technology and they dig that it is a safe hobby fit for kids and adults alike. Heck, many of them are fans because they use hobby grade rc products right now, or at some time in their past. Our hobby also offers some key demographics to market to. What could be better for a full scale manufacturer than getting to rc kids early so that when they are finally old enough to buy a full scale car, they already know what they want, partially based on how cool it was during their rc days.
Of course there are some rc companies that are ahead of the curve on this one, take Axial for example. On one of their latest release they collaborated with Jeep (body), Walker Evans Racing (wheels), Falken (tires), and Poison Spyder (bumpers). When it was released, it wasn’t just Axial promoting the new truck, it was also the full scale companies listed, getting that particular rc vehicle a ton of additional exposure. Collaborations like that are a win/win for everyone involved.
Hey, the rc industry is wanting to expand, working with full scale manufacturers is a great way to do so. Here’s to hoping that more rc manufacturers gives it a try. After all, the more people there are in rc, the more fun it is, and the more money there is for research and developing cool new products for everyone to enjoy.
On a BSRC note…
Don’t forget these dates-
October 2-5th, iHobby Expo in Schaumburg, IL (a burb of Chicago). Seriously, we’ve got something B I G in our booth this year that you do NOT want to miss.
October 19, Leisure Hours in Joliet IL (just south of the Chi-Town metro). This is our 10 Year Anniversary Bash and it will be the biggest we’ve ever put on. Better still, because of the venue it is rain or shine. If it’s raining Leisure Hours has a huge indoor track for us to get our bash on. Count on loads of swag and lots of pure bashing carnage.
That’s it for this week, thanks for reading, have a funtastic week, and support your local hobby shops and bash spots when ya can.
YOUR Cub Reporter
