5.4 Is there any way I can buy model rocket kits, parts and engines at less than full retail?
Description
This article is from the Model Rockets FAQ, by Wolfram von Kiparski with numerous contributions by others.
5.4 Is there any way I can buy model rocket kits, parts and engines at less than full retail?
Three mail order houses have been recommended several times by posters to
r.m.r. They are Belleville Wholesale Hobby, Magnum Rockets Hobbies and
More, and Mountainside Hobbies. Belleville sells MRC at 40% off list,
Custom Rockets at 35% off list, and Estes at 30% off list. There is a
minimum order requirement. Magnum and Mountainside sell most all of the
major model and high power rocket lines. Both Estes and Aerotech model
rocket motors and reloads are sold. They both advertise Estes at 28-33% off
of list. Magnum will also discount educational sales (such as to schools,
Scouts, YMCA, etc.) at up to 40% off of list.
Another potential source for a large discount, if you are buying several
hundred dollars worth of parts at one time, is America's Hobby Center.
They offer discounts of up to 40% off of Estes' list price on orders of
over $400.
There are several other mail order sources that sell at discount. Some
of the smaller manufacturers/suppliers of model rocketry kits and
supplies are a substantial bargain. For the addresses of the sources
listed above, and addition sources, refer to the 'Names and Addresses'
section of this FAQ (PART 2). Shop around. There are bargains to be found.
If you do a fair amount of flying, Estes sells a 24-pack of engines called
the Flight Pack. It comes with 6 A8-3, 6 B6-4, 6 C6-5, 6 C6-7, recovery
wadding and igniters. It generally retails between $32-36, which is less
than the list price of the materials included. This can also be purchased
at an additional discount from some mail order houses. Estes also sells
'bulk packs' of 24 A8-2 or B6-4 or C6-5 motors.
Quest motors have been recommended by several r.m.r posters. At the
present time, they retail at less than the Estes equivalents. They can
also be purchased direct from Quest 'bagged' in quantities of 10 or more.
'A' motors can get to less than $1 ea. when bought 50 or more at a time.
'C' motors get down to around $1.25.
You might also investigate your local NAR section, if one is located
convenient to you. Clubs such as NAR sections often arrange discounts
with local hobby merchants. Several of the clubs also have at least
one member selling parts and supplies at discount, mostly to the
club members.
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