Radio Shack to discontinue VEX?

[jeffmorris]

I am very :mad: MAD :mad: at Radio Shack for discontinuing the VEX Robotics line just because it's not selling well. I think that I'm mad at VEX Labs for not stocking items like sensors. I think that I wasted my money on VEX Robotics products because I can't buy items that are out of stock. Right now, I'm using the car-based robot like a R/C car. I was planning to make a "smart" car using sensors to avoid objects. I think that the company that makes the VEX Robotics line ran into problems. If I can't get the VEX sensors that I need to make a "smart" car, I will sell the VEX Robotics products that I wasted my money on. I bought the starter kit, power pack, metal kit, wheel kits, tank thread kit, gear kits, light sensor kit, line following sensor kit, and other items. I need the VEX sonar sensor kits.

[Rick TYler]

Start calling stores. I found a sonar kit at the second store I called.

[Greg Marra]

We were able to find the ultrasonic rangefinder sensors at Radioshacks are... less traveled. Try finding one out in the middle of nowhere and see if they have any in stock.

[wkethman]

wire your own. its really easy and lots cheaper. you can outfit the vex kit with 10 touch sensors for 2 dollars a switch ...much cheaper and so get a range finder for 15 and outfit it to the controller...very easy

[Michelle Celio]

I am very :mad: MAD :mad: at Radio Shack for discontinuing the VEX Robotics line just because it's not selling well. I think that I'm mad at VEX Labs for not stocking items like sensors. I think that I wasted my money on VEX Robotics products because I can't buy items that are out of stock. Right now, I'm using the car-based robot like a R/C car. I was planning to make a "smart" car using sensors to avoid objects. I think that the company that makes the VEX Robotics line ran into problems. If I can't get the VEX sensors that I need to make a "smart" car, I will sell the VEX Robotics products that I wasted my money on. I bought the starter kit, power pack, metal kit, wheel kits, tank thread kit, gear kits, light sensor kit, line following sensor kit, and other items. I need the VEX sonar sensor kits.
Don't blame Radio Shack or VEX, you can't expect every location to carry every product you need. Just give it some time and look around. Maybe you should think of a different idea to use your VEX kit on, be inventive. When you encounter a problem, work around it, don't just give up. It could be the worst mistake you ever make. (wow thats a little serious but it sounds good)

[Timothy D. Ginn]

Radio Shack is discontinuing the selling of the VEX robotics system? (that seems strange and I just haven't seen any official announcement anywhere that I'd be expecting). Are you sure this isn't just part of the whole recovery plan for the company that includes "liquidating inventory"?

At any rate, the Canadian Radio Shacks never stocked VEX in the first place... so, I doubt it'll make any real difference to the Canadian teams one way or the other.

[Justin]

I think VEX is a great program and has been a positive experience for those involved. From what I saw of the VEX event at the UTC Regional fun was had by all most importantly the kids involved. I like the teams that have used VEX as something for their younger members to be the stars of, to often Freshman and Sophomores are pushed to the outsides of well established FIRST teams not intentionally but it is often hard to break-in VEX gives them something they can own.

Secondly, Radio Shack is a business. They have to be realistic about it. I heard a story of some people going to but a VEX kit and the Radio Shack guys bragging that they were the sales leader in the state after they had sold one kit. Radio Shack is also in trouble financially and they need to turn a profit unfortunately, to our dismay, VEX isn't helping them do that. At UTC I talked to a few people in the know in regards to VEX and FIRST in general and without saying more than I should I think that we can all reasonably and safely assume that VEX, or some future form of it, is not gone forever.

Justin

[Gdeaver]

You are not limited to the Vex sensors. Ultrasonic sensors are not the only option for object detection and avoidance. I particularly like the Sharp IR sensors. I used a Sharp GP2Y0A02YK. It is an analog sensor that returns the distance to an object out to 60". You use the GetAnalogInput function to read the sensor. The nice thing about this sensor is that it has a narrow cone of detection. I mounted the IR sensor on a VEX servo. By sweep the servo back and forth and reading the returned value I was able to program the square bot to avoid and turn away from an object blocking it's path. The other useful sensor is the shaft encoder and they are still available from radio shack as of 3PM today. There are many other devices that can be added to a VEX bot. The VEX package is a good start for robotics. You just need to add your imagination and play with it. To really use the power of vex you'll need the programing kit. The EASY-C that is included with the kit will get you going however the EASY-C 2.0 upgrade is much better. I believe the Daventech SRF04 sonar sensor is compatible with the vex hardware and software if you have to have sonar. And Radio shack has not publicly stated that they are discontinuing the VEX line.

[irishninja]

I'm not mad at Radio Shack just dissapointed. VEX is a great way to teach kids about FIRST, teach newbies about principles of engineering, and just have fun. My friend and I just bought a starter kit and some other smaller kits, but I planned on buying a programming kit, ultrasonic sensors, and the line tracking equipment. Now I can't, simply because I don't have the money to get it before it goes out of stock, and once out of stock, Radio Shack isn't replacing it.

I doubt the sudden upturn in VEX sales will convince them to continue the sale.

However, practically, even if Radio Shack does discontinue the sale of VEX, someone has to becoem the new supplier. There are too many VEX teams out there who need VEX parts. The irritating thing is that we will have to wait until the VEX kits have switched hands.

[DonRotolo]

I am very :mad: MAD :mad: at Radio Shack for discontinuing the VEX Robotics line just because it's not selling well.

Is this speculation, or do you have any facts to back up that claim?

Just because something's on sale does not necessarily mean it's discontinued. I doubt they did not set a multi-year commitment when they developed the FIRST Vex challenge.

Don

[irishninja]

Are you VEXED at VEX? I'm sure that someone somewhere will continue the sale of VEX parts. In the meantime, anyone know what I can use as a replacement for the programming kit? (Thats not too expensive?

[JoeXIII'007]

Is this speculation, or do you have any facts to back up that claim?

Just because something's on sale does not necessarily mean it's discontinued. I doubt they did not set a multi-year commitment when they developed the FIRST Vex challenge.

Don

When I bought my kit, the guy at the counter said it was the first one they've sold. So, there is a high probability that the item is being discontinued as far as being on store shelves.

On the same token, the set probably will still be available online for the FVC. Sort of what LEGO did with the mindstorms kit.

[JamesBrown]

I am very :mad: MAD :mad: at Radio Shack for discontinuing the VEX Robotics line just because it's not selling well.

A product line like vex is a big financial risk and hasn't been paying off. You cannot be mad at a company for cancelling sales "just" because they are not selling well, Radio shack needs to make money it is unrealistic to think that a company in as bad of shape as Radio Shack (financially speaking) would take a major financial loss just to be nice guys and make sure people who wanted sensors got them. In the radio shack near my work I am the only person ever to buy a vex product, this store is in the middles of a shopping center and is very popular. These products just don't sell like they thought they would band they need to cut their losses now.

Are you VEXED at VEX? I'm sure that someone somewhere will continue the sale of VEX parts. In the meantime, anyone know what I can use as a replacement for the programming kit? (Thats not too expensive?.

Most stores still have them available hurry us and check you should be able to find one at half price (49.99) as long as you try before april 2nd. If you cant get one contact Vex labs they used to sell some. it will cost you atleast $50 to make your own so i would recommend you just try to buy one before April 2nd.


James

[Andy A.]

I recently stopped by a radio shack to check out the rumors of a big vex sale. Everything was indeed %50 off.

When I asked why, the two clerks didn't have a sure answer. One had no idea the other speculated that it was just to encourage people to buy it. Neither made any mention of it being dropped.

If two clerks from a store don't know that it being dropped, I would be amazed if that is anything but a rumor. What may happen is a significant change in the line, such that the old stock would be to outdated to sell.

I would like to see a smaller 'starter' kit, for one. Perhaps modularize the controller system so that you can buy a dumb controller and later buy a smart controller that plugs into the dumb unit. Anything to bring down the price.

Also, the clerks commented that their store had always done well with the line, and enjoyed the in store demo they had.

-Andy A.

[sanddrag]

Well, at least if they get rid of it, there will be more room on the shelves for cell phones. grrr

Does anyone remember when radio shack actually sold a plethora of electronic components?

[DonRotolo]

A product line like vex is a big financial risk and hasn't been paying off.

Again, is this speculation or is there something you can point to that states the line is being discontinued? If you don't know, then label it speculation please.

I agree with Andy A., there can be many reasons for the sale, but discontinued doesn't appear to be one of them.

The manager at my local RS stated he'd be receiving new stock next week, and the sale was extended to April 1. I specifically asked him if it was being discontinued and he said no, he believed the sale was to get a larger group out there equipped with Vex kits to drive future sales, and that the past year's sales volume has resulted in significant efficiencies of scale, the 'regular' price in the future would be about $199 for the starter kit.

[Eisner664]

Hey no worries, call the radioshack directly, i did, and u are able to buy anything you want straight from them, no shipping, and no tax!!!

[DonRotolo]

Does anyone remember when radio shack actually sold a plethora of electronic components?

They still do, just not in-store. My local guy can get you anything - almost - in 2-3 days. Even a DB-15 connector for the OI.

Don

[jeffmorris]

From reading a newspaper article a few weeks ago, Radio Shack wasn't doing well because they can't sell large TV sets because of its small stores. Why can't Radio Shack go back to its original business - selling electronic parts, power adapters, batteries, cables, etc?

[JamesBrown]

My local store is supposed to ship all vex stock not sold by April 2nd back to Texas. The regional manager (he works out of the store next door to my work) for RI and southern Mass said that they would no longer carry the Kits or accessories at any of his stores but they would still be available atleast for a while online at radioshack.com.

From reading a newspaper article a few weeks ago, Radio Shack wasn't doing well because they can't sell large TV sets because of its small stores. Why can't Radio Shack go back to its original business - selling electronic parts, power adapters, batteries, cables, etc?


The reason they switched to selling what they do now is that they were not making a profit. Very few people outside the engineering (including FIRST) community buy electrical components. They still sell batteries and some power adapters. The biggest problem with this market is the majority of people buy batteries and cables when they buy something that needs them. If radio shack sold more TV's they would sell more cables. Also very few people stop a Radio shack just to buy batteries it is much easier to get them at another store and avoid the extra stop.

[DonRotolo]

From reading a newspaper article a few weeks ago, Radio Shack wasn't doing well because they can't sell large TV sets because of its small stores. Why can't Radio Shack go back to its original business - selling electronic parts, power adapters, batteries, cables, etc?
'cause there's no money in 10 cent resistors.

Amateur Radio has seen this issue for quite some time, in that the only place to get most components is mail order (online). Sure, some folks have a store that sells most anything near by - here in metro NYC (a big market by anyone's standards) I know of only one decent electronics store, an hour from here out in the sticks. (well, sticks for NYC).

Radio Shack needs to sell things that they can sell in volume AND have a decent profit margin. TVs are one choice, but RS should know they can't complete with the likes of Fye and Best Buy. Instead they need to focus on the smaller stuff that still costs a lot, like - ugh - cell phones. sigh.

On another post, someone stated their RS manager said they were discontinuing the line, so perhaps Jeff you are correct. I can't resolve that with what I heard, but time will tell.

Don

[sanddrag]

I know this thread is trying to get attention, but can we replace "MAD at" with "disappointed with" in the title?

[Mike]

I went into Radioshack the other day looking to buy a small portable FM radio (as I don't believe in paying $300 to listen to music -cough- iPod -cough-). They looked at me funny and led me over to a corner of the store where they had a whole three types to choose from.

I was quite disappointed.

[Nuttyman54]

HSC (www.halted.com) manages to survive quite well selling electronic components. They even sponsor Team 1351 (Archbishop Mitty HS), and apparently donated something like 1.6 MILLION resistors to them.

[Bill Moore]

I thought FIRST had a three year agreement from RS for Vex Challenge Sponsorship. Can anyone verify this?

[Nuttyman54]

It might be that RS is still be sponsoring the VEX Challenge, but will no longer sell them in the stores for the general public.

[Adam Y.]

On another post, someone stated their RS manager said they were discontinuing the line, so perhaps Jeff you are correct. I can't resolve that with what I heard, but time will tell.
I recently stopped by a radio shack to check out the rumors of a big vex sale. Everything was indeed %50 off.

When I asked why, the two clerks didn't have a sure answer. One had no idea the other speculated that it was just to encourage people to buy it. Neither made any mention of it being dropped.

If two clerks from a store don't know that it being dropped, I would be amazed if that is anything but a rumor. What may happen is a significant change in the line, such that the old stock would be to outdated to sell.


-Andy A.
Heheheh.... I had one clerk saying that they were just trying to move the product and that's why it was on sale. He said that the product wasn't going anywhere. I had another clerk say that the sale wasn't even in all the stores. Then my mother had one clerk said that they were ending the line. Also, vex labs said they were talking to Radio Shack about selling all the parts in the basic kit of parts. It would be really strange for them to say that when the line is discontinued. Though I find it odd too about the date which is also when the sale is going to end. So the answer is yes. As to what question it answers. I don't know. The good news is that I told the one clerk about the Boston regional because he was interested in it for his nephew and the new Lego robotics system is coming out soon.

[Mr. Freeman]

At 3 of 4 stores I visited, the people there told me that Radioshack was not going to be selling vex in the future. (Note, I've visited another store since my last post in case anyone is wondering about the numbers in my posts)

The guy at the last store said he didn't know anything about it being discontinued but expressed his delight in the 50% off sale in combination with his employee discount.


Now, I find it hard to believe that VEX is being completely discontinued from all stores considering how big a hit it is with FVC and FRC teams alone.

By the way, http://www.vexlabs.com is selling a lot of vex components, but at full price.

[Madison]

I can find nothing anywhere beside this website that indicates that Radio Shack may be discontinuing its sale of Vex products. Employees, more often than not, don't really know what they're talking about.

That said, the FIRST Vex Challenge alone will not support the retail sale of the Vex product just as the FIRST LEGO League competition (and its far greater number of participating teams) did not make the Mindstorms kits a success.

[jeffmorris]

I have to buy anything I want from online stores because walk-in stores don't have anything I want. I am afraid to buy and use non-VEX parts that plug into the VEX micro controller because I don't want to murder the expensive VEX micro controller. I lost interest in the Lego Mindstorms Robot Invention Set because of limited number of I/O ports but I can build anything I want using the Lego parts. I found out that Lego will release a new version of Lego Mindstorms set but I'm afraid of buying it.

[Amir]

As a rookie team we were allowed to buy one kit from Radioshack in the fall at a discount. We had to go through their sales department in Texas. The person who sold me the kit called me the other day to tell me that he could get me the kits and parts at half price. He stated the following on my answering machine (this is a direct quote):

“Our intention at Radioshack is to exit out of this product line this year so we are liquidating our stock. We are contacting all of our customers and distributors to let them know.”

For what it is worth he does work at the main office and he provided this information to me without me asking so I assume he knows what he is talking about and heard this information from one of his supervisors.

Amir

[Rohith Surampudi]

wow a discontinuation would destroy FVC, what would FIRST replace it with? Its also possible that they are releasing a different product of the sort, and are just trying to discard all of the VEX kits.

[Nuttyman54]

why do I have to keep telling people this: YOU CAN GET VEX ELSEWHERE. VEXLABS (www.vexlabs.com), a subsection of IFI, sells vex parts, including the base kit. The RS discontinuation will not destroy the VEX challenge. It will, however, hinder the popularity of VEX outside of FIRST.

[Rickertsen2]

I'm mad a RS for spoiling everything they touch. There used to be a great store here in atlanta called Tech America. It was a very cool place about the size of a large grocery store. The isles were packed with electronic components, books, radios, oscilloscopes, and everthing else you could ever want. It was a great place where you could buy everything you needed for just about any project. The employees even knew what a 555 timer or octal buffer was. Then, my familiar store was bought by radioshack and renamed RadioShack.com. They started stocking stereo equipment, cell phones, bacically all the crap you find at a normal radio shack which you can buy anywhere else. When this happened, not many people were happy. A good many of the staff quit. Others reminisced the good old days by refusing to acknowledge the change, and insisting that the store would always be tech america. It wasn't long till corporate closed the place due to lack of sales. They never seemed to have any problems with sales before radio shack came along.

I am only 18 but in my lifetime i have witnessed a change even in the normal stores. Each year the selection of electronics components and interesting products like Vex gets pushed to a smaller corner of the store. Now, in most stores it is but a small isle consisting of a few understocked drawers with the most basic components and the space above them. O yea, and forget having any employees who understand what is in those drawers. if i wanted a Spring or Cingular phone i would goto a Spring or Cingular store. If i wanted a cheap sony stereo i would go to a Best Buy. If i wanted an HP computer i would go to a Comp USA. The only unique products they offer are electronic components. The trend is unfortunate. From what i hear radio shack was actually a pretty cool store back in the day.

I recently discovered a FRYs maybie 20 mins from me. Its alot further than the radio shacks but well worth the drive.

[Freddy Schurr]

That is just stupid for RadioShack for taking VEX off the shelves. Yes it may not be popularity anymore but just sell it online and make profit that way. \

I hoping to get a VEX kit soon!

[Dillon Compton]

As far as everyone I've talked to at three local radioshacks knows, the sale is a result of Radioshack hiring a new advertising and sales firm recently; effectively, said the employees (two managers and some senior salesperson guy), they were told they needed to have a major sale to boost interest, much like the constant sales circuit city & etc... always have. I was told to keep an eye out in the future for sales such as the vex one on other products, and that Vex would still be in my local stores for the forseeable future.

[Jeremiah Johnson]

I sure hope they don't totally drop VEX. I plan on getting one this week. After seeing 107's VEX robot at MWR I was convinced of the practically limitless possibilities in VEX.

[Tazlikesrobots]

wow a discontinuation would destroy FVC, what would FIRST replace it with? Its also possible that they are releasing a different product of the sort, and are just trying to discard all of the VEX kits.

As long as Innovation FIRST is around, FVC will continue. After all they developed the components for VEX, and more than likely they licensed to Radio Shack for sale. So if Radio Shack decides to not sell VEX, then more than likely all you'll need to do is order it from Vexlabs.com

[KathieK]

As much as we are all confused by varying reports of RadioShack's committment to selling Vex products, can we please keep in mind that they funded a fantastic pilot FVC program this year? Their sponsorship provided an opportunity for hundreds of students and mentors to experience a FIRST program, many for the first time!

[Alex Cormier]

I had just recieved a email from RadioShack Customer Service stating this:

ALL of the Vex product line, with the exception of batteries, is
Sold-out-When-Gone. No additional stock will be obtain. At this time we
have no plans for replacements.

Thank you,
Lori
RadioShack Product Support Center
LN/kk

http://www.radioshack.com

So there ya go ladies and gentlemen, thee official word on Vex.

[Francis-134]

Despite the fact that Radioshack MAY be ending their partnership with VEX, it does not mean that Vex will go away. Sure, you may not be able to run down to the local mall and find some metal plates, but you will most certianly be able to buy them from IFI, in a similar fashion to the Robovation/EDURobot kits.

Realistically, things will not change much for most teams. With that, I say buy as much as you can as fast as you can, cause for now its pretty darn cheap :) .

[Tytus Gerrish]

Oh Man!, i was wondering why vex stuff was so much cheaper now. is any other vendor going to pick up vex after radio shaq?

[Lil' Lavery]

It may be late now, but you can get out and do some advertising yourself. FRC 116/FVC 18 have confirmed sales of at least 4 VEX Starter kits because of our effort, and probably have resulted in more sales (and that's not counting the stuff we have purchased). We have advertised the VEX product line, and FVC, at events holding as many as an estimated 90,000 people. It is truly sad that VEX is being discontinued from RS, but please don't blame it entirely on RadioShack.

[ChuckDickerson]

My opinion is that Radio Shack was never the right place to market the VEX Robotics system in the first place. While I applaud Radio Shack for the attempt and thank them for their major support of FIRST and the FVC I just didn't see Radio Shack as the appropriate vendor of VEX from the start. Radio Shack caters to customers looking for cell phones, batteries, cheap remote control cars, and the cables you need to hook up your stereo and TV. VEX is a great product and should do just as well in the mainstream market as Lego's Mindstorms. The problem is that outside of FIRST not many people know what it is. A small section of plain white boxes in the back of a Radio Shack store isn't exactly a media blitz. For VEX to really be successful it needs to be marketed in the mass retailers like Wal-Mart and Toy-R-Us right next to the Lego's and Erector Sets. Parents are always eager to buy the next great product that will give their kids an advantage. Look at the whole Leap-Frog/Leap-Pad craze a couple of years ago. That stuff was expensive but lots of people bought it because it was everywhere and they want to give their kid an advantage. Obviously, there is at least a 50% markup on the whole VEX line at Radio Shack or they wouldn't be able to sell it all at 50% off right now. The makers of VEX need to market the whole VEX line in snazzy boxes (look at the Lego and Erector Set boxes compared to the VEX boxes) and put those boxes on the shelves of the mass marketers right next to the other mainstream builder type kits like Lego's and Erector Sets, etc. and price them competitively. Parents are not only willing but EAGER to buy products to encourage creativity in their kids provided they are realistically priced. Look at the Lego MindStorms. They have been quite a success. Why? Because parents see that not only can their kids build something static but they can make it dynamic and make it move and program it and if that doesn't encourace creativity what will? The problem is that most parents going to Toy-R-Us to buy their younger child some Lego's and Erector Sets to develop their creativity don't even know that the VEX Robotics system even exists for their older children much less that is what is in those non-descript white boxes in the back of the Radio Shack.

For what it's worth, I talked to the manager of our local Radio Shack today and he said that (I quote) "the VEX line is not on the endangered species list" but that Radio Shack is going to limit the number of stores that carry the line and focus mostly on online sales. He said all of the Radio Shack stores are shipping their inventory to a few stores in the state near universities. His store shipped everything they had in stock last week to the stores near MSU and USM.

With the success of the FVC this year, I hope this is possibly a sign of good things to come. Maybe Radio Shack is limiting their sales to online only or maybe they will discontinue sales of VEX altogether but maybe they will see that if they lower the price by half they will sell 10x the volume and continue to sell VEX at a new lower price point. The more VEX systems are out there after this sale the more kids will spread the word to their friends about "this cool new robotics system" and we will all see VEX in the major stores by this or maybe next Christmas.

I know that it is not a simple matter to put product on the mass marketers shelves, however, if the makers of VEX really want to succeed they need to not take the loss of Radio Shack as a failure, but rather think BIG! 20 years from now I bet a whole host of really wonderful build it yourself robotics kits are going to be available just like Lego's, Erector Sets, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Log, etc. were when they came out and continue to be. With the success of the FIRST programs (FLL, FVC, FRC), and all the kits that are starting to popup in the last few years (BOE-Bot, MindStorms, VEX, the IFI KitBOT, etc., etc. etc.) I think we are just getting started. This is not the end of VEX, it is the beginning of the next great revolution. Just like kids today can't remember when there was no such thing as remote control cars kids 20 years from now will think it strange if they can't program their construction sets to do whatever they want. To all you FIRST students out there, I beg you, PLEASE make this vision a reality for my grand kids!

[sanddrag]

I think the white VEX boxes are actually quite classy. But I agree that they needed to go bigger. Hobby stores would be a great place if you ask me (Tower Hobbies, Hobby Town USA, Hobby People, etc) and toy stores as well.

[team222badbrad]

I think the white VEX boxes are actually quite classy. But I agree that they needed to go bigger. Hobby stores would be a great place if you ask me (Tower Hobbies, Hobby Town USA, Hobby People, etc) and toy stores as well.

I posted about the packaging in another thread:

WHITE BOXES (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=473523&postcount=50)

If you had no clue what FIRST was or VEX was chances are you would just walk right by the section of VEX in a Radio Shack store because they are simply not attractive.

For the most part the front of the boxes just say VEX, well who knows what VEX is outside of FIRST?

Anyway, I don't think they tried hard enough to market this line of products.

[Alex698]

IFI also sells VEX parts, http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-standard-parts.shtml

[Faith]

I posted about the packaging in another thread:

WHITE BOXES (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=473523&postcount=50)

If you had no clue what FIRST was or VEX was chances are you would just walk right by the section of VEX in a Radio Shack store because they are simply not attractive.

For the most part the front of the boxes just say VEX, well who knows what VEX is outside of FIRST?

I agree that they don't show much, but I do think the boxes look cool. If they put something not white behind it... but that costs...

[Mr. Freeman]

I like companies that don't bother with a crapload of flashy stuff and just get straight to the point. White boxes with a VEX logo are just fine if you ask me.

[Bill Moore]

I like companies that don't bother with a crapload of flashy stuff and just get straight to the point. White boxes with a VEX logo are just fine if you ask me.
Well, if you like plain packages, then you should enjoy this parody.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4313772690011721857&q=ipod+packaging

[Nuttyman54]

The white boxes are great, but i think it needs some indication of what's inside. (LIke the iPod boxes) Maybe put a picture of the VEX challenge winner on the front.

[Ellery]

I had just recieved a email from RadioShack Customer Service stating this:



So there ya go ladies and gentlemen, thee official word on Vex.


You're my hero..... :yikes:

[Barry Bonzack]

I had just recieved a email from RadioShack Customer Service stating this:



So there ya go ladies and gentlemen, thee official word on Vex.


I talked with the local RS to see if teams 1604/1390 could form a partnership with them. I was looking for a possible further discount if the teams were to buy their own kits ti support education. I continued to ask if they would be willing to sponsor an event open to the public in Central Florida and we could pass out fliers at the local radio RS locations. They claimed they could not help with this effort, but he would give me the number to the texas HQ.

1-866-839-7626

After calling I continued to ask similar questions. Again, they informed me of the 50% sale, but that is all they could do. They did, however, mention that they would be willing to ship any products to the school for free. If you have a lack of accessories at your local location, this may be a way to go. The representative continued to tell me they were liquidating the inventory as mentioned before and plans to get out of the market completely.

I am not mad at RS for this, their hotline was helpful. However, I do certainly hope another company will pick up vex that it will be sold across the US. I also hope this will be a company that is concerned about helping education and the community they live in.