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Jan's Hobby

1435 Lexington Ave., New York, NY, 10128
nr. 94th St.
212-987-4765

Avg. Rating

Service:	5
Selection:	8

"Mixed Reviews"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

73% would go back.

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Displaying 1-10 of 11

amazing hobby shop

By MRWAWA on 3/21/2013

Overall Rating: 8
Service: 5
Selection: 10
Yes, I would go back!

yes, very over price. but where in Gotham City, where you can take you kids to get wow effect??!! do support the one of last hobby shop in NYC.

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5 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

a superior hobby store in NYC

By bigdaddyr on 10/22/2012

Overall Rating: 9
Service: 9
Selection: 8
Yes, I would go back!

Jan's is a rare gem, a high-level hobby store, with knowledgeable staff - Fred and Collette. Hard to find anything like this great store anymore, even in NYC. Mr. Hutchins and his mom are sophisticated and have a good range of model choices for young people as well as adults. My son and I have developed an appreciation for model cars, a vanishing activity for parents and their children. Unlike, video and computer activities, there is a whole range of skills and challenges required to build a scale model and there is a different level of satisfaction (if you are successful) at handling and looking at a compelling object in real space and time. We were at Jan's once and Kevin gave my son and I the most fascinating background about his own models and even his theories on the German flying discs and their relation to UFOs. Great place. Do your son or daughter a favor and turn them on to building with their hands.

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6 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

Incredible Store!

By Pulgitataz on 3/30/2012

Overall Rating: 10
Service: 10
Selection: 10
Yes, I would go back!

I have read all the reviews and found my experience completely contrary to the negative comments. And yes, they do accept credit cards as I've paid them that way every time I've been there this year. Incredible knowledge of models and crafts. Eager to help and reveal techniques that can help perfect your projects. from my experience, Hobby shops seem to be disappearing from our culture as the majority have closed down. Luckily I found Jan's In my search for a new store that can satisfy my needs. It's the way a Hobby store should be...and the way I remember them as a kid. It's a journey for me coming from Flushing, Queens but always an adventure once I get there. The museum display of airplane models Fred has accomplished over the years is enough to keep you there for hours observing the fine detailing. It is true, they are stacked from floor to ceiling with all types of kits and they know exactly what they have, what they don't have and where a particular item is. Incredibly honest people - Fred and Collette, they make you feel at home in their fabulous store. For all of you looking or a hobby store specializing in model kits - this is it! For all levels- beginners to experts, this is the place that I found to be the most helpful with my intricate needs and who respect how much or how little knowledge you may have. They have the best selection for model planes, army soldiers, model tanks, muscle cars and sports cars, paint and much much more!

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17 out of 28 people found this review helpful.

Great place !

By michaellynch on 7/5/2011

Overall Rating: 8
Service: 7
Selection: 9
Yes, I would go back!

I have been going to jan's for 8 years and they sure do know there stuff and me :) Am good freands with them and they are there to help and get what you need but yes some are right they only take cash ! Yes they are a bit over the top with prices but thats just them idk way some on here are so mean tho. gets a 10/10 from me. They have tons of stuff and can place an oder for you out of the Walthers book.

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20 out of 36 people found this review helpful.

Do NOT shop here, RIPPED OFF - overcharged by $85.

By srspc20 on 1/22/2011

Overall Rating: 2
Service: 1
Selection: 2
No, I would not go back!

My girlfriend purchased a basic radio controlled helicopter (syma S001) here for my birthday. They charged her $110. This helicopter retails for $25 dollars elsewhere. I can understand charging an extra $20 or so but to completely take advantage of someone who knows nothing about a specific item is ridiculous. Overcharging by $85 is unethical and their business practices are questionable. Do NOT buy anything from these rip-off artists.

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28 out of 53 people found this review helpful.

my first time in a hobby shop and i had a good time

By alexrodriguez on 8/8/2010

Overall Rating: 8
Service: 8
Selection: 8
Yes, I would go back!

I read these reviews before I went to Jan's and was surprised by all the negative feedback. Unlike those window shoppers, I knew exactly what I wanted before I went the shop. There was no need to browse such a small area for 30 mins (I imagine how annoying this can be for people who work retail). When I approached Jan's, I noticed the shop owner seemed to be taking a nap (didn't bother me none since it was 90 degrees out) but quickly woke up when I walked in. She then greeted me and asked if I was looking for anything in particular. I asked if she had any kits for muscle cars and she directed me towards the neatly stacked shelf. When I made my choice she brought a small ladder and got the box for me(I appreciate this kind of service especially from an elderly women). After I choose my paint, I payed for the items (WITH CASH) and got my change. I was in and out of the store in about 10 mins. The only thing I found odd was that she didn't bag the items. I already had a couple bags with me so i didn't mind. I guess they're not wasteful people. Unlike those who waste time looking around at things they're not going to buy. Overall I recommend it for your hobby needs and I plan on going back soon.

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29 out of 56 people found this review helpful.

pretty decent

By brooklynrocks326 on 5/5/2010

Overall Rating: 7
Service: 5
Selection: 8
Yes, I would go back!

i have been going to Jan's for a while now and the owners have always been nice to me when i went there. they do have a great selection but do expect to pay a little more if you go there. they have plenty of forces of valor in 1:32 and 1:72 and a lot of model kits.

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38 out of 72 people found this review helpful.

Confirming a review

By supmanofsteel on 11/20/2009

Overall Rating: 6
Service: 2
Selection: 9
Yes, I would go back!

There was a person that stated that an older woman (possibly Jan- the owner) had scoffed at them for using a debit card for just a 20 dollar purchase. I don't know the person at all but by reading what they wrote I can tell you they are telling the truth. THE EXACT SAME THING happened to me, when I went to use my debit card- She told me "what's the world coming to" I asked her what do you mean, she said for said "for only $25 dollars, whatever happened to using cash. They do have a good selection I will admit but expect to pay generally more for the models and expect to have NO HELP WHATSOEVER with looking for anything you might need. You have to directly ask them that you need help before they so much as look your way.

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48 out of 94 people found this review helpful.

A treasure trove for the experienced modeller

By francese61 on 7/14/2009

Overall Rating: 8
Service: 7
Selection: 9
Yes, I would go back!

I have been a customer of this store for over 25 years and I can tell you that there would be no one more helpful or knowledgable to a newby hobbist than Fred. Fred is not only a master modeller but has experience in this hobby second to none. The informal family atmosphere of the store is mistakenly labeled as "rude" in several of these reviews. Ignore the naysayers. to them I say lighten Up already!

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52 out of 111 people found this review helpful.

Never go back

By nycfoodisgood on 4/17/2009

Overall Rating: 1
Service: 1
Selection: 1
No, I would not go back!

I went to this place once and will never go back. I was looking for rc kits and the manager proceeded to insult me. Middle aged man, im assuming he was the owner/manager, extremely nasty and rude person. i will never return. Prices were very high as well.

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49 out of 100 people found this review helpful.