Drone sales should not be reserved for specialty retailers. Let the marketplace decide which drone sellers will win and lose. Regulations are needed to govern drone use and if those regulations cut into sales, so be it. Drone operators cannot be allowed interfere with law enforcement, fire-fighting or endanger commercial airline flights, as they have in the recent past.

As a shopper who purchased two drones as gifts this holiday, I can testify that the category is overwhelming to the average consumer! The online reviews are confusing and contradictory.

The sheer number of choices of drone styles, sizes and configurations is overwhelming in itself. There are few “established specs” like RAM, hard drive and screen sizes in computers. So it is very difficult to make a value comparison between drones at a similar price point.

Just as gaming hardware evolved into specialists like EB/Gamestop, drones is a large enough and growing category to warrant a retail specialist with product knowledge, selection and hands-on demos. And by the way, I now read that beginners crash a lot and need a lot of extra parts — a major service repair opportunity!

Government regulations will actually help specialty drone retailers — a lot. There will come a time soon where consumers will have to demonstrate their ability to fly their drone safely … a perfect opportunity for the retail specialist to assist consumers in getting certified.

Have never shopped for a drone but can easily see the need for expert advice when making a purchase. The impact of the just-released FAA regulations is yet unknown but I believe it should strengthen the position of specialty retailers.

Sure, but those stores will last as long as model train stores. Drones, like all specialty hobbies, seem to do better on the web. All regulation paper work can be made available on the web. Some stores would be fine, like the limited number of high-mix, strong-focused motorcycle apparel stores. Most gear is bought online for bikes but there are a few stores in the U.S. that are huge that have matching websites — strong and huge! Drone Geek events will also prosper in the next few years.

Then we will move to “Take out the Drone” shooting events and drone parties. Cannot get in without your drone. Trends are so much fun in retail!

I think the market place will decide where drone sales do best. I’d prefer purchasers to want expert product knowledge and prevent risks to themselves and others when they use drones. But it’s the wild, wild West as far as I can tell when it comes to drone use.

Regulations may be carefully crafted and enforced for safety purposes, but there’s a limit on how successful they will be. I doubt they’ll have much impact on retailers.

Sorry, I’m more concerned with the impact on people…on the ground and in the air. Note, the incidence of lasers interfering with pilots in airplanes are now classified in the “to be expected” category. Scary.

It is just a matter of time before regulations take over these devices. Most people use them for fun, however, they are a short-attention-span novelty for most as of today.