Ok, so I just finished reading the Worcester show reviews in the other thread...
I think people (experienced vendors as well as the novice ones) have lost sight of what these shows
should be doing for them as well as for us (the consumer).
For the newbie vendor AND more importantly, the seasoned vendor, it presents an opportunity that they can't get online...the physical aspect of selling their product (whether new or proven). A real life... "see, touch and discuss" atmosphere in a room filled with their targeted audience who came with MONEY in their pockets that they're ready to part with -
if the price is right.
Prices at these shows should be below anything available online. When attending shows in recent years, I feel like I'm that toddler on the Easter egg hunt,...
but I don't have a map. I don't get it, I go there to buy fishing related items and only seem to leave with free literature and over-priced jerkey. I'm not a vendor, never even had a yard-sale of my own..so perhaps I don't understand all the logistics involved. I'm sure there are instances where a vendor can't under-price a retailer that is already selling their product and so on, but you know what...as a CONSUMER, I DON'T CARE ABOUT THEIR AGREEMENTS. As a working class dog, I'm hoping to score some merchandise at discounted prices. Sure, seeing, touching and discussing is something that I couldn't accomplish online and that's nice and all, but saving some pennies is the ultimate goal for me. I also know that if I end up buying that same product online, a plug-builder for example is still seeing some profit from my sale, (whether bought online directly from them or an online retailer), but my personal expectation is that I should see more discounted prices when attending these shows. I believe that a lot of show vendors are simply there to advertise their product, not actually sell it at that particular show.
Perhaps they don't need to
If that's the case, then I'm the one who is simply confused on why I should or shouldn't be attending these shows. I used to always make it a point to go, and I would travel long distances. Nowadays, I won't drive far...and only seem to go if it's convenient because I already go with the mindset that I probably won't be buying anything.
Seems to me that these shows are now on the brink of yuppification.
OK, vent over. It's 12 Noon and the neon sign on the fridge just turned on..
