What makes a great show?

Mdmtx · #1 07-10-2016, 08:28 PM

One of my pet peeves have always been the dealers packing up early. I understand there can be a few that have schedule conflict, but mass amounts bailing early is poor form in my opinion. Each dealer should have to get permission for early departure or risk not being sold a table next event. I believe it shows a huge lack of professionalism and it bothered me when I used to setup at shows because I felt it limited sales and it bothers me as a collector when I have made the commitment to be there during advertised hours, but it isn't what was advertised.

Mark

Rich Klein · #2 07-10-2016, 08:42 PM

Mark:

To be fair to those dealers packing up early, sometimes they have to drive long distances to get back home. I know Mike Mowrey from Arkansas likes to pack up a bit early as he has a 5 plus hour drive back to his home.

And if the show has been slow or there is a reason to get out of a show, then they do need to leave to get home. Always a case by case basis.

Gloria Rothstein was real good about ensuring dealers stayed to the very end (or almost the very end) unless you spoke to her beforehand. But even Gloria would let you leave early if a show did not live up to expectations. Gloria tried some other locations to expand her show and one show went so badly she walked around at 1 PM on Sunday and told the dealers they were free to leave.

Dallas is a truly strange market in that most of the shows continue PAST the scheduled closing time as the dealers do most of their business after the show than before the show. So I bet in Dallas, if you come in as a show is ending you will usually find some vendors still there.

Rich

skelly · #3 07-10-2016, 08:57 PM

I agree with Mark, at least here on the east coast, dealers packing up early is a huge issue. Basically most shows advertise as 9-3 and the place is wrapped up by 1:30-2:00. Collectors know the dealers will pack up early, so no one bothers to come after noon time. Kind of a vicious cycle. I guess the answer would be to just run the show from 9-12 and If the dealers want to stay a little later, that could be up to them.

buymycards · #4 07-10-2016, 08:58 PM

Hi Rich, you should look at the other side of this. Many customers also drive a long distance and it isn't fair to them to have half of the dealers gone when they arrive. A few years ago I went to a large show at the Rosemont in Chicago. I made the mistake of going on Sunday. When I arrived, it was around 10:30. By noon many of the dealers were gone and many more were packing up. An 8 hour round trip was wasted.

Also, for you dealers, bring some change. I can't believe how many dealers can't break a ten dollar bill. For you customers, you should also bring some ones, fives, and tens to save yourself some hassle.

Rick

Rich Klein · #5 07-10-2016, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buymycards

Hi Rich, you should look at the other side of this. Many customers also drive a long distance and it isn't fair to them to have half of the dealers gone when they arrive. A few years ago I went to a large show at the Rosemont in Chicago. I made the mistake of going on Sunday. When I arrived, it was around 10:30. By noon many of the dealers were gone and many more were packing up. An 8 hour round trip was wasted.

Also, for you dealers, bring some change. I can't believe how many dealers can't break a ten dollar bill. For you customers, you should also bring some ones, fives, and tens to save yourself some hassle.

Rick

Rick:

I get it as a customer, you want the show to be full when the customers arrive. I was just giving some reasons why some dealers may leave early. So far, we've been lucky at my shows that most dealers have stayed till the end or nearly the end. But I'm never going to refuse someone their right to leave if they paid for their tables, as the saying goes -- it's their money -- and their right. As for me as a promoter -- I stay till closing.

Mdmtx · #6 07-10-2016, 08:59 PM

Rich,

I agree100% if someone has a conflict such as a long drive or previous commitment. But you never know when that one guy is going to walk in and plunk down big money. In my opinion if a show is advertised to go until X time, the majority should be there until X time. Nobody can know for certain what buyers are coming. You may be able to make an educated guess, but nobody can truly know.

On another note I think it helps in the professionalism if the dealer stands (if possible) and greets the customers. These purchases are all of a 1st world issue and the people that pose as though selling life saving commodities and act gruff and distant turn me off in a big way. Nothing better than a smile, a little bargaining, a couple jokes or anecdotes and a deal followed by a hand shake. This is a fun HOBBY and some seem to forget that. At Rich's shows all the people seem very cordial. Always great to see Roger Neufeldt and the like. I've never seen Rodger in a foul mood and I've known him for 30 years or so now. My comments are in now way a commentary on rich's show. I try to go each month. Actually met Leon face to face last month. Rich does a great job of creating a positive environment.

Mark

Rich Klein · #7 07-10-2016, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mdmtx

Rich,

I agree100% if someone has a conflict such as a long drive or previous commitment. But you never know when that one guy is going to walk in and plunk down big money. In my opinion if a show is advertised to go until X time, the majority should be there until X time. Nobody can know for certain what buyers are coming. You may be able to make an educated guess, but nobody can truly know.

On another note I think it helps in the professionalism if the dealer stands (if possible) and greets the customers. These purchases are all of a 1st world issue and the people that pose as though selling life saving commodities and act gruff and distant turn me off in a big way. Nothing better than a smile, a little bargaining, a couple jokes or anecdotes and a deal followed by a hand shake. This is a fun HOBBY and some seem to forget that. At Rich's shows all the people seem very cordial. Always great to see Roger Neufeldt and the like. I've never seen Rodger in a foul mood and I've known him for 30 years or so now. My comments are in now way a commentary on rich's show. I try to go each month. Actually met Leon face to face last month. Rich does a great job of creating a positive environment.

Mark

+1

Aquarian Sports Cards · #8 07-10-2016, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdmtx

one of my pet peeves have always been the dealers packing up early. I understand there can be a few that have schedule conflict, but mass amounts bailing early is poor form in my opinion. Each dealer should have to get permission for early departure or risk not being sold a table next event. I believe it shows a huge lack of professionalism and it bothered me when i used to setup at shows because i felt it limited sales and it bothers me as a collector when i have made the commitment to be there during advertised hours, but it isn't what was advertised.

Mark

amen

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