That sounds like a clear explanation of the situation, and that there is no
ideal solution. I tend to agree that people find things to buy up to the level
of their budget (and sometimes beyond), and more opportunity to do so is not
usually necessary. It is like those who list something on
ebay for eight or nine days rather than the typical week (or even less):
probably most prospective bidders check either when something is first listed
or the closing day, so any longer window is probably wasted time for lister and
bidders.
At the same time, I can understand the frustration of a seller--especially a
dealer--who loads a trailer or van and drives a considerable distance for a
single day. On the other hand, it might make a difference whether most of the
prospective buyers are there for the entire package or whether there will be
some walk-in traffic throughout the entire meet. I know I did sympathize with
Don Heimburger and a few others the Friday I was at Duluth, sitting around all
day with few customers to show for all their trouble (I tried to do my best to
help Don dispose of some of what he brought). And I wondered at Tom Lennon
being tasked to represent the convention sponsors for the day (perhaps he drew
the short straw?) while everyone else was off riding the excursion.
The only previous Narrow Gage convention I attended was twenty-five years ago,
so I can't recall that most of the sales room hours were at night, but much may
have changed over the years since. I shall get a chance to find out in a month
after that long hiatus (it helps that my daughter and her family live in the St
Louis area, so I get a twofer with the grandchildren).
Jace Kahn
General Manager
Ceres & Canisteo RR Co./Champlain County Traction Co.
> > The issue about "trade room" hours
> > has been around for years with plenty
> > of passion on both sides.
> > Jim Kindraka
>
> Jim is certainly right about the passion. One fellow in Duluth explained the
> issue as a split between the AF-oriented dealers and the modeling-oriented
> folks selling stuff "on the side". As his explanation went, the
> modeling-oriented folks prefer to shut the dealer hall down temporarily so
> that they can go on the various tours and other events with family and
> friends. The AF sellers want to maximize sales and prefer to have the
> longest possible open hours and have little interest in anything else. Thus
> the conflict.
>
> Speaking for myself only, I agree 100% with Jim that whether tables are open
> for a 36 hours (3 12-hour days) or 24 hours or 12 hours, I suspect that most
> of us will find a way to make the rounds of stuff for sale and make a prompt
> decision. That certainly would not have been hard to do in Duluth or most
> other NASG conventions.
>
> Another way of looking at this is for the local host group to decide whether
> they are putting on a convention or a swap meet. If it is a swap meet, then
> go all out for maximum sales and ignore everything else. If selling swap
> meet tables is the prime objective, then perhaps longer selling hours is
> needed to keep the sellers happy. If the event is considered a convention,
> then other events such as tours, clinics, etc. should have an equal standing
> with selling.
>
> Interestingly, the narrow gauge convention and the Sn3 Symposium usually have
> the tours in the daylight hours and the selling time mostly in the evening
> when it is dark outside. Thus the vendors can go on tours and do other
> things with family and friends. Nobody seems to complain about that
> arrangement as far as I know. Most of them actually like it.
>
> Jim is right with his observation there is no easy answer. In "S"acto, the
> NASG swap meet will be 12 hours long -- one full day. There will be no
> competing S-oriented events during that time, but all the NMRA activities
> will be in full swing. At Duluth, one S firm told me that one full day was
> not enough and he would not be coming to "S"acto. I was disappointed, but
> that's the way it is....
>
> See you in "S"acto...Ed L.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
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