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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | Pete,
Nobody said I was getting into them for free(except for the Milwaukee Sports Show), but I tell you this. 90% of the baits I buy can be bought without having to pay $10.00 to get in to buy them. I highly doubt these promoters are taking losses at these shows, matter of fact I'd bet they're making a living at them.
Shows are promotional right? Companies promoting baits, Tackle Shops promoting what lines they carry. I understand it takes money to make baits, but why should I pay an additional $10.00 to buy one? If I can get my money back through price breaks on baits or equipment, I could justify going more than I do.
I usually hit the Milwaukee Musky Expo once every two years. I hit Rollie's, Guide's Choice or Smokey's almost weekly and pay just as much at these places (give or take a buck) for an Undertaker as I could at the show.
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Posts: 663
| I didn't mean that you were personally getting into the shows free. What I mean is that every kind of trade show in any industry has a charge to get in. Example Auto shows, boat shows, even industry trade shows that are not for the public charge a fee to enter. If the people putting on the show don't make some money they simply won't do it anymore. Yes, most of the times the sponsors are providing the speakers but aside from that they still have a lot of costs involved in putting on a show. The unique aspect of any show is the ability to bring together resources from many areas and put them all under one roof for a few days. This allows consumers to come to one place and compare the various products and services that are being offered. The educational sessions are a great added benefit that is a further enticement to bring people in to the show. In my opinion the educational and social aspects that other posters have listed is worth the admission fee. I just took a look at the two page ad in Musky Hunter for the Tri-Esox show (bet that ad wasn't free) and noted that you can purchase a three day pass for $20. There will be something like 14 seminar presentations during the 3 days plus pool demos. So a guy or gal can go there and learn from some of the notables in our sport for about the same cost as one educational DVD. I'd say that's a pretty good deal. The admission fee is not just for "the right to go in and buy products". If that was the case then I'd say you're right and just go shop at the individual stores you like. Also remember a lot of folks don't have the opportunity to visit some of these retailers in person. Even as an exhibitor and competitor I sometimes purchase products from the other retailers if they have something that I don't have in my store. So I take advantage of the ability to buy something cool from Smokey's for example although I don't get down to Pewaukee to visit the store much. And going to shows is much different than catalog shopping. I want to talk to guys about what their bait does, how it works, look at actual samples and colors in real life etc.
The bottom line for me is: if you don't think you're gaining anything by paying an admission price to attend a show then maybe you should choose to not attend. No disrespect to anyone intended but why go if you feel bad about spending the dough to get in and feeling like you're getting ripped off? |
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Posts: 2112
Location: The Sportsman, home, or out on the water | I guess that maybe I have a few more things to say.............................
My show prices will be at least 10% lower than my web site price. My Bucktails will be more than 10%. Since no shops carry my products yet (by design, I won't sell to shops until after the show season), I will only be competing with other small time folks for your dollars. John W, I look forward to meeting you, as well as many others. I understand your need to hold something before you buy it, I am the same way. I forget who brought the costs of having a booth along with all the other related expences, but it was a great point, as well as the face time comment. I like the fact that there is so many people that think the same way I do.
Snifff....and here I thought I was all alone......lol |
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Posts: 358
| Lots of interesting view points taken here.
Before I opened my own business, the shows were a chance for me to talk with a lot of folks connected to the sport. Maybe catch a seminar or two, but for the most part it was a chance to see what was new, what was old, and what some folks were talking about for future plans.
Admission fees, we all have paid them for one type of show or another. Back when I was still riding, getting into a Harley show would have made the Chicago Musky Show a bargain at twice the price. Pete S. is corect when he says that all the vendors (myself included) share in the cost of producing the show.
Deals, bargains, and the show! Speaking for myself only (and my business) I do realize that every person that has passed my booth has paid to get in the show. Heck, for a whole lot of years, I was one of those people. In this regard, I do extend a discount at the show, and yes it is called a "show special." Last year, I got a call from a gentlemen that picked up a brochure at my booth and asked if the "show special" was still on? This was a week later, and the gym floor at Harper College was teaming with sweaty basketball players. I gave him the discount, because he obviously paid attention to what he saw.
The bottom line here in my opinion is this, be an educated consumer and if there is something that you truly have in mind to purchase, shop around before getting to the show. Keeping in mind that musky fishing still has the least interest of angling sport out there, we are a relatively small community among anglers (and that is just fine with me LOL)
I hope to have all the MF folks stop by my booth and say "Hello." Its always great to meet the participants on this board. Take care all.
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