SURVEY: Symposium purchasing habits

protected items...

tdaniel

>Gary, check with the powers that be before bringing new items. I learned last year that some items are off limits as others who supply equipment for the symp also have them. This is not the way I think shows in America should be run but it is the way it is. I think half the reason that people attend symps is to purchase supplies but then I don't know much.

TD

Re: protected items...

Mark Kauder, Phenix City, AL

>BTW TD, Packard is not going to be there this year. Confict with something else.

Mark

Re: protected items...

Gary Evans, Tallassee, TN

>That's interesting, Terry,

I haven't run into that so far, but most of the tools and equipment that I've sold in the past have been used. I guess the reason I find it odd is that often there will be duplication of stuff at some of the booths.

I'd like to know more details. E-mail me if you don't want to talk about it in public.

Thanks,

Gary

Changing Inventory

Pete Kekel - Kentucky

>From a symposium admin point of view, it's hard to keep everyone happy when a vendor doesn't have a set product line, or changes his inventory in mid-stream. Vendors are signed up to provide a certain type of product or service, and the goal is to have a good selection for the attendees without anyone cornering the market and not having any competition. When a vendor that has only sold pen blanks decides to become an equipment dealer and shows up at the same show he's done for a dozen years, without telling anyone of his inventory changes, selling the same things as the other vendors, I think that's a problem. For the small regional shows, there is only so much money that's going to be spent on wood, tools, or whatever else. If SSS was filled with wood vendors, how many of them would make expenses? And how many would be back next year? The people running the show are trying to make it an enjoyable event for everyone, and one that folks will want to return to - both as buyers and sellers.

Re: Changing Inventory

tdaniel

>If some vendors don't make expenses this year they will either make adjustments to their inventory or not be back next year but when one company is guaranteed they will have no competition with their product line how does that help those who are there to buy equipment or supplies? As a supplier I have to order items that I think will sell months ahead of the event. Once I have these items on hand where do I sell them if not at a turning event? My opinion is the booths should be rented for a price and the renter should be able to have anything in his booth that is turning related and I mean all shows, not just the SSS. (FOWODMS)

(From One Whose Opinion Doesn't Mean Squat)

Re: SURVEY: Symposium purchasing habits

JL

>Unique stuff. I can go to HH or Woodcraft or Rockler for most tools. Old tools are good, nice unique wood blanks are good. If you have some unusual tools that they don't carry at the stores, they are worth looking at. I suppose I also look for "bargains" - 10-15% off what the above three stores charge. My $0.02. Ditto on what TD said.

Re: protected items...

RonZ

>That really sux! I already know that the USA is brainwashed on Oneway but this is interesting information. I have a competitor here and we both show up at IAW meetings in order to sell. We try not to have identical items such as he sells Oneway and I sell Vicmarc, etc. We both bring our lathes to be used for demos, too. This is a market of about 100 woodturners in the whole country though. You would think with such a large market that the USA has it wouldn't be run through 'protectzia'

Re: Changing Inventory

Pete Kekel - Kentucky

>Well, I'm not a vendor, but I don't have a problem with someone being "protected" while paying a booth fee to set up at a show. There aren't really any big deals to be had at the turning shows anyway, and I enjoy seeing some of the larger vendors bringing their full compliment of offerings and being able to see everything in person. I'm also not against a good deal, and plenty of these shows offer bulletin boards for folks to advertise something they have for sale. The show promoters have to decide if they want a trade show or a flea market.

Re: protected items...

Steve Worcester

>I don't think I have ever run into a situation at a symposium where anyone told me I couldn't sell something.

Steve Worcester

www.turningwood.com