
Maybe it's been there a while, but I have only just noticed it. Best take more care than usual with my shopping list next April.
Regards,
Bob
dal-t wrote:Well, I hope he makes a go of it, but there won't be many on-line orders from me. I was about to purchase a couple of ground signals and an odd bit and bob earlier this week, until I discovered that the postage was going to be more than twice the value of the goods. It's a fixed sum, so OK if you're buying kits (or even big signals - I do have a 7mm Distant that needs replacing ...) but 12 euros postage for an A5 jiffy bag is a bit steep!
David B wrote: What circumstances might cause traders to decide to leave shows and go only on-line?
Paul Townsend wrote: An occasional public appearance is essential IMHO.
David B wrote:It may be a 'sign of the times' and cost is a very important factor. This is why I said earlier that I feel it would be advisable for Societies and show organisers to give this some serious thought, to talk to the trade and see how they might work together to ensure continued attendance of traders at shows. It may well mean traders going to fewer shows, but if those shows were spread geographically, well advertised and supported by modellers, it would be a positive move for the hobby. I don't feel referring to it being a 'sign of the times' and doing nothing is going to help.
The alternative, I fear, is decline all round.
Le Corbusier wrote: As far as the Scalefour shows are concerned, I wonder if small traders might be regarded in a similar light to demonstrators ... in many ways they fill a similar niche. If the reality is that costs are barely covered then where is the incentive? To punters like myself their presence is definitely one of the draws ... not simply for the opportunity to buy, but also both to see and handle what is available and also to talk .... most have considerable knowledge and expertise to impart. Maybe not workable .... but just a thought
David B wrote:It may be a 'sign of the times' and cost is a very important factor. This is why I said earlier that I feel it would be advisable for Societies and show organisers to give this some serious thought, to talk to the trade and see how they might work together to ensure continued attendance of traders at shows. It may well mean traders going to fewer shows, but if those shows were spread geographically, well advertised and supported by modellers, it would be a positive move for the hobby. I don't feel referring to it being a 'sign of the times' and doing nothing is going to help.
The alternative, I fear, is decline all round.
Flymo748 wrote: And the internet *is* more convenient for the majority of things. Maybe not glues and flux, but if I do know what I want (like another Ratio kit), then of course it's easier to click and buy.
Dave Franks wrote:....I can sit at home in me pants and do the orders ready to post at the end of the day.... (please don't picture this too hard).....
Le Corbusier wrote:Flymo748 wrote: And the internet *is* more convenient for the majority of things. Maybe not glues and flux, but if I do know what I want (like another Ratio kit), then of course it's easier to click and buy.
If trade stands go the same way at shows, then unless another friendly modeller can show and tell, you have to await on the arrival of the post to see if you actually want or are satisfied with the goods![]()
If that happens then perhaps the show will need to morph into something far more like a workshop
SteamAle wrote:Visiting layout transport and accommodation costs are our biggest expense, after the venue, so I have to work to a shrinking budget to try and break even. It never ceases to amaze me what some people/clubs expenses are to bring their layout to a show. Eight operators, hire van for four days and three cars is unlikely to be invited due it costing two thirds of my budget. A layout that comes in a car with two operators probably will be, if it is not straight out of the box RTR.
I'm full this year but if the owner of an S4 layout would like to exhibit please let me know. Bob Hetherington brought Garrigill for its first outing, letting him make improvements for its outings to Scotrail and S4 events.
Philip
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