[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (Gary @ 28 Mar 2007, 19:27) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>This is an interesting topic and if we loose the small corner shop trader we only have ourselves to blame.
Happy modelling
Gary

PS a birdie has told me one big online trader is having a hard time at the moment and shifting stock at cost and taking in no more secondhand stuff as it is not shifting fast enough for the sort of money required to make a return.

Very, very true Gary.

I don't think that the manufactures and/or wholesalers could legally enforce restrictions under EC law - I could very well be wrong though.

Regarding the "big online trader", if it's who I think it is they do tend to flood eBay with secondhand stock on occasions - crazy thing is the prices people pay for it - ofte more than discounted new price !

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (rb277170 @ 28 Mar 2007, 20:08) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Its not just Railway Modelling where retailers are feeling the pinch. Borders bookshop is apparently offering its 17 UK stores for sale because the book market is increasingly being dominated by the internet.

Looking at the way the big retailers (the book trade is a prime example) have squeezed out the smaller traders with their corporate greed I, for one will not shed any tears for them, when they get into trouble. It's a shame for the people that work for them (not the overpaid executives though) but they have to think of the people who worked for the smaller outfits who lost their employment before the multi's squeezed them out.

Personally, I often buy locally (for any goods) & pay a bit extra, just to help the smaller business'. I know people often have to shop around for basics, but when there is only T**** & a few others left what do you think will happen to the prices ..................

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (Ravenser @ 28 Mar 2007, 22:33) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>But I don't think exhibition layouts'expenses have much to do with this

Don't know what it's like in your part of the world, as you don't state where you are located, but most exhibition managers I talk to tell me that generally the cost of layout expenses = cost of rent from traders & they often feel that some layouts have more operators that required, even taking into account breaks & time to look round the exhibition.

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (Gwent rail @ 29 Mar 2007, 21:52) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yes, Britho I do, but before I'll go to the shop of the exhibitor in question, I'll source it online. I'm dammned if he's having any of my money

Typical "box shifter" - "forest in a box" takes up a lot of room for a small profit, it's also not a big seller at a show, it's also a bit "dull" compared to a new locomotive. The space that the "forest" takes up in the van, trailor or on the stand, you can get 6 or 8 items of rolling stock = much more profit - what would you do if you were a "box shifter" ? Having said that there is no excuse for bad attitude - a simple polite enquiry - a simple polite reply - easypeasy.

We, on the other hand take virtually everything to shows except spare parts. We are always polite & try to spend the time to talk to customers, give out advice & so on. Still, we have a lot of fun at shows & are gradually building up trade, so we must be doing something right !