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I decided to post this as a topic as I noticed it in another thread.

It seems to me that many of our shows and exhibitions are slowly losing the small trader who for many years was the main reason for many of us attending shows.

Is this due to internet trading or are they being forced out of the exhibitions by the organisers having to pay massive expenses to some layouts which means only the big dealers can afford to attend?

This has, to a degree, led to the demise of a large number of small model shops as well.

If we do not support the smaller traders we are going to lose them.

What are your views?

Regards

John

 

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QUOTE (Gwent rail @ 29 Mar 2007, 00:53) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>There was also a "box shifter" in the form of one of the leading retailers in the region. Now I know that this retailer supplies "forest in a box" at his shop and I wanted some. When I asked, I was told "Oh no, we don't bring that sort of stuff to exhibitions, .............
No problem with "box shifters" per sae at an exhibition then, just arrogant retailers who spoil exhibitions by treating them as "cash cows" and have no time to be civil and helpful to the paying public.

Exactly one of the problems I was getting at, I have found in the past that if you help someone out or give advice they will quite often a) contact you again, or

spend more with you than they would have done otherwise.

By the way do want any seafoam? (AKA forestin a box)

Regards

John

 

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QUOTE (alastairq @ 30 Mar 2007, 12:06) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Whilst not quite on topic....I support my local model train shop whenever I physically can....
There IS another 'local' shop, in the other direction, I patronise if possible too............

One talks in a 'positive' manner,is obviously an honest enthusiast, with honest opinions, and is willing to impart those views......the shop 'appears' to do well.

The other will tend to bleat the 'hard done by' line....about how they cannot even buy wholesale at the retail prices of some of the big firms.

If I enquire as to why they haven't got a website to sell over, it's a case of 'its too much hassle' etc....??

I use tinternet..I find it convenient....I don't have to drive around, find parking, take up (my valuable) time, etc.

To me the internet is the small trader's boone.....and here I'm particularly referring to those traders who are specialists, rather than small retailers.

As far as I can see, and I am the world's most uncommercially thinking person....any small trader, of whatever persuasion, MUST embrace the internet for that 'wider' audience, to survive.

Some very good points in there Alastair - I didn't read it as off topic but a useful and thought provoking view on the subject I raised.

I think you are partially right about the internet, but at the end of the day you just can't beat good old fashioned customer service.

Regards

John

 

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Some good points raised there John, I think you have hit the nail on the head with your observation about making a living. It's hard enough to break even these days without actually making a profit.

Regards

John