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QUOTE (Ravenser @ 28 Mar 2007, 22:33) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Neither , I think.
Discussion of the "right kind of trade" is also a tricky one. There's a lot of criticism of "box shifters " being present at shows - meaning anyone whose stand features lots of Bachmann and Hornby . But at the shows on my patch the "boxshifter" traders are - the local model shops. I'm fortunate to have a model shop about 10 mins walk away , but he definitely does several of the local shows with a stand heaped with red and blue boxes. The shop is in fact under a degree of threat at present as the proprietor has health problems . I'd be dismayed to lose him - is he really someone to be banned from local shows as that wicked thing a "box shifter" ? (And yes he does swapmeets)
Come to that is there anything wrong in being able to buy a Hornby Pendolino or a Bachmann 9F at a show? I think the attitude that RTR has no legitimate place in the hobby is about 40 years out of date.
I have no problem with "box shifters" at a show, but to be worth me visiting I also want some representation from "specialist suppliers".
At a recent exhibition I attended (only 14 layouts and 9 traders) there were a couple of small traders and at least 1 specialist trader.
I know because I paid 3 visits to his stand and bought quite a few bits and pieces. I spent a total of about 25 minutes with him and gleaned some useful tips.
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, you'll have to come to the shop". Now in my case, that involves crossing the Severn Bridge (£5.10) and fighting through the Bristol traffic, parking in a multi-storey car park and walking a fair way to the shop. Needless to say I will not be making that trip. I will also make sure that I never buy a boxed item from him again either.
I didn't like his attitude, I didn't like his approach to exhibition sales and I didn't like being dismissed as someone not likely to spend bundles of cash on the day (and yes I did hear him dismiss others in the same way)
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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.
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Discussion of the "right kind of trade" is also a tricky one. There's a lot of criticism of "box shifters " being present at shows - meaning anyone whose stand features lots of Bachmann and Hornby . But at the shows on my patch the "boxshifter" traders are - the local model shops. I'm fortunate to have a model shop about 10 mins walk away , but he definitely does several of the local shows with a stand heaped with red and blue boxes. The shop is in fact under a degree of threat at present as the proprietor has health problems . I'd be dismayed to lose him - is he really someone to be banned from local shows as that wicked thing a "box shifter" ? (And yes he does swapmeets)
Come to that is there anything wrong in being able to buy a Hornby Pendolino or a Bachmann 9F at a show? I think the attitude that RTR has no legitimate place in the hobby is about 40 years out of date.
I have no problem with "box shifters" at a show, but to be worth me visiting I also want some representation from "specialist suppliers".
At a recent exhibition I attended (only 14 layouts and 9 traders) there were a couple of small traders and at least 1 specialist trader.
I know because I paid 3 visits to his stand and bought quite a few bits and pieces. I spent a total of about 25 minutes with him and gleaned some useful tips.
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, you'll have to come to the shop". Now in my case, that involves crossing the Severn Bridge (£5.10) and fighting through the Bristol traffic, parking in a multi-storey car park and walking a fair way to the shop. Needless to say I will not be making that trip. I will also make sure that I never buy a boxed item from him again either.
I didn't like his attitude, I didn't like his approach to exhibition sales and I didn't like being dismissed as someone not likely to spend bundles of cash on the day (and yes I did hear him dismiss others in the same way)
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.
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