Here that they are closing their doors

[sodaworks]

Curtis,
tmoody@lightspeed.net

[Eric]

This Past Chicago Show (November) was one of the better ones I've been to in as long time.
(Some pictures I took in the photo gallery area on this sight)
Seemed, to me, a lot more machines. I think personally the $50 for early admisison is crazy....

Spend $75+ in gas, drive 6-7 hours to get there, stay at their resort ($100 a night) a pass
should be included!
Wish they'd just let the dealers set up! and let us all go in and out and try and get a deal!
Why not.... I would think it would be better for everyone..... just me

Eric

I agree with you - I think that the Dealers should not pay for a space - We are in a new Ebay world and most of the deals go down before the items ever make it to a show. Why would you load up and travel to a show to sell your Item and pay money to buy a space , pay gas , pay hotel - pay food - when you can sit at home and post it on Ebay - get 1 million times the exposure and pay 2.99 . You are the Drawing card for the show. You are the reason there is a show. I agree - Shows are wonderful because you can actually touch the item - Meet the restorer - Make connections. I am ready to do a show that cost the dealer nothing. I think the spectator should enter the show for free as well.

Here is a photo of Curtis's Moon Pie machine he wanted you to see.

[Creighton]

Somebody has to pay for the convention hall/advertising. Insurance is required, security and medical personnel are advised. That said $50 gate seems pretty high. No idea what the vendors were charged.

The trade shows we do (non-soda) as vendors a 10'x10' booth is +/- $600. Admission for one day is $7.00. The promoters make a profit but I don't think it is excessive. With travel/motel/food costs most times we make a fair profit as well but not always.

Check the price to get a convention center area during off peak and see if the vendors would contribute to offset the various costs. Free admission for the customers will only generate good will and further the hobby. Off soapbox :-)
Creighton

[sodaworks]

WOW!!! Here's a couple of picture's of the firetruck bar that Curtis built. This is awesome!!

[sodaworks]

picture #2
  Great Job Curtis!

[Eric]

I've set up at a couple small soda shows... and right... someone has to pay for the advertising, location and insurance.
I don't mind the $6-10 admissions and didn't mind paying to be there set up.

I was talking about the Chicago Show $50 while the vendors set up... (what they called early admission you get a wristband)

If I was a vendor I wouldn't care who bought from me.... The guy that paid 50 bucks or a guy
that drove through 3 states to buy... If I paid a few hundred bucks to set up I would
want everyone to have a chance to buy from me '>

Just think $50 is a lot to expect from a customer... unless..... unless... a VMC 81 7up shows
up and I got it for $50 then the $50 was worth it cause it'd be like getting a VMC 81 7up for
only a $100... what a deal right? '>


Eric

[Lulu]

I set up at a large flea market in the summer.  They charge $25 on Friday when the dealers are setting up.  This really burns me.  I'm trying to set up my booth and I have people looking in my trailer and "rooting" in boxes.  It's also a good time for the "thieves".  My thinking is, if there is a good buy prior to the show opening, let the dealers be the buyers.  We pay the set up fee and other expenses.  

These same show sponsors also take a percentage of the gross sales from the food vendors along with a set up fee!!!

Don't get me started on buyers' premiums!!

Sermon over.

[www.memorylanerestorations.com]

Just wanted to say thanks to Jim and Antique Vending for getting a few photos on the board for me. I'll try this again, so here go's nothing. Just a photo of a bunch of machines I restored.

[Eric]

Wow! Nice... I like the Coca-Cola Standard done in reverse (White with red Lettering).....Hmmmmm

Eric