I was at the show yesterday and thought I'd share my views.
I had a good time speaking with several dealers, particularly Leon and Chris Buckler. I thought most dealers were helpful and proactive trying to find stuff for customers, even had a few direct me to other dealers who they thought might have what I was looking for. However, it seems a few dealers continue to not understand that customer service, even if it doesn't result in an immediate sale, gives a lasting impression. Personally, I know I'm not going to bother inquiring about an item if the dealer is talking on his cell phone, has head phones on, or is sleeping, all of which I saw dealers doing throughout the afternoon.
The attendance seemed slow throughout the day and from my conversations, I got the impression it was even slower Friday. Not sure if it was the weather, too soon after the last Philly show, or what, but if people don't attend, they can't expect the dealers to come back. I would also point out that the aisles seemed more widely spaced then at the Philly show and this may have made it appear even less crowded than it actually was. On the positive side, the room layout provided plenty of space for everyone to move around, including the families with strollers (of which their seemed to be quite a few).
On the vintage side, I definitely think there was a good assortment. Prices ranged from just above Ebay to much, much higher. As previously stated, I agree that prices overall were a bit lower than the Philly Show and dealers seemed more than willing to drop their prices immediately. Many times I heard dealers say they could do better on the price before even showing someone a card or that the price listed was just a place to start talks.
Personally, I was concentrating on trying to make progress on my E93 set. While there was a larger selection to choose from then I've previously encountered at shows, either prices were way too high or they were players I already had. As a result, I came away from the show with nothing for myself. However, I definitely think the show has a lot of potential and could really grow. I'm planning to go to the next show and would recommend everyone who did not attend to go to the next show as well.
One last comment, one of the main complaints I have been hearing about the Philly Show is that it is becoming an "autograph" show. I don't have a problem having autograph guests, and actually think it can be a great way to get more people in the door. However, I know I have had trouble getting to dealer tables at the Philly Show due to the autograph lines. While there was definitely a presence of the autograph area, there was also ample room allocated so that it did not effect viewing dealer tables.
dj
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