Off to work as Vendor at Train Show first time ever!

I have been a vendor. You will have a blast. You meet a bunch of people and hopefully make some money.

When I was active in modular club railroading, I distinctly remember it being rather strange being on the "inside" of the layout early in my affiliation with the group. That feeling will quickly become "normal!"

You'll have a great time!

Say Good Morning to everyone that gets near your table. Make your items very presentable that you have for sale. Also, make sure they are clean. Make sure all your items are clearly marked with a price tag. Stand up straight and smile. Last thing, have fun.

Here is my two cents, do as everyone stated above and the following;

Bring change $1, $5 and $10 about $200 worth for change of the large bills when people purchase from you.

Also bring plastic bags.

I have done the train show as a vendor three times.

Have not done it in a while.......but always enjoyed talking to folks. You'll have fun.

Peter

Think of your most positive experiences as a buyer at train shows. What did the vendors involved do to make you feel good about your purchase?  A good morning greeting, a smile like they were happy to see you, a relaxed conversational tone, not a hard sell, all of these may have made your purchase more pleasant.

Jim Sutter's suggestions are right on the mark. Many times I've picked up an item and there is no price. So I don't have any idea if the price will be reasonable. Then you ask and get the spiel about it being rare, hard to find, etc. Put price tags on everything and dicker pleasantly and cheerfully but don't be afraid to say "that's the best I can do". Know your bottom line for each item. Thank everyone for their offers, even the ridiculously low ones. People skills really help sell merchandise!

I would give directions to the test table (if present) or accompany a prospective buyer there and encourage testing of all features.

Get as much of your stuff on the table top as possible. People rummaging through boxes unintentionally damage stuff as they move items. A cloth cover for the table adds warmth.

Most of all enjoy your conversations, make a few bucks and try not to buy more than you sell!

This works for me:

If you really want to sell your stuff price it very reasonably.  If someone has interest in more than one  item offer package pricing.  Look at what others have for sale to compare pricing.  If a competing table holder has one of your items for a throw away price consider buying it.  Otherwise it will affect your sales.  If a lot of folks have unacceptable lower prices than you  have for the same thing hold it back for a later sale or try to use it for bartering with other vendors

Consider eyeballing stuff you may want for yourself.  At the end of the sale if any target items are left over try for a bargain offer or trade.  Keep your ears open for unique situations, there are times when you can make an offer for an entire table that is crazy and it may be accepted.   Years ago i purchased an entire table of low priced almost new HO stuff from a neighbor's table at Timonium b/4 the show opened.  The guy was happy and left right away.  The promoter allowed me to have his table and I sold off his stuff at a decent profit. 

Check out the guys unloading b/4 opening.  lots of older folks selling off stuff have very low blow out pricing at the get go.  You can buy and resell in a matter of hours.  Bring blank price stickers for this purpose,

If another dealer wants "dealer pricing"  let him know that dealers buy in quantity.  Go for the package deal.

If you serious about being a seller, pay attention to the buyers!

Many is the time I have wanted to buy an item but couldn't get the seller's attention as he was jabbering away with his buddies about his gall bladder operation or some such. It's also a hoot when the seller and 3 or 4 of his friends are standing in front of the table swapping lies and blocking view of the wares on the table. 

It's a fun time, but very hard on the feet!   I stand around the Henning's Trains booth a lot with the demo of my products.  Lots of folks come by with questions and to buy.  Don't judge every show by your first one, I've seen some that there's a ton of sales, and others where there is almost none.  There's no rhyme or reason to the ebb and flow.

hope you have a great time. here's my two cents....

price you stuff! and if you don't want people handling the trains (some of us can be clumsy) have the prices easily seen.

price fairly....don't be the guy with the overpriced rusted missing parts that brings the same stuff over and over

acknowledge people ...I have no problem waiting if you are talking to someone, but unless it's business...have your buddy wait, after all I want to give you $$

and don't be the seller that's MIA for the length of the show. we all need to take a break for various reasons, so have someone watch your stuff and let customers know you'll be right back.

Say hello  for sure....  I get a charge out  of some of the vendors sitting back and ignoring the customer . Then he  wonders why he didn't sell much.  worst show ever... 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

It's a fun time, but very hard on the feet!   I stand around the Henning's Trains booth a lot with the demo of my products.  Lots of folks come by with questions and to buy.  Don't judge every show by your first one, I've seen some that there's a ton of sales, and others where there is almost none.  There's no rhyme or reason to the ebb and flow.

John, other than York twice a year, do you sell your products at any other shows? Do you also demo and sell your items at Henning's Trains store?

I haven't sold at train meets for quite some time.  But when I did, I always enjoyed doing so.  Everyone who has posted in your thread so far is right on track.  

As a buyer, if I don't see prices on items and the seller is "asleep", I walk away.  Seeing a clearly marked legible price on each item is important to me as a buyer.  A seller paying attention is also welcoming to most buyers.   I know it can get boring as a seller at times.  Get to know the guys selling on either side of you.  You will know right off the bat if you can ask them to watch your table while to make a head call or get something to eat.  And offer your services as well, in return. 

The last show I attended as a buyer I left with two arm loads of items.  All of the items I bought were from sellers whop were paying attention and who were willing to work with me on the price.

Good luck. 

ogaugeguy posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

It's a fun time, but very hard on the feet!   I stand around the Henning's Trains booth a lot with the demo of my products.  Lots of folks come by with questions and to buy.  Don't judge every show by your first one, I've seen some that there's a ton of sales, and others where there is almost none.  There's no rhyme or reason to the ebb and flow.

John, other than York twice a year, do you sell your products at any other shows? Do you also demo and sell your items at Henning's Trains store?

We have never done demos at Henning's store, it would be pretty hard to gather a critical mass of people at one time to make it worthwhile.  At York, there are a continuous stream of people coming by, so you get a lot of bang for the buck as far as showing the products.

 If you are setting up at a public show, just be aware that some people will want to handle your trains. Kids passing by may randomly touch or pick up items they can reach. They love to roll items back and forth if the items are on their wheels.

Don't let this upset you.

Here is how I deal with it:

1 - put stuff that you don't mind being handled towards the front of the table.
2 - Put the better stuff towards the back.
3 - if you absolutely do not want something handled, don't bring it.

Also, contact the promotor to find out what sort of food will be available.
I've been to shows where there was next to nothing, and to shows where the food was great.
Sometimes prices are reasonable, other times not.
You may want to pack a lunch.

I always bring a couple of bottles of water.

John, does Henning's have your items installed in engines and passenger cars on their layout so folks who come to the store can see your items working? I personally prefer a "live" demo rather than viewing videos on forums and the internet.

I think you'll enjoy yourself and make some new friends too. It's different being on the other side of the table.  I try to be friendly but not pushy, let the buyer talk and make a reasonable offer which usually seals the deal. You may even trade with a fellow seller. Good luck.  RICH

ogaugeguy posted:

John, does Henning's have your items installed in engines and passenger cars on their layout so folks who come to the store can see your items working? I personally prefer a "live" demo rather than viewing videos on forums and the internet.

Not really, but soon there will be a store expansion and a larger demo layout, maybe I can arrange to have a demo of some of the stuff when that happens.

PLCPROF must have shopped some of the same shows l have! Or, at least one with those same (non)dealers. I walk by thinking, "you guys paid for a table so you could hold your family reunion HERE!?" But l have that thought when trying to get through the aisles at York. I always have priced ltems per TCA rules, when there were active shows in this area, but wasn't finding anything new, to resell and was becoming one of those with same old stuff, and gave it up, at least until now.

ogaugeguy posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

It's a fun time, but very hard on the feet!   I stand around the Henning's Trains booth a lot with the demo of my products.  Lots of folks come by with questions and to buy.  Don't judge every show by your first one, I've seen some that there's a ton of sales, and others where there is almost none.  There's no rhyme or reason to the ebb and flow.

John, other than York twice a year, do you sell your products at any other shows? Do you also demo and sell your items at Henning's Trains store?

No, yesterday was my first time out.  My item is a book sponsored by two FORUM sponsors MTH ELECTRICS TRAINS and ROSS CUSTOM SWITCHES.  I'm not allowed to promote it here myself because I'm not a Forum Sponsor.  Ross just recently got a box from me to take to shows as well.  Yet another FORUM sponsor Mr. Muffin/Korber Models also have a box of books which they will sell at their shop and at shows.

John,

How did your show experience go??

Joeceleb posted:

John,

How did your show experience go??

Joe:

Thanks for asking!  I had the best time.  I really enjoyed talking to the other vendors as well as all the people passing by.  All of us are very passionate about this hobby even though there are so many variations---all the scales---varying 2 rail or 3 rail, toy or "real" but we all love the hobby.

It is amazing how much you can learn--even an old dog like me---by listening to the experiences.  I admit my favorite conversations are the one when someone looks at me and says:  "young man..."  I'm like, they are talking to me!  :-)

I was very pleased to see so many young people there.  One teenage kid came by and he reminded me so much of me at that age.  I did twist his arm to buy my book.  He did and I told him that you wouldn't believe all the money, time and effort I spent learning things thru the school of hard knocks.  I promised him that he would love this book and to call me after reading it.  I'm real interested to hear his viewpoint.  

There were also a couple of young people in the club that sponsored the show.  Always good to see.

I'm doing my next show in Beech Grove, Indiana in a few weeks and then the following weeks the Martinsville, IN NMRA show.  I'm looking forward to it.

I've been in this hobby 45 years and last Saturday was my first time on the "other" side of the table.  Great day, great experience.  Looking forward to meeting more people.

Thanks Joe.

Sorry, I didn't read thru all the posts above but I have sold before at train shows and air shows and flea marts.  Determine your prices for each item and mark them clearly.  But, most importantly, determine what your rock bottom prices are for each item.  There's always someone who will ask if you will take a lower price than that which is marked.  Not saying they will low ball you, some might, but some may just want you to knock a buck or two off.  That makes them feel like they won.  Good luck!

Rick

John, are you coming to York? 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

John, are you coming to York? 

I wish John.  My hope is to go and see it one day.  Unfortunately, my regular professional commitments and an elderly family member's condition precludes the possibility now.  I envy all of you who get to go.  I am associated with many people in central Indiana who do go and I am always interested in hearing about it when they return.    

Were you selling your  books, trains, or both?

C W Burfle posted:

Were you selling your  books, trains, or both?

book, a few train pieces and promoting the Great Northern Railway Historical Society.  I was also promoting Rich and crew about the magazine and a lot about the Great Layout Adventures series of videos.  I should ask Rich to be on the payroll.  Mostly, I was having fun.  The social aspect of the hobby is something I enjoy the most...