The Much Anticipated First Day for Non-TCA Members to Attend York has Arrived

Hmmm..... reflecting on what GRJ says above, I can see where that would cause some issues (to be fair, others further up in the thread have mentioned the tax issue).

I wonder what the implications would be if EDTCA did what restaurants in "dry" areas sometimes do?  That is, you "join" their private members club" which entitles you to purchase member-to-"member" sales of alcohol.  Dunno how the state would view that, but if it works for alky....

Also, the Orange & Purple vendors *usually* didn't charge sales tax if you paid in cash. CC in hand, they'd take it, but add the tax. For cash flow purposes, I'm fine with that. But there's still tax not being collected.

Carl Orton posted:

Also, the Orange & Purple vendors *usually* didn't charge sales tax if you paid in cash. CC in hand, they'd take it, but add the tax. For cash flow purposes, I'm fine with that. But there's still tax not being collected.

If the folks in the dealer halls get caught not collecting tax, they'll have serious issues!  Lots of times at venues like this, the state will have people wandering around monitoring the compliance.  I know at Henning's we were collecting the tax on cash and credit.  It's a PITA, but better than a tax audit and huge fines and court costs!

I've still not quite understood the concept of paying tax on an old item that had tax collected on it at the original point of sale (like at Macy's in 1950) and when the original owner had played with it and handed it down to a favorite nephew who later decided to sell it to buy a bicycle that he has to collect sales tax on it?

Likewise, many years later when subsequent owners of the item decided to sell it to spend elsewhere that they have to collect tax again!

Grrrrrrrr

I don't know how many of you remember, but what killed the outside show at the Billy Budd (Holiday Inn) was the state tax the vendors had to pay.

The tax may be "included" in their price, but if you get audited by the state and haven't paid the tax, fasten your seat belt.  The out of state entities may get away with it, but many of the folk in the dealer halls are PA businesses, there's no option for them.

OGR Webmaster posted:

eddie g posted:

Rich, What I said about the member halls had nothing to do with the public.

I KNOW THAT!  That is precisely my point.

Telling me that a few member halls were crowded means NOTHING in the context of evaluating the public attendance at this show, which is what this thread is supposed to be about.

I have been attending the York show/meet now for fifteen years and I go to enjoy myself and savor the toy/model train experience.  Unfortunately, when I read threads like this I think I just attended the meet from hell, especially when I read responses  where the OGR Webmaster is screaming at another poster because he disagrees with the context of the individual's post.  Witness the red highlighting and bolded/underlined statements in his post.  Get a grip for God's sake.  Also, I would think that an individual who supposedly possesses a high degree of business acumen the Webmaster should recognize the tax implications of allowing non members into the member halls.   In my earlier post I referenced the fact that the Webmaster over the last several years has several times said he was thinking about pulling out of York because he thought it wasn't worthwhile for OGR and has constantly complained about what a poor meet/show it has become and now he is complaining about boxes being brought in and taken out of the orange hall.  Additionally, he doesn't seem to care one iota about the success the member halls were experiencing during this meet/show.  His focus is entirely on how he perceived OGR was treated and its economic bottom line regardless of how successful York may have been in overall terms.    News Flash!!!  York isn't just about OGR but about the entire toy train hobby including vendors selling in the member halls. If you want out then by all means go because I don' t think too many people will miss the whining, bellyaching and name calling.

Carl Orton posted:

I wonder what the implications would be if EDTCA did what restaurants in "dry" areas sometimes do?  That is, you "join" their private members club" which entitles you to purchase member-to-"member" sales of alcohol.  Dunno how the state would view that, but if it works for alky....

 

That is precisely how it works in the member halls. You join the club, in this case the TCA, and sales tax is avoided in the club house, ie Blue, Silver, Red, and White halls. No membership and you can't get in.

Pete

I think not letting non-TCA members into every building is the only thing standing between a gradually declining TCA membership and a downward plunge in membership. 

I'm sorry, but what is wrong with a meet drawing 10,000 or so members twice a year...people that are toy train lovers with money to spend?  Maybe it will have to be October only. I can live with that.

Norton posted:

Carl Orton posted:

I wonder what the implications would be if EDTCA did what restaurants in "dry" areas sometimes do?  That is, you "join" their private members club" which entitles you to purchase member-to-"member" sales of alcohol.  Dunno how the state would view that, but if it works for alky....

 

That is precisely how it works in the member halls. You join the club, in this case the TCA, and sales tax is avoided in the club house, ie Blue, Silver, Red, and White halls. No membership and you can't get in.

Pete

I should have expanded.  Issue a special "one day membership" for the "public" so that they can avoid sales tax hassles for the members in red/white/silver/blue.

Carl Orton posted:

Norton posted:

Carl Orton posted:

I wonder what the implications would be if EDTCA did what restaurants in "dry" areas sometimes do?  That is, you "join" their private members club" which entitles you to purchase member-to-"member" sales of alcohol.  Dunno how the state would view that, but if it works for alky....

 

That is precisely how it works in the member halls. You join the club, in this case the TCA, and sales tax is avoided in the club house, ie Blue, Silver, Red, and White halls. No membership and you can't get in.

Pete

I should have expanded.  Issue a special "one day membership" for the "public" so that they can avoid sales tax hassles for the members in red/white/silver/blue.

They do that too except its good for three days.

Pete

Carl Orton posted:

Norton posted:

Carl Orton posted:

I wonder what the implications would be if EDTCA did what restaurants in "dry" areas sometimes do?  That is, you "join" their private members club" which entitles you to purchase member-to-"member" sales of alcohol.  Dunno how the state would view that, but if it works for alky....

 

That is precisely how it works in the member halls. You join the club, in this case the TCA, and sales tax is avoided in the club house, ie Blue, Silver, Red, and White halls. No membership and you can't get in.

Pete

I should have expanded.  Issue a special "one day membership" for the "public" so that they can avoid sales tax hassles for the members in red/white/silver/blue.

No.  A "temporary membership" devalues the regular TCA membership and makes a mockery of it.  In addition, I like the fact that total strangers at York will take my check because I'm a member of TCA - will that level of trust exist if one can be a member simply for the convenience of attending the meet?  

Mallard4468 posted:

Carl Orton posted:

Norton posted:

Carl Orton posted:

I wonder what the implications would be if EDTCA did what restaurants in "dry" areas sometimes do?  That is, you "join" their private members club" which entitles you to purchase member-to-"member" sales of alcohol.  Dunno how the state would view that, but if it works for alky....

 

That is precisely how it works in the member halls. You join the club, in this case the TCA, and sales tax is avoided in the club house, ie Blue, Silver, Red, and White halls. No membership and you can't get in.

Pete

I should have expanded.  Issue a special "one day membership" for the "public" so that they can avoid sales tax hassles for the members in red/white/silver/blue.

No.  A "temporary membership" devalues the regular TCA membership and makes a mockery of it.  In addition, I like the fact that total strangers at York will take my check because I'm a member of TCA - will that level of trust exist if one can be a member simply for the convenience of attending the meet?  

Well said. I totally agree. One time I bought a locomotive at York with a$100 down on it. Total price was $425. The seller asked me to sign a letter stating I would pay the remaining balance within one month which I did and then he let me take the locomotive home! Try that at a Greenberg show!!!

I did pay off the locomotive and I still have it today. 

I was just trying to respond to the point that if non-members entered Red/White/Blue/Silver, then members would have to hassle with the tax. Concur on the points about the "brotherhood" of being able to trust other members.

Personally, I'd love to see it remain members-only, but I also empathize with vendors trying to justify the cost. Unless someone steps up with some novel solution, it's gotta be some way to draw in more of "the public."

Hudson J1e posted:

Mallard4468 posted:

Carl Orton posted:

Norton posted:

Carl Orton posted:

I wonder what the implications would be if EDTCA did what restaurants in "dry" areas sometimes do?  That is, you "join" their private members club" which entitles you to purchase member-to-"member" sales of alcohol.  Dunno how the state would view that, but if it works for alky....

 

That is precisely how it works in the member halls. You join the club, in this case the TCA, and sales tax is avoided in the club house, ie Blue, Silver, Red, and White halls. No membership and you can't get in.

Pete

I should have expanded.  Issue a special "one day membership" for the "public" so that they can avoid sales tax hassles for the members in red/white/silver/blue.

No.  A "temporary membership" devalues the regular TCA membership and makes a mockery of it.  In addition, I like the fact that total strangers at York will take my check because I'm a member of TCA - will that level of trust exist if one can be a member simply for the convenience of attending the meet?  

Well said. I totally agree. One time I bought a locomotive at York with a$100 down on it. Total price was $425. The seller asked me to sign a letter stating I would pay the remaining balance within one month which I did and then he let me take the locomotive home! Try that at a Greenberg show!!!

I did pay off the locomotive and I still have it today. 

I agree. I met one member and I stated that I was hesitant about purchasing a locomotive because they do not offer parts for it. He said leave my TCA no., take it home run it, then pay for it or return it... I have never seen that kind if trust before! 

I gave him a check, and said sold! And of course it ran flawlessly.

Norton posted:

Carl Orton posted:

I wonder what the implications would be if EDTCA did what restaurants in "dry" areas sometimes do?  That is, you "join" their private members club" which entitles you to purchase member-to-"member" sales of alcohol.  Dunno how the state would view that, but if it works for alky....

 

That is precisely how it works in the member halls. You join the club, in this case the TCA, and sales tax is avoided in the club house, ie Blue, Silver, Red, and White halls. No membership and you can't get in.

Pete

Now this really cuts to the chase - and perhaps the best argument for being a TCA Member.

For 50 bucks, you can take advantage of a twice yearly tax free zone - just plan on spending at least $450 at both Spring and Fall meets.

$900 at 6%(PA State Sales Tax) - and you've recouped your cost of membership.

Roving Sign posted:

Norton posted:

Carl Orton posted:

I wonder what the implications would be if EDTCA did what restaurants in "dry" areas sometimes do?  That is, you "join" their private members club" which entitles you to purchase member-to-"member" sales of alcohol.  Dunno how the state would view that, but if it works for alky....

 

That is precisely how it works in the member halls. You join the club, in this case the TCA, and sales tax is avoided in the club house, ie Blue, Silver, Red, and White halls. No membership and you can't get in.

Pete

Now this really cuts to the chase - and perhaps the best argument for being a TCA Member.

For 50 bucks, you can take advantage of a twice yearly tax free zone - just plan on spending at least $450 at both Spring and Fall meets.

$900 at 6%(PA State Sales Tax) - and you've recouped your cost of membership.

That's a really good perspective I haven't heard before.  

Not that I have any plans to leave the TCA but it's nice to think I've already recouped my membership costs and I still have one meet left this year! 

-Greg

Personally, I'd love to see it remain members-only, but I also empathize with vendors trying to justify the cost. Unless someone steps up with some novel solution, it's gotta be some way to draw in more of "the public."

I would be very surprised to learn that the PA tax department would let  "one day membership" pass.

Also, let's remember that entering the York meet member halls is the one tangible benefit that the TCA offers. The idea is to increase membership, not to encourage people to let their memberships drop.

I don't think I've read or heard of a single complaint from member table holders about the volume of people.
Trainworx is reporting that they had their best show ever.  I believe that John wrote that he was mobbed.
Maybe it has something to do with what they are selling.  

Still waiting to hear about the final count for wrist bands and for "guests".

C W Burfle posted:

I don't think I've read or heard of a single complaint from member table holders about the volume of people.
[...]
Still waiting to hear about the final count for wrist bands and for "guests".

I was pretty happy with the traffic around my tables in the Blue Hall.

I did see a handful of wristbands Friday night in the Orange Hall after the member halls closed.  On Saturday, I saw a lot more walking around the grounds.  I am also waiting to hear about the wristband numbers.  I just hope it attracted enough to cover the costs of the advertising they did.

Andy

Most of this discussion is a re hash of last year and the year before and the year before that with the exception that the public was permitted in selected locations.  Here are the metrics worth considering.  Sales by vendor, more or less?  Total number of attendees by TCA members and public.  Compare to the previous three years and evaluate the trend.  Total number of members gained by TCA? Membership trend within the TCA itself over the past 3 years.  Post the numbers, evaluate, discuss, formulate a plan and act.  My one and only question for the TCA would be where do you see the organization in 3 to 5 years if everything remains the same?  Follow on question would be is that where you want to be?

I've been a TCA member for almost  20 years now, I love you the way it was, but I know things have to change and I think the way that the ED is doing it is fine. They definitely are trying. A little more advertising might be needed but that's only something the ED board knows if it is possible. I would love for it to stay the same, a members only meet but I don't think it can as the dealers who do help to make the york experience what it is, need to have it profitable for them too. I just hope a workable idea pops up soon cause i see from all the 5 pages of posts the rails are getting a little out of gauge..... 

York did not just start out as a large show. From what I know it was pretty small when it started. This was just the first time the public was allowed in the dealer halls. If the folks who came as the public really enjoyed themselves and they tell other people who aren't TCA members about their experiences than maybe that number will grow over the next few years. These things take time. 

Initially, I was against the idea of the public attending but after reading what Rich Melvin had to say about it I warmed up to it. With that being said, I am totally against the idea of letting the public into the rest of the meet. This will spell the end of the TCA and therefore York as well as thousands will drop their membership since a large number are members just to go to York. 

As for OGR deciding not to attend any more or just do once a year, I am not happy about that but I understand it is a business decision and Rich has to do what's best for his business. 

I think there is a big difference between OGR and say someone like TW Trainworks. With OGR, anyone can go to any train store that carries O Gauge trains and see their products. I am sure the store would carry the magazine plus some Ameritown buildings and some videos. With TW all a person sees is an ad in a magazine or the website and sometimes a small one at that. When a person sees what TW can do in a real life and talks face to face with the talented folks at TW they might be inclined to make a purchase or commission something to be built. With OGR most folks already know their products. I have been an OGR subscriber for 20 years, I have at least 20 of their videos and a couple of their buildings. I didn't stop by their booth this past York because there wasn't anything there that I didn't already have. Hopefully, a new video comes out in October. My point is I assume it is more important for someone like TW Trainworks (and others like them) to attend this meet where they  can show off their products to folks who are dedicated to the hobby and who would not otherwise be able to see them up close. 

Just curious, but does anyone know if the ED has to rent the entire fairgrounds or is it building by building? If it is the latter then perhaps they can condense folks into say one less building and cut costs therefore still making a profit on the entire event. Just thinking out loud. 

Don't want to mess this thread up with any factual information.  We got 5 pages going and I am beginning to see page 13 potential here.  Especially with all the red letters, capital letters, and we got Eddie and the webmaster going at it.

So I saw a very official looking document on a vendor's table in the Orange Hall.  Turns out it was a State of PA Transient Sales Tax License.  A nice colored document in a plastic page protector sheet.  Evidently that number is required by the EDTCA to get a table in the dealer halls.  The vendor said it shortens the conversation to about 23 seconds when the State Tax people come through during an audit.  (I have seen that type of document in a train show at another state.  The explanation by that vendor was almost identical.)  He also related the story of a dry transfer business that had their booth inventory, their vehicle, and the vehicle inventory confiscated for a down payment of what the State of PA felt was owed to them.   Evidently member to member sales of a club are exempted.  When the public goes into the member halls then the sales tax license, tax, etc, is required.

Don't really know and don't really care, it's not my state or my train show for that matter.

I have always thought the York show was 50x to 100x better than any other train show I've attended.  I spent a ton of money at this York with very little on my shopping list.  This York was to be just a vacation of idle time and talking/looking at trains.  I'm thinking at most spending a max of $500.  I went way over that.  I didn't spend a dollar at the last public show I went to and I would have paid a little extra for things just to not have to haul all the way back home from York. 

You gotta believe the EDTCA doesn't follow this forum very closely, or surely they would attempt to repair their damaged reputation.  I still think it's a great train show, but it's not all things to all people, as these five pages have proven.

Better read fast, this surely won't stay up for long.

You gotta believe the EDTCA doesn't follow this forum very closely, or surely they would attempt to repair their damaged reputation.  I still think it's a great train show, but it's not all things to all people, as these five pages have proven.

I am certain EDTCA leaders read the forum.
Here they cannot do anything correctly. And collectors are often scorned.
What is it they should be doing to "repair their damaged reputation"?

aussteve posted:

You gotta believe the EDTCA doesn't follow this forum very closely, or surely they would attempt to repair their damaged reputation.  I still think it's a great train show, but it's not all things to all people, as these five pages have proven.

Better read fast, this surely won't stay up for long.

I'm with CW, they don't have a damaged reputation.  It will never be all things to all people.  Some people just want it their way.  I suggest Burger King for them.  While it's always good to have an exchange of ideas and opinions in the end it is the EDTCA's meet/show and we are their guests.  Nobody is holding a gun to any vendor to go.

Hudson J1e posted:

York did not just start out as a large show. From what I know it was pretty small when it started.

The first York Meet was in 1969, and was held in one building, the current Blue Hall. I found no data on how many attended, but according to Ron Hollander's book "All Aboard", it was around 7,000 in the early 1980s. The TCA itself was started in the 1950s with about a dozen guys meeting in a NJ barn. Note the word "meeting".

Joe Hohmann posted:

The first York Meet was in 1969, and was held in one building, the current Blue Hall. I found no data on how many attended, but according to Ron Hollander's book "All Aboard", it was around 7,000 in the early 1980s. The TCA itself was started in the 1950s with about a dozen guys meeting in a NJ barn. Note the word "meeting".

Pretty sure it was actually Yardley, PA ("Alexander's Barn").  But it is very close to the border. 

-Dave

Actually it was Ed Alexander's barn (work shop) and it was in Yardley Penna. However, you could see NJ across the river from Ed's place. Close, but no cigar.

Buzz

Dave45681 posted:

Joe Hohmann posted:

The first York Meet was in 1969, and was held in one building, the current Blue Hall. I found no data on how many attended, but according to Ron Hollander's book "All Aboard", it was around 7,000 in the early 1980s. The TCA itself was started in the 1950s with about a dozen guys meeting in a NJ barn. Note the word "meeting".

Pretty sure it was actually Yardley, PA ("Alexander's Barn").  But it is very close to the border. 

-Dave

Dave and Buzz, Do you know how many made up that first group. A dozen was a guess.

The photo of the original members shows 15 people.

Didn't mean to upset people with that sarcastic "damaged reputation" comment.  I guess it was a little too subtle or maybe some people didn't read all of my post.   .  As long as it's trains then it's all good. 

Joe Hohmann posted:

Dave and Buzz, Do you know how many made up that first group. A dozen was a guess.

I did not know the number, so I'll assume Steve has it right.

I only remember the location name very well (not that I know where the actual barn/property was) because it's very local to me.  My local division (Atlantic) even made a tinplate barn that they sold to fund raise for the convention 3 years ago.

-Dave

Sorry to repost same info, but I see a debate on opening of all halls to public.  I'd restate my view that the public attendees are probably satisfied with the two halls, which I personally found overwhelming (in a good way).  I'd like to see the public in the vendor halls again, and don't create a problem for members and member halls when your average public has no need for those additional halls.
If TCA starts getting complaints about the member halls only then look at it.

Also, there was someone at the door on Friday who gave a nice introduction to TCA so he may not have been there on Saturday as someone else posted here they were not welcomed.

I know I threw down cash to the nice woman at the OGR booth and had to stand in line to do it...

If the "members" hall was not required to collect sales tax because they are doing member to member sales then why do I keep seeing the same "members" in the same "Members" halls year after year.  IMO, most of them are lower level dealers that buy and sell. Many will even give you a business card.

I do not profess to have all of the answers regarding the health of the York ED Meet, public admission, tax and all the rest but my view or an opposing view does not alter the demographics of the hobby and those that buy the trains. The decision about the way York runs must consider the rapidly changing demographics.  For those that want it member only then make it so, but be content with a shrinking meet that will either be half size or may no longer be there in 5 years. The meet once drew 15,000 now it is about 10,000, a 33% decline. What does that tell you?  Will the same declining audience that attends the meet year after year make the gate number grow or must the ED reach out a bit more.    You be the judge.

 For those that want it member only then make it so, but be content with a shrinking meet that will either be half size or may no longer be there in 5 years. The meet once drew 15,000 now it is about 10,000, a 33% decline. What does that tell you?  Will the same declining audience that attends the meet year after year make the gate number grow or must the ED reach out?    You be the judge.

Let's see..... open the show to the public and within a few years the TCA will be gone, having lost the financial support of those who only belong to attend the show. And the financial support of those who drop out because they cannot get tables without having a Pennsylvania tax number.
Not to mention that the show would turn into a "me too" show, no different than a large Greenberg affair. Don't need to travel 100's of miles for that.

Or shrink the show....... shut down the dealer halls. return the show to its old hours on Friday and Saturday only.  If need be, reinstate the one table per member limit, and close another hall. Eliminate money wasters like ice cream socials. That should cut expenses. Not enough? ..... then the admission and table fees could go a bit higher.

If the "members" hall was not required to collect sales tax because they are doing member to member sales then why do I keep seeing the same "members" in the same "Members" halls year after year.  IMO, most of them are lower level dealers that buy and sell. Many will even give you a business card.

Do you understand Pennsylvania's definition of "dealer"?

Setting up regularly at a biannual show does not make a person a dealer, any more then posting a few for sale ads on OGR now and then does.

Business cards?...... I had business cards when I was twelve.

Thank you C.W. That's exactly what I was going to say. He keeps repeating the same nonsense over and over. 

C W Burfle posted:

...Business cards?...... I had business cards when I was twelve.

You must have been one cool kid (!)  

C W Burfle posted:

Or shrink the show....... shut down the dealer halls. return the show to its old hours on Friday and Saturday only.  If need be, reinstate the one table per member limit, and close another hall. Eliminate money wasters like ice cream socials. That should cut expenses. Not enough? ..... then the admission and table fees could go a bit higher.

Show shrinkage in some way or form is likely a consideration that the E-Div hierarchy has at least informally discussed.  But the financial impact would likely be large to the E-Div.'s management and in turn its members.  However, continuing an event in its current form that loses money also carries a burden.  It's obvious that the numbers have been down at the York meets as evidenced by the reduced number of needed halls or tables.  Reducing the York Fairgrounds meet to a 2 day, once a year or non-dealer hall event or combination might incur the same fixed costs.  The York Fairgrounds operation is not a Mom & Pop operation and the facility rental might be the same or near same if you rent two halls or 7 halls and spans the entire week versus a per day charge.  It will be interesting to see the public admissions numbers for at least a 2 meet cycle.

A return to the traditional E-Div. member only trading/swap meet would possibly require a change to a smaller venue.

That turtle might not be able to get back in its shell... but if it could, it may not come back out for a long time.

I do not know the make-up of the original members who met at ED Alexanders place in Yardley, but I believe it to be about a dozen or less.

I was fortunate to live in Yardley in 1967/68 while attending Trenton State and stumbled into Ed's barn out of curiosity one Saturday afternoon. He was a kind and gracious host, giving me the tour of his office/shop/work area and display areas. Apparently he had a relationship with the Pennsylvania RR as a graphic designer, or some-such, as he showed me several Oscale models he had done for them of various passenger car and GG1 paint schemes. If I remember correctly he also had, what appeared to me, a long chicken-coop like building that contained a vast collection of Oscale cars and equipment. That was over 50 years ago, so I am not sure how accurate that part is.

As a young man, and recently delving into HO scale PRR equipment I was extremely impressed by Ed's Oscale display/collection. I do not recall seeing any "toy train" pieces. These must have been in the house, or in another part of the "barn".

Just for my own clarification of the facts, anyone who can shed further light on these vague recollections would be greatly encouraged to do so. Thanks!

Buzz

 Reducing the York Fairgrounds meet to a 2 day, once a year or non-dealer hall event or combination might incur the same fixed costs. 

Very unlikely. I doubt that the Eastern Division is paying flat rate for all those security guards. Even if the fair grounds rent was the same, the reduction in personnel costs would probably save enough to take the show out of the red.
Which is all the Eastern Division really needs to do. Contrary to some people's opinion, the Eastern Division's "business" is to provide services to Eastern Division members, and to the general TCA population. It needs to cover expenses. It really does not need to make a profit.

A return to the traditional E-Div. member only trading/swap meet would possibly require a change to a smaller venue.

Not quite what I suggested. I suggested a TCA members only show, not ED members only.

To be clear, I think the best course of action is to do a few more shows with just the dealer halls open to the public. My other suggestions are just alternatives. The Eastern Division needs to do better with their advertising and publicity. The dealers that are able need to do a better job of getting the word out. They are TCA members too, and they benefit from increased attendance. They can pitch in.  If they don't think so, they can stay home.

Dennis LaGrua posted:

The meet once drew 15,000 now it is about 10,000, a 33% decline. What does that tell you?  Will the same declining audience that attends the meet year after year make the gate number grow or must the ED reach out a bit more.    You be the judge.

It tells me that:

Fewer and fewer people are collecting postwar Lionel and Flyer, due to the fact that those who played with these as kids are dying off.

That, like also affecting flea markets and "collectibles" shows, more and more sellers are using eBay.

I'm not sure WHO you want to "reach out to" might reverse this.