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Hi all:

I'm a college student who wants to attend Spring York, but am not a member of TCA. I've read I can attend as a guest, but don't know anyone in TCA to act as a host. I plan on joining TCA, but because of finances won't be able to do so until summer. What do I do?
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Originally Posted by GVDobler:

There is another post about how to get people into the hobby.

 

Making anything "members only" seems like the opposite to me.  

Please research the interaction between the Eastern Division and the Pennsylvania tax authorities, and you'll understand why the York meet needs to remain "members only".

Originally Posted by Andrew B.:
C.W. Burfle, I saw the page about registering as a guest, but, having read everything, it appears I need a host. That page doesn't explicitly say that, but it is stated elsewhere.

I'll contact Eastern Division folks once I'm done class, but does anyone know if I can attend as a guest without a host?

I think the only options are to join TCA (which I think you can do at the meet) or get someone to sponsor you as a guest.  I don't think they allow "unaccompanied" guests.

 

Try visiting your local train store or a club in your area.  Meet some people and explain your situation, and you'll probably find someone willing to help you.  

 

Technically, the sponsoring member is responsible for his/her guest's actions at the meet, so it's unlikely that someone will sponsor you without knowing you.

Originally Posted by RJR:

Please research the interaction between the Eastern Division and the Pennsylvania tax authorities, and you'll understand why the York meet needs to remain "members only".

How about summarizing it in a nutshell?

 

Here's my understanding from reading the info that ED has made available.  Please forgive me for any inaccuracies.

 

In the mid 80s, PA tax authorities wanted to require ALL sellers to obtain a tax number and collect/remit sales tax on all sales.  ED was able to avoid that scenario by arguing that York is a meet where members of the non-profit organization get together to swap trains.  If open to the public, this agreement would no longer be in force.

 

As a side note, TCA is wrestling with a similar situation for the trading floor at the national convention in NJ this summer.  Every tableholder needs to get a temporary sales tax ID for NJ.  Who wants to go through all that hassle?

Originally Posted by Mallard4468:
Originally Posted by RJR:

Please research the interaction between the Eastern Division and the Pennsylvania tax authorities, and you'll understand why the York meet needs to remain "members only".

How about summarizing it in a nutshell?

 

Here's my understanding from reading the info that ED has made available.  Please forgive me for any inaccuracies.

 

In the mid 80s, PA tax authorities wanted to require ALL sellers to obtain a tax number and collect/remit sales tax on all sales.  ED was able to avoid that scenario by arguing that York is a meet where members of the non-profit organization get together to swap trains.  If open to the public, this agreement would no longer be in force.

 

I still suggest reading the various documents - you'll get a feel for how tenuous the agreement is, and why it's a can of worms that should remain closed.

 

As a side note, TCA is wrestling with a similar situation for the trading floor at the national convention in NJ this summer.  Every tableholder needs to get a temporary sales tax ID for NJ.  Who wants to go through all that hassle?

 

You can download a guest registration form from the TCA website, or, if you still have your registration booklet, or newsletter, there are guest forms in those publications. You need the guests information, and $12 fee before March 9th, $20 after that. Send to:

Jim Kronz

Eastern Division TCA

PO Box 504 

Arnold MD 21012

Guest badges can only be picked up in the silver registration hall. Guest must have proof of ID, drivers license. Hope you can beat the deadline, and enjoy the show.

Don

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