Toy fair news

[fixer]

Brentwood tomorrow let's hope some different stock is put out by some stall holders. Some of them have had stuff literally for years at top end prices
See you there folks

[johnboy]

Working tomorrow

[toysnz]

That seems fair - over here all the swapmeets charge a fixed price per table (usually $15 - $20 each) and you only get a "back up" if there is a spare table left and even then it still cost you the original price.

Hi Ian,

I hear you...but...

I think the difference is for us that we have a limited amount of space, we aim to fill that space with tables that are covered in toys, not rows of empty tables. Prior to the fair, we are oversubscribed for sellers, spend hours planning to fit everyone in, then inevitably 2 things happen:

1. a bunch of sellers that booked tables don't turn up on the day, or turn up 5 minutes before the doors open to the public
2. a different bunch of sellers turn up wanting 3 tables more than they originally booked

Yes Gavin, I understand the logistics of operating swapmeets in NZ and wasn't being negative about the differing cost structures - I'd certainly be thinking twice about taking my usual 3 tables if a table in NZ cost 30 quid (NZ$66 at the current exchange rate) - more than happy with the pricing structure here and was just showing the different rate we pay here...

So these cancel each other out, but in the end, if we have sellers wanting a total of 95 tables, but only room for 80 tables, we aren't in a position to offer anyone a cheaper table, as your extra table could be sold to someone else for $20. And we are also mindful that what both sellers and punters want is a big, busy fair with plenty of goodies to choose from. So unfortunately, as long as we are oversubscribed with people wanting tables, we won't be in a position to offer discounts based on the number of tables. That said, we do try to give our regular sellers that have supported us all along (such as yourself Ian) larger tables in better positions in the venue at no extra cost.

We are on a knife-edge in terms of operating costs. Cost of the venue, the tables and the advertising required to make the event a success means that we can only just break even with our current pricing structure. If our costs go up, and we get bad weather like we did a couple of years back and people can't make it, we run the risk of operating the fair at a loss, which then comes out of our own pockets. We have not taken any profit from the fair for several years now, and what profit we made in the past was either reinvested to make improvements at the next fair, or donated back to the school. We might be able to operate this year without a price increase to either stallholders or the public, but sooner or later (probably sooner) either or both will have to increase.

Hall sizes in NZ (especially Wellington where we are both based) have always been a problem and here in Wellington the loss of the Winter Showgrounds Halls had a big negative impact on the ability of organisers to find suitable venues - look at the big shows we used to get based in the Wellington Winter Showgrounds a few years ago (actually it was more like 15 years ago!) where all the hobbies got together and had huge shows of models, trains, aircraft, dolls and so on and the associated tables of goodies for sale that accompanied many of the displays - I reckon we had 200 or so displays with another 200 or so tables of items for sale in those days ... then we ended up at the Michael Fowler Centre with a smaller show that covered all sorts of collectibles including salt an pepper shakers but the venue although central was just too expensive (Thanks for Nothing City Council) for it to continue and it was left to the likes of Jan and Allan and other (such as you and Tony) to keep the smaller more regular meets going... let's face it even the school halls that ARE available are too small (with the exception of the Lower Hutt venue we used at short notice in December) so its always going to be a problem. Certainly those of us who frequent your annual show (and those run by Palmy and Julian) are very happy both with the cost, the organisation and the turnout at those shows.

Ian

[Taniwha]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for your post - I know you weren't having a go at us, but there are some that grizzle if we move them from their favourite spot etc. We have had other sellers trying to force us to give them cheaper tables, but we do have to be fair to everyone.

Some larger venues in the region are also out of action in the short to medium term (Hutt Horticultural Hall, Wellington Town Hall spring to mind) due to earthquake compliance. That leave a handful of venues that are bigger - TSB Arena or the Kennel Club in Elsdon. TSB is just too big and expensive for us to contemplate.

I liked the December venue, and I think it has promise for the future. One thing that is heartening is that the swapmeets have had something of a revival in the last couple of years - I'm thinking especially of the Palmy swapmeet last year which was the best in a very long time, and numbers are up at Trentham too.

Cheers,
Gavin

[GHOSTHUNTER]

The Windsor International toy fair is due to take place this coming Saturday 30th January.

Held at the Montem Leisure Centre, Montem Lane (off A4 Bath Road), SLOUGH, SL1 2QG.

Near M4 junction 6, and 10 minutes walk from Slough railway station (frequent trains from London Paddington).

Public admission 10.30am to 3pm.
Adults £3, Concessions £2.50, Early entry (from 9am) £7.

I should be there as usual chasing Silver Ghosts...

Ghosthunter.

[fixer]

never been to your home fair
might give it a go if I can make it (work issues)

[johnboy]

Windsor is a great toy fair but I can't make it due to work

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Windsor is a great toy fair but I can't make it due to work

It would be ironic if you were setting up toy fair tables somewhere meaning you can't get to this toy fair...

Ghosty.

[johnboy]

Windsor is a great toy fair but I can't make it due to work

It would be ironic if you were setting up toy fair tables somewhere meaning you can't get to this toy fair...

Ghosty.

I've never done that but it might be a good way to slim down some of the surplus models one day.

[Fred7A]

I was at Windsor yesterday, but a bit of last-minute decision, so I didn't think to check on here. A shame, as it would have been good to meet you, Ghosthunter. Did you find anything exciting? I found a few items, so worth going.