Westcoaster & Shows in General (1 Viewer)

[MarkeytMaker]

I recently attended the Westcoaster. It was a nice show and I met lots of nice people. Periodically I like to share the negatives, so here it is. I found (4) negatives. My first was I didn't bring enough cash as I was told to do. NExt I proceeded to the ATM where I did about 8 transactions to aquire the amount needed. The ATM machine only allows $200 at a time at $3.25 per transaction. On transaction number 4 (card #2) I again requested $200 and only $20 came out. I went to the front desk nearby and proceeded to inform the desk clerk what happened...of course after telling her, she had a look of dis-belief. As we were standing next to the machine I looked down and started pulling jambed up $20 dolllar bills out (2 more) My reciept did say requested $200 and dispensed $60, which was correct. At home a few days later my online banking showed transaction #4 had a debited charge of $140 (remember I took $60 and asked for $200)...neverthelesss it still has not been corrected!

As to the show itself...It seemed very well organized and well layed out. I have been to quite a few non-related toy soldier shows. I was abit disappointed though that more dealers were not offering discounts/specials. The other non-related shows I attend always have many specials and discounts that reward people for coming. Now I'm not saying I would never attend another show, or that it sucked. I just think that if people travel far distances and spend money to come to these shows...something more should be given back in the pricing of items for the customer. It was rather odd to me since I'm use to attending shows with specials and discounts. Another bummer for me was that there was a dealer (not a large dealer) who I have spent a pretty penny with. I met him in his room and spoke to him for quite awhile. I told him in our conversation that I buy quite abit from him (he didn't seem at all appreciative)...So at the show, I was sitting with Carlo's at this dealers display off to the side of his display. I think we were talking about impure thoughts or something...LOL! (Don't worry Carlo's I'll admit I brought the subject up!) And this dealer who was just mentioned came up to me in a rude manner and said your sitting in my wifes chair "you can't sit here"...well she was nowhere around and there was a total of three other identical empty chairs...guess what?...that dealer just lost a customer. I was sort of shocked because I would think an empty chair to a big, or small customer of his would have less value...he didn't seem to care, other than that I was sitting in his special designated area. I will be attending the Chicago show and if your a dealer reading this and see Markeytmaker sitting in a chair "do not" ask him to move or there could be consequences...!!! I would like to add "Figarti", "Hobby Bunker" and "Old Toy Soldier Home" treated me well on my purchases and I would like to say "Thank You"

I would also like to thank Norman Lawson who I met at the show for the good conversation and friendship. "Thank You Norman"

 

[VIRIATO]

I recently attended the Westcoaster. It was a nice show and I met lots of nice people. Periodically I like to share the negatives, so here it is. I found (4) negatives. My first was I didn't bring enough cash as I was told to do. NExt I proceeded to the ATM where I did about 8 transactions to aquire the amount needed. The ATM machine only allows $200 at a time at $3.25 per transaction. On transaction number 4 (card #2) I again requested $200 and only $20 came out. I went to the front desk nearby and proceeded to inform the desk clerk what happened...of course after telling her, she had a look of dis-belief. As we were standing next to the machine I looked down and started pulling jambed up $20 dolllar bills out (2 more) My reciept did say requested $200 and dispensed $60, which was correct. At home a few days later my online banking showed transaction #4 had a debited charge of $140 (remember I took $60 and asked for $200)...neverthelesss it still has not been corrected!

As to the show itself...It seemed very well organized and well layed out. I have been to quite a few non-related toy soldier shows. I was abit disappointed though that more dealers were not offering discounts/specials. The other non-related shows I attend always have many specials and discounts that reward people for coming. Now I'm not saying I would never attend another show, or that it sucked. I just think that if people travel far distances and spend money to come to these shows...something more should be given back in the pricing of items for the customer. It was rather odd to me since I'm use to attending shows with specials and discounts. Another bummer for me was that there was a dealer (not a large dealer) who I have spent a pretty penny with. I met him in his room and spoke to him for quite awhile. I told him in our conversation that I buy quite abit from him (he didn't seem at all appreciative)...So at the show, I was sitting with Carlo's at this dealers display off to the side of his display. I think we were talking about impure thoughts or something...LOL! (Don't worry Carlo's I'll admit I brought the subject up!) And this dealer who was just mentioned came up to me in a rude manner and said your sitting in my wifes chair "you can't sit here"...well she was nowhere around and there was a total of three other identical empty chairs...guess what?...that dealer just lost a customer. I was sort of shocked because I would think an empty chair to a big, or small customer of his would have less value...he didn't seem to care, other than that I was sitting in his special designated area. I will be attending the Chicago show and if your a dealer reading this and see Markeytmaker sitting in a chair "do not" ask him to move or there could be consequences...!!! I would like to add "Figarti", "Hobby Bunker" and "Old Toy Soldier Home" treated me well on my purchases and I would like to say "Thank You"

I would also like to thank Norman Lawson who I met at the show for the good conversation and friendship. "Thank You Norman"

This dealer, well, some people are just not worth wasting time or words with them... Let them stay in their small black holes where they belong...

Paulo

 

[wayne556517]

I would be happy just to be able to go to a show.

 

[nmrocks]

I went to the show for the first time in a couple of years and the show was a bit of a let down for me as well, I go there looking for items I don't have or better pricing. I really found neither, it's nice to see some new things but there was not a great selection and no real bargains that I could find. the only thing I found that I've been looking for for awhile was a Elastolin trebucet to go with my Crusader/Saracen line. It was nice to see Andy and Rick and many Treefroggers though.

 

[Al Fisher]

Dealers are people just like everyone else; they have good days and bad days; some are terrific, some are jerks. But you can choose to spend your money with whomever you wish. Do so . . .

Yes, the show has changed over the years. No longer do we see all kinds of free catalogs and I think you're right about being less bargains. The best deals are in the rooms and, of course, that is where you'll find the offbeat stuff. The hosts put in a lot of work to run the show . . . it's not their fault. I also think that too many dealers are suffering from eBay, and thus don't make enough profit to make deals.

I ran a show for a military miniatures club for a few years. However, the dealers that would buy tables were mostly toy soldier guys and not high class miniature dealers. The club became indignant with the turn out . . . plus they wanted a show where then could win their precious medals. They kicked out the toy soldiers guys and couldn't get enough vendors the next year, so the show ended . . . as did a nice source of income. So it's not only the dealers that have problems.

At this point in collecting, I go to the WC mainly to see friends from the past. I probably spent less than $100, but visiting friends is priceless as the ad says.

See you next year!

Al AKA Bosun Al

Al

 

[HistoryfortheAges]

I've been to the Wescoaster several times, but haven't been back for a few years, sorry to say... It really is a great show in a nice area and is well-organized. There aren't many shows on the West coast and this one has to be the best. I try to attend one show every couple of years and I like to alternate between the Westcoaster and the OTSN based on my location (i.e. Northwest). Also, it gives me a chance to visit with some friends of mine who live in the area. However, it would be great if they can get more manufacturers/dealers attending. As for deals/specials, I do remember one collector several years ago selling off his entire, sizable Zulu War collection by ANI out of his room at the hotel and it was an excellent deal as he was getting out of collecting... too bad I was only interested in ACW and Napoleonics at that time... You never really know what can happen at a show... it's just what pawnshop owners would tell you, "... you never know what will walk into your store..."

 

[jazzeum]

A few observations after going to a number of shows in the past few years:


Don't rely on cash machines where the show is being held. I always bring what I'm planning to spend, plus there are always credit cards.

Just as in life, not everybody is going to be friendly. In addition, as Al said we all ave our bad days. That being said, all te dealers I've met have been friendly and eager to talk.

As far as discounts, dealers will bargain if you make them reasonable offers. However, with ebay, they have more of an idea what an item is worth. Increased communication has worked against bargains we used to see.

The big shows are not so much about finding bargains but seeing people you seldom see. In my case that would be people like Andy, Gordon, Rick, Shannon and Pete, Louis, Hans, Larry, Tom, Clive, Gary from St. Louis, Hawkeye, Pat Wade, Thierry and Fred from France and many others. You get the idea. Hanging out with them is what it's all about.

 

[desk11desk12]

I was the “Carlo’s“ that was there. No problem on the name BTW.
This was a simple misunderstanding between two nice guys IMO.

I was beside Mark at the time.

We were both talking and sitting in chairs typically used for exhibitors behind their display tables at the end of the aisle. We were setting between the Figarti and another King and Country dealer’s tables.

The King and Country dealer asked Mark nicely but firmly to free up the chair he was setting in his area. Mark complied quietly without incident and we both walk to the front of tables. That was that. I bet the King and Country dealer doesn't even know that Mark was offended.

I’ve been going to the West Coaster Show for years now and prices are negotiable for almost everything except high end metal toy soldiers. My guess is because the market leader (King and Country) mandates prices for current releases for ALL KC dealers and this policy extends to shows. There are good agreements on sides.

The West Coaster Show for me, is to get a glimpse of new releases, meeting with the manufactures and spending quality time with fellow collectors. It’s great time for all during “room trading” and the show.

Carlos

 

[Rob]

A few observations after going to a number of shows in the past few years:


Don't rely on cash machines where the show is being held. I always bring what I'm planning to spend, plus there are always credit cards.

Just as in life, not everybody is going to be friendly. In addition, as Al said we all ave our bad days. That being said, all te dealers I've met have been friendly and eager to talk.

As far as discounts, dealers will bargain if you make them reasonable offers. However, with ebay, they have more of an idea what an item is worth. Increased communication has worked against bargains we used to see.

The big shows are not so much about finding bargains but seeing people you seldom see. In my case that would be people like Andy, Gordon, Rick, Shannon and Pete, Louis, Hans, Larry, Tom, Clive, Gary from St. Louis, Hawkeye, Pat Wade, Thierry and Fred from France and many others. You get the idea. Hanging out with them is what it's all about.

All excellent points in my view and have found all these to be true.

For me the London shows are not only about purchasing but for getting together with my friends and fellow collectors and getting the 'pulse' for whats going on and what they are after.I found a sea change in the friendliness of sellers at the show since the Nevilles took over some years ago.There will always be the odd seller who is either unhelpful or downright rude as I discovered last December,but as Brad says they are in a minority thankfully.I would also echo his words re the cash machines,sometimes there are large queues for them,they don't work and sometimes its a pain having to leave the show to go find one when you're having fun,I'd say take plenty of cash or credit cards everytime.

For those of you visiting the London show can I also point out an excellent Pret a manger just round the corner,when you need a quick break,bite to eat and back to the show.

Rob

 

[desk11desk12]

BTW, Mark is cool guy with a great story on how he strated in this hobby. Maybe someday he'll shared it with the rest of us.

Carlos

 

[Phantom Warrior]

BTW, Mark is cool guy with a great story on how he strated in this hobby. Maybe someday he'll shared it with the rest of us.

Carlos

How he started in this hobby is well known to some of us. He acquired a large collection of older K&C pieces, sold them in lots on e-bay, then decided he liked the models so much, he jumped in with both feet and is buying like crazy now. Is that about it Mark or would you like to add some details.

Terry

 

[MarkeytMaker]

Terry, That's it in a nutshell on how I became a collector!...I would like to see the main dealers offer 10% off if you spend X amount of dollars? Carlos, I suppose since I was the recipient of the order to "not sit" I may have a different opinion? This is my first soldier show and I did have a blast talking to so many great people and the room trading was a ton of fun. I also want Carlo's and Steven to know that you guys were truely a kick to hang out with...and very helpful in giving me guidance around the show. Thank You! Of course I'll see you guys in Chicago and I will do my best not to sit in a group of 3 empty chairs!

 

[jazzeum]

Whether we like it or not, dealers offering discounts on K & C discounts is against K & C policy and is probably one of the more sacrosanct rules they have. If K & C finds out about it, dealers lose their dealership. This is just not talk either as K & C have pulled dealerships from several dealers.

 

[MarkeytMaker]

Brad...all it would take is one man' voice for approval! I'll be the first to say I would have bought more from everyone if that were the case...on the otherhand that one man I speak of is smarter than the average joe and he understands that I'm going to spend the regular amount eventually anyhow...though as a customer I will feel much better with being rewarded with the discount!

 

[lenswerks]

Markey, are you not buying from a dealer on-line that offers a monthly rewards program such as Treefrog and Sierra?

Donnie

 

[MarkeytMaker]

Markey, are you not buying from a dealer on-line that offers a monthly rewards program such as Treefrog and Sierra?

Donnie

Yes, I do buy from both. I did not know treefrog had a rewards program....tell me more? Sierra does send me spendable credits...and why I will continue to buy from them. Both Treefrog and Sierra have first class packaging which is important to me as well.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Yes, I do buy from both. I did not know treefrog had a rewards program....tell me more? Sierra does send me spendable credits...and why I will continue to buy from them. Both Treefrog and Sierra have first class packaging which is important to me as well.

Treefrog does spendable credits as well. When they reach $25 they let you know and you can use it.

Terry

 

[jazzeum]

Treefrog's is called Rivet Rewards. Next time you order you should ask about it and they can apply it to your purchase.

 

[MarkeytMaker]

Treefrog's is called Rivet Rewards. Next time you order you should ask about it and they can apply it to your purchase.

Brad, shouldn't that be called...."Ribbit Rewards"?

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Brad, shouldn't that be called...."Ribbit Rewards"?

Old joke but I agree

Terry