2019 West Coaster (1 Viewer)

[Al Fisher]

I held a number of toy soldier shows at a Mason lodge in San Diego . . . good price for hall, roomy and clean with nearby hotels.
Bosun Al

 

[joesgis]

I couldn’t agree more with the above comment by George. As much as we’d like to deny it and pretend the problem doesn’t exist, shows are slowly becoming extinct and frankly they’re not a very efficient way of selling product. Online is. People would rather buy from the comfort of their home than having to deal with going to stores.

I also seem to remember that at Chicago one year, perhaps it was a Friday or a Saturday, that the Show had to accommodate a wedding. Money talks, etc.

Brad,

Although I buy a lot online, I really have no choice, especially with no shows in CA. To me there's nothing like seeing a figure in person. I absolutely loved going to the local toy soldier shop before they closed down. I used to go there very often, sometimes four or five times a month, and would almost always walk out of there with something. Since they closed last year my K & C / Britains purchases have declined to very near zero. The whole process of driving to the shop, hanging out, talking toy soldiers and other stuff, seeing and touching the figures, knowing you're getting something that is not damaged- it beats the hell out of buying from promo images. And this is coming from someone with very little free time. There's just something special about going to a store, interacting with friends & collectors, and usually leaving with a little gift bag- a reward for another week's hard work. This experience cannot be had online. So online buying...convenient, yes, but it's mostly vacant in all other ways.

Joe

 

[ucla1967]

One thing I would like to add is that thinking of other hobby shows, they are held at Firehouses as well as Fairgrounds, basically local areas that are not wedding venues (IE Hotels). These seem to work well, if you are a train collector in Maryland, there are a lot of shows that continue to go on and on and are not experiencing the same problems as toy soldier shows. And let's be frank, the average age of a train collector is about the same as a toy soldier collector.

Personally, while I shop online everyday, I still like the shows as that is where I find really unique one off buys that I may or may not find online.

TD

Hi Tom,

I couldn't agree more regarding your comments about the value of the shows for buying as an adjunct to online shopping, but most of all, it is the chance to meet and talk with other collectors that makes them special. Virtually every collector I have met over the years, were at the West Coaster or Chicago Shows.

A few years ago, we were having attendance numbers of about 1,000 with 100 to 200 Vendor tables, so smaller venues wont work. I checked out VFW halls, museums, and fairgrounds in both Orange and L.A. counties. The Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa holds a swap meet every weekend in the parking lot, but does have several buildings that would be large enough for the show. The L.A. County Fairgrounds in Pomona (not far from Ontario)has very large buildings which are way too big for us, unless they could be divided.

Mike

 

[ucla1967]

My vote is that a southern California show occur in the winter
Would be great to be in San Diego in January

One thing I’d avoid is school vacation week. I would think a family vacation to the toy soldier show isn’t in the cards for most peoole

In the past, the first week end in March was ideal, but it is too late for this year. January might be too close to the holidays to expect folks to travel so soon again (witness the 2017 West Coaster which was held in January-not ideal). San Diego is delightful, but Orange and L.A. counties are much larger metropolitan areas, with multiple airports (e.g., LAX, Orange County, Ontario, Burbank, and Long Beach) and I would argue have many more collectors than the San Diego area. Most of the collectors I know, no longer have children living at home with them, so school vacation week (whenever that is) shouldn't be a problem for most of us.

 

[zblang]

Another thing regarding school vacation week is cost. Hotels, flights etc all go up that week.
I don’t have kids, so doesn’t matter to me, I was more just brainstorming

 

[jazzeum]

Brad,

Although I buy a lot online, I really have no choice, especially with no shows in CA. To me there's nothing like seeing a figure in person. I absolutely loved going to the local toy soldier shop before they closed down. I used to go there very often, sometimes four or five times a month, and would almost always walk out of there with something. Since they closed last year my K & C / Britains purchases have declined to very near zero. The whole process of driving to the shop, hanging out, talking toy soldiers and other stuff, seeing and touching the figures, knowing you're getting something that is not damaged- it beats the hell out of buying from promo images. And this is coming from someone with very little free time. There's just something special about going to a store, interacting with friends & collectors, and usually leaving with a little gift bag- a reward for another week's hard work. This experience cannot be had online. So online buying...convenient, yes, but it's mostly vacant in all other ways.

Joe

Joe,

I understand your perspective but you are painting a picture of a situation that no longer exists or is rapidly disappearing in this hobby as retail stores are disappearing. Online purchases continue to grow in our economy (not just Toy soldiers) and that’s the reality. That is why businesses like eBay and Amazon have prospered. My wife used to be an inveterate visitor to the malls but now makes 90% percent of her purchases online. If she doesn’t like something, returns are easy. Just recently I read that Petsmart is going out of business because online retailers of pet products like Chewy.com can do it more efficiently and cheaper. So much for the in store experience.

I didn’t go to Chicago last year and found that I didn’t miss it because there’s nothing I can’t get there that I can’t buy online. Do I miss the occasional find that might be nice to have? No doubt, but you can’t have everything. Yes, the camaraderie is nice but not worth the cost and the aggravation of traveling. That’s why shows are dying.

As I said to Matt, I wish you guys luck but I’m quite content to make purchases online.

 

[Warrior]

No offense George or Brad but I doubt you would go anyway so need for the negativity. I went to 20 West Coasters. Never had a bad show or a bad time and it was my favorite show of the year.

Sorry Matt, reread my post, I said nothing negative about the West Coaster; why would I, I've never been to the show, so I can't speak about it as an event.

I was speaking more to the point of the hotels and their attitude towards these types of events, my comments had more to do with reality and less to do with negativity.

I've been attending toy soldier shows for over 20 years, at one point I used to attend close to 25 a year, the current situation is not one I am happy about, but it is what it is.

Good for you that you went to 20 West Coasters, you never had a bad show or a bad time and it was your favorite show of the year.

Tell you what; since I do not plan on ever attending, I'll stay out of this conversation going forward then.

Good luck trying to run the show.

 

[tdubel]

I like the shows b/c they provide a myriad of different items, both old and new that differs from online as well as visiting with friends.

Another venue that I think should be re-explored is the Greenberg Train and Toy Shows. When I was a kid, there were a number of toy soldiers there and the stands were always very busy. Greenberg still gets a ton of people through the door and when I was selling the remnants of my father's train collection that either I didn't want to keep or had already sold online, I sold the ends of it easily at the Chantilly VA show.

I will say one thing about the shows, there is always a bargain to be had by both seller and buyer, it provides an in person negotiation format.

TD

 

[ucla1967]

Another thing regarding school vacation week is cost. Hotels, flights etc all go up that week.
I don’t have kids, so doesn’t matter to me, I was more just brainstorming

Okay, I understand. I hope you didn't take my comments as being critical, they were not intended to be so.

Mike

 

[ucla1967]

Matt,
I am all for it and keeping it no later than 3rd week of March as I like the incentive to go there in the Winter!!! And I would think there would be other venues that could work. Having traveled for a living and Cali still a destination for me, from experience, there is a hotel every 2 miles, so I am sure no matter what venue you go to, a hotel will be near for people to stay in! I would recommend staying as close to the main artery (Interstate) between Orange and LA as you can. I have been to Ontario, small airport, but doable, but it is out a bit from LA and Orange.

TD

Tom,

The Ontario Convention Center is about 10 miles from Bob's house (both are just off the I-10 FWY), so if Matt can pull this off, with Bob's open house on a Saturday and the show on that same weekend's Sunday, it would facilitate the logistics for attending collectors. BTW, the Ontario Convention Center holds Crossroads of the West Gun Shows and a large Militaria event each year. I will be happy to attend where ever Matt decides to do this, I have no special interest in the Ontario Convention Center one way or another.

Mike

 

[zblang]

Okay, I understand. I hope you didn't take my comments as being critical, they were not intended to be so.

Mike

Nope, not at all !

 

[joesgis]

Joe,

I understand your perspective but you are painting a picture of a situation that no longer exists or is rapidly disappearing in this hobby as retail stores are disappearing. Online purchases continue to grow in our economy (not just Toy soldiers) and that’s the reality. That is why businesses like eBay and Amazon have prospered. My wife used to be an inveterate visitor to the malls but now makes 90% percent of her purchases online. If she doesn’t like something, returns are easy. Just recently I read that Petsmart is going out of business because online retailers of pet products like Chewy.com can do it more efficiently and cheaper. So much for the in store experience.

I didn’t go to Chicago last year and found that I didn’t miss it because there’s nothing I can’t get there that I can’t buy online. Do I miss the occasional find that might be nice to have? No doubt, but you can’t have everything. Yes, the camaraderie is nice but not worth the cost and the aggravation of traveling. That’s why shows are dying.

As I said to Matt, I wish you guys luck but I’m quite content to make purchases online.

I have to agree w/ you Brad and realize I'm in the minority. Like you have said before the nature of things is change. I guess its might even be a little hypocritical of me to complain of not being able to see figures in person while I have been buying Russian figures from photos alone for many years. I guess I had just accepted the sometimes "colder" aspect of buying Russian pieces. But I found the new trend has definitely affected my toy soldier purchases. Just gong to a store and feeling that toy soldier buzz just made me want to buy. I wold kinda get a little feeling of that show excitement when going to a shop.
So while the in person experience has dwindled to nothing I have been able to make lots of long distance friends, like George and others, who I have never met in person, ironically, like many of the toy soldiers being bought these days. So I think what is important is that he hobby still remains in changing form consistent w/ the times, and while seeing people and toys in the flesh is getting increasingly rare by the day, the hobby still provides many opportunities to meet like-minded folks in a virtual format around the world (who we otherwise may have never met) as well as buy on the web. I think I might be a bit change aversive, and it might be correlated with getting older.
Joe

 

[Louis Badolato]

I have to agree w/ you Brad and realize I'm in the minority. Like you have said before the nature of things is change. I guess its might even be a little hypocritical of me to complain of not being able to see figures in person while I have been buying Russian figures from photos alone for many years. I guess I had just accepted the sometimes "colder" aspect of buying Russian pieces. But I found the new trend has definitely affected my toy soldier purchases. Just gong to a store and feeling that toy soldier buzz just made me want to buy. I wold kinda get a little feeling of that show excitement when going to a shop.
So while the in person experience has dwindled to nothing I have been able to make lots of long distance friends, like George and others, who I have never met in person, ironically, like many of the toy soldiers being bought these days. So I think what is important is that he hobby still remains in changing form consistent w/ the times, and while seeing people and toys in the flesh is getting increasingly rare by the day, the hobby still provides many opportunities to meet like-minded folks in a virtual format around the world (who we otherwise may have never met) as well as buy on the web. I think I might be a bit change aversive, and it might be correlated with getting older.
Joe

Joe,

If you make it to the Symposium again this year, not only will you see me 70+ lbs. lighter than when you last saw me, you will be able to finally meet George in person.

 

[Denver]

San Diego has two large Marine Corps bases and also some Navy bases.
They are filled with potential customers and future collectors.

The Midway Aircraft Carrier museum is a possible venue.

 

[joesgis]

Joe,

If you make it to the Symposium again this year, not only will you see me 70+ lbs. lighter than when you last saw me, you will be able to finally meet George in person.

Louis,

Thank you for kind invite, but unfortunately I won't be able to make it and see svelte Louis and meet George. I'm sure it will be a wonderful time for all who are able to attend!
Thanks again-
Joe

 

[jazzeum]

I have to agree w/ you Brad and realize I'm in the minority. Like you have said before the nature of things is change. I guess its might even be a little hypocritical of me to complain of not being able to see figures in person while I have been buying Russian figures from photos alone for many years. I guess I had just accepted the sometimes "colder" aspect of buying Russian pieces. But I found the new trend has definitely affected my toy soldier purchases. Just gong to a store and feeling that toy soldier buzz just made me want to buy. I wold kinda get a little feeling of that show excitement when going to a shop.
So while the in person experience has dwindled to nothing I have been able to make lots of long distance friends, like George and others, who I have never met in person, ironically, like many of the toy soldiers being bought these days. So I think what is important is that he hobby still remains in changing form consistent w/ the times, and while seeing people and toys in the flesh is getting increasingly rare by the day, the hobby still provides many opportunities to meet like-minded folks in a virtual format around the world (who we otherwise may have never met) as well as buy on the web. I think I might be a bit change aversive, and it might be correlated with getting older.
Joe

Getting older is not too much fun Joe, or at least it seems that way lately to me. I wish it were not so that toy soldier shops were disappearing because there's nothing like "sampling the merchandise." However, this forum is a great way to bridge the gap.

Interestingly, after almost getting crushed by Amazon, small independent bookstores are on the rebound and, where possible, I try to give them business, so maybe there's hope there.

Brad

 

[HobbyBunker]

Thanks for everyone's input. We will make this happen. Let me talk to Woody and a few others and get on the same page. I actually enjoyed the January Show. There are a few conflicts on East Coast for March but I am sure in can be worked out. Avoid the Superbowl and New England February vacations and we should be good.

It needs to rebuild and start fresh. Mike 1000 people is a stretch. I think a show with 100 tables and few 100 collectors is easily attainable. If we get more than that great. A year to plan even better. I would love something in 2019 but I can wait until 2020. I may have to go scout out some places so I can get my West Coast fix. Joe I'll meet you at the beach with your requests!

 

[zblang]

One more request... if in Southern California, have it near a golf course

 

[ucla1967]

Thanks for everyone's input. We will make this happen. Let me talk to Woody and a few others and get on the same page. I actually enjoyed the January Show. There are a few conflicts on East Coast for March but I am sure in can be worked out. Avoid the Superbowl and New England February vacations and we should be good.

It needs to rebuild and start fresh. Mike 1000 people is a stretch. I think a show with 100 tables and few 100 collectors is easily attainable. If we get more than that great. A year to plan even better. I would love something in 2019 but I can wait until 2020. I may have to go scout out some places so I can get my West Coast fix. Joe I'll meet you at the beach with your requests!

In the past, I wrote three reviews of the show for Toy Soldier and Model Figure magazine. For example, at the 2007 show, there were 77 vendors manning 185 tables. Craig (Bubba) also told me that the paid attendance was about 700 plus 200 children. However, that being said, a good starting point for a more current estimate of vendor tables and attendance, would be the 2018 show's results. I am sure that Woody has these numbers for you. Also, what is the square footage you estimate would be needed for the show with 100 tables? I'll see if I can help you search for a location, as long as I know more precisely what you are looking for.

Mike

 

[HobbyBunker]

In the past, I wrote three reviews of the show for Toy Soldier and Model Figure magazine. For example, at the 2007 show, there were 77 vendors manning 185 tables. Craig (Bubba) also told me that the paid attendance was about 700 plus 200 children. However, that being said, a good starting point for a more current estimate of vendor tables and attendance, would be the 2018 show's results. I am sure that Woody has these numbers for you. Also, what is the square footage you estimate would be needed for the show with 100 tables? I'll see if I can help you search for a location, as long as I know more precisely what you are looking for.

Mike

Irvine Marriott was 13K. Probably too big at this point. But also the room can be chopped up into less space. Santa Rosa room and at last place which is now a Marriott is 10,700. There was room leftover. I think a comparable show could squeeze. into 7500-10K. Or even 6000 if it had the option to grow in future.