MFCA 2018 Exhibition (1 Viewer)

[MichaelRutherford]

Attendance was down?

 

[PolarBear]

Great photo coverage Andreas:salute:::salute:::salute:::salute:::salute::
Randy

 

[Andanna]

I guess having dinner on Friday night didn’t make the cut {eek3}

Because we had left the show so dinner was not part of it, Brad. :redface2:

Saturday, I spent time with Mark and Konrad and we had a very good time. Because so much information on our hobby is available online and purchases are so easy thru websites, visiting shows is more and more becoming a social event for me. There are many collectors coming from afar to attend and this is why I am going to shows.

I missed a lot and I hope others will post their pictures as well. I apologize for the many typos, I thought I could go back and fix, but I could not because of the timelimits on edits.

 

[jazzeum]

Overall, I found the Show somewhat disappointing. I know that Brad the Baron works his know what off but there is something about this location that lacks the pizazz that Valley Forge did. Considering the graying of the collector base, perhaps this location makes sense. However, something is missing. Perhaps shows are just dying and going the way of the dodo bird.

 

[jazzeum]

Attendance was down?

When I was there on Friday afternoon, it was almost dead. I’m not sure I will attend next year.

 

[jazzeum]

Because we had left the show so dinner was not part of it, Brad. :redface2:

The comment was offered mostly in jest :wink2: We will never be a good comedy team. I'm too much the straight man.

 

[MichaelRutherford]

When I was there on Friday afternoon, it was almost dead. I’m not sure I will attend next year.

This year was the first year in 16 years that I couldn't go,it was because I had to work and couldn't get off. I know that location changes for shows never help but there is also more involved. Perhaps they should possibly make the show on Saturday's and Sunday's so more people could attend. And have the show a little earlier in the year before the great weather kicks in and people plan their outdoor events instead. But what the deeper and more disturbing facts are is that the collectors base is smaller and it is in no small part because of the prices. I do not want to start a price debate because this was never an inexpensive hobby,but prices in this hobby went up too high and too fast. Especially to attract new collectors. Younger or newer collectors just cant spend an average of $50 on a single figure or $200 on a single small vehicle. This industry has to evolve and find a way. Perhaps diecast? I'm not saying diecast is the answer,just offering a suggestion there. But new collectors are sticker shocked at these shows and even online. I've seen parents bringing their children to a show for the first time,kids are so excited at seeing the products,but then the parents see the prices and all of a sudden warn the kids not to touch anything and asking dealers where the cheap kid stuff is because they thought it was a "toy soldier show". Bottom line in my opinion is that the prices are just too high,plain and simple. Just my thoughts. Cheers,Mike

 

[Andanna]

[Breathing out audibly.]. I got nervous there for a minute. :smile2:

 

[Combat]

This year was the first year in 16 years that I couldn't go,it was because I had to work and couldn't get off. I know that location changes for shows never help but there is also more involved. Perhaps they should possibly make the show on Saturday's and Sunday's so more people could attend. And have the show a little earlier in the year before the great weather kicks in and people plan their outdoor events instead. But what the deeper and more disturbing facts are is that the collectors base is smaller and it is in no small part because of the prices. I do not want to start a price debate because this was never an inexpensive hobby,but prices in this hobby went up too high and too fast. Especially to attract new collectors. Younger or newer collectors just cant spend an average of $50 on a single figure or $200 on a single small vehicle. This industry has to evolve and find a way. Perhaps diecast? I'm not saying diecast is the answer,just offering a suggestion there. But new collectors are sticker shocked at these shows and even online. I've seen parents bringing their children to a show for the first time,kids are so excited at seeing the products,but then the parents see the prices and all of a sudden warn the kids not to touch anything and asking dealers where the cheap kid stuff is because they thought it was a "toy soldier show". Bottom line in my opinion is that the prices are just too high,plain and simple. Just my thoughts. Cheers,Mike

The train has left the station on prices. I'm continually amazed at the prices not only in this hobby but most anything. There must be a very deep market of disposable income. In terms of toy soldiers, I think the market has sustained an increase in prices in exchange for greater quality. And there is no going back as to reduce prices now would be an indication of brand failure. It does amaze me sometimes to see stock not moving at these shows and the dealers sitting on it. I saw one dealer recently selling ordinary plastic soldiers for a dollar apiece. You could buy a thousand online for a few bucks. I bet they didn't sell any. Sometimes folks prefer to go down with the ship.

 

[MichaelRutherford]

The train has left the station on prices. I'm continually amazed at the prices not only in this hobby but most anything. There must be a very deep market of disposable income. In terms of toy soldiers, I think the market has sustained an increase in prices in exchange for greater quality. And there is no going back as to reduce prices now would be an indication of brand failure. It does amaze me sometimes to see stock not moving at these shows and the dealers sitting on it. I saw one dealer recently selling ordinary plastic soldiers for a dollar apiece. You could buy a thousand online for a few bucks. I bet they didn't sell any. Sometimes folks prefer to go down with the ship.

I agree. One question I have for all the manufacturers, particularly for King and Country , is that why is it that if a product isnt selling very well,why dont they just reduce the price? Have a clearance sale on that item. I bet they sell them. Better to have it sell then sit. Im not trying to be critical of K&C or any other manufacturer, I just dont understand the reason not to put an unpopular already made product up for sale.

 

[Warrior]

Regarding the comment on the shows and shows in general; for the most part, they've all been trending downward the past several years. Bottom line is Andreas said, the internet is now king, collectors buy on line now whether it's via company websites, Amazon, Ebay, etc, etc, plus they gather their information via forums such as this one and others that are out there.

I built my business by attending shows; at one point, I attended well over 20, closer to 30. This year, I am down to 11, will probably cut that down to less than 10 next year. The attendance and the gross sales continue to drop at shows ,while the costs to attend and the time investment continues to increase, not a good combination. Happily, I've adapted and my business is growing despite the shows trending the other way, I get the feeling in talking to other dealers they are finding the same thing.

MFCA is a different animal than most shows, you get the toy soldier/model figure dealer hall, but you also get the exhibit area, I cannot stress enough how spectacular that aspect of the show is, the work on display there is stunning beyond belief, MFCA is a two day event with a lot of social interaction, it was great to spend time with John Jenkins, one of my best customers Rich Schuster, my helper Larry, plus I got to see Tom, Zach, Julie, Brad Lewin, Brad James, Andreas, Marc, Konrad, Travis and others from the forum, plus a number of dealers and customers I rarely get to see in person anymore.

Face time and socializing are keys to this hobby and this business, to me it's sad to see the shows slowly taking on water, I'd hate to see them vanish as again, the social aspect is very important, I told Larry last night I am already looking forward to our trip to Chicago in September.

As far as prices..............................I'll leave that discussion to others; I will say that I am sorry for those who feel they are being priced out, we all have to make choices in life as to when and where to spend our disposable income. Hobbies are healthy and bring enjoyment to people, it's a form of entertainment as are season tickets for a major sports team, gym and club memberships, opera and theater tickets, country club memberships, golf and tennis, sports cars and racing, etc, etc...........................

 

[tdubel]

Regarding the comment on the shows and shows in general; for the most part, they've all been trending downward the past several years. Bottom line is Andreas said, the internet is now king, collectors buy on line now whether it's via company websites, Amazon, Ebay, etc, etc, plus they gather their information via forums such as this one and others that are out there.

I built my business by attending shows; at one point, I attended well over 20, closer to 30. This year, I am down to 11, will probably cut that down to less than 10 next year. The attendance and the gross sales continue to drop at shows ,while the costs to attend and the time investment continues to increase, not a good combination. Happily, I've adapted and my business is growing despite the shows trending the other way, I get the feeling in talking to other dealers they are finding the same thing.

MFCA is a different animal than most shows, you get the toy soldier/model figure dealer hall, but you also get the exhibit area, I cannot stress enough how spectacular that aspect of the show is, the work on display there is stunning beyond belief, MFCA is a two day event with a lot of social interaction, it was great to spend time with John Jenkins, one of my best customers Rich Schuster, my helper Larry, plus I got to see Tom, Zach, Julie, Brad Lewin, Brad James, Andreas, Marc, Konrad, Travis and others from the forum, plus a number of dealers and customers I rarely get to see in person anymore.

Face time and socializing are keys to this hobby and this business, to me it's sad to see the shows slowly taking on water, I'd hate to see them vanish as again, the social aspect is very important, I told Larry last night I am already looking forward to our trip to Chicago in September.

As far as prices..............................I'll leave that discussion to others; I will say that I am sorry for those who feel they are being priced out, we all have to make choices in life as to when and where to spend our disposable income. Hobbies are healthy and bring enjoyment to people, it's a form of entertainment as are season tickets for a major sports team, gym and club memberships, opera and theater tickets, country club memberships, golf and tennis, sports cars and racing, etc, etc...........................

Lots of good points posted. What is odd though for me at this show is that I do better personally at small Hotel shows and regional shows and Hackensack. I loved seeing the competition items, but unfortunately this show is not worth being a dealer at for me. I have tried it multiple times with Toy Soldiers, Connoisseur Figures, Cheapo Figures and Flea Market items and funny thing is, my numbers have all been the same!!!!!!!! When I used to go to this show to buy, it was a mecca both with dealers and buyers. The attendance is the issue and I know a lot are saying the hobby this, the hobby that, but if you compare this show to the East Coaster (November 2017), there is no comparison in attendance, yet geographically it is pretty similar.

The social aspect of this show is very nice and worthwhile.

I don't mean that in any disrespect to the hard work Brad and his club puts in, but this one just doesn't work for me as a trader.

TD

 

[jazzeum]

Tom, does the location for you make any difference, i.e., VF vs the new location.

 

[tdubel]

Tom, does the location for you make any difference, i.e., VF vs the new location.

I think there was more traffic in Valley Forge and more to do around there. That is just me, it seemed to attract a better mix of toy soldier collectors, bargain hunters, modelers and exhibition. I could be wrong as my window of observation is different than a dealer who has been around for 20 years.

TD

 

[Arnhemjim]

Unbelievable artistry, both in vivid imagination and skill in execution. Truly magnificent works of art! However, an entirely unique genre, only comparable with the very high end of connoisseur military miniatures, i.e. St Petersburg school. In all sincere objectivity surely not toy soldiers, certainly not intended to be, not even today’s “toy soldiers”, with all due respect to current manufacturers. Thank you for sharing the examples and experience of seeing them first hand.

Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

 

[Warrior]

Tom, does the location for you make any difference, i.e., VF vs the new location.

Not sure the location has much to do with it; it's closer to NY/NJ/MD than the old location, very easy to get to, the traffic around the Casino was brutal during rush hour, took us an hour one time to get up the street for dinner.

Having Gettysburg an hour or so away the week prior to the show does not help, I had a number of my customers who came to Gettysburg and did not come to MFCA, or those who did come to both naturally spent less at MFCA as a result of spending at Gettysburg.

I also noticed a number of familiar faces who did not come to either show.

Again, see my post above.

It is what it is.

 

[Combat]

I agree. One question I have for all the manufacturers, particularly for King and Country , is that why is it that if a product isnt selling very well,why dont they just reduce the price? Have a clearance sale on that item. I bet they sell them. Better to have it sell then sit. Im not trying to be critical of K&C or any other manufacturer, I just dont understand the reason not to put an unpopular already made product up for sale.

I think it is out of concern for brand name reputation. It devalues the product and is a public sign of bad news. You don't want to give customer the impression that your product isn't selling well. And If you to start selling items at a discount, fewer collectors are going to buy at the original prices. Customers may start waiting on the discount. It also may have an impact on secondary market prices which drive some collectors to buy. I don't know what happens to stock that doesn't sell. My guess is that some dealers eventually must unload it at a reduced price regardless of whatever agreement they have with the manufacturers. So long as that is not publicized, the manufacturer likely doesn't care what happens. They just don't want anyone to get the impression that their products are not moving. And they probably do eventually sell out of most items even at the high prices. I see a lot dealers at these shows twiddling their thumbs and not selling much though. Then I look at their prices and wonder how they ever sell anything but they never say hey I'll knock 10 or 20 percent off. They apparently prefer to load it all back up and take it home.

 

[mikemiller1955]

I know John Jenkins told me that he has done well with his "starter sets"...it allows him to clear some inventory off the shelves and also allows some customers to get into series at a discount...once in the series...they may buy more pieces at full retail to compliment their collection...it's a win/win for both parties...a good marketing idea...

 

[Warrior]

Lots of good points posted. What is odd though for me at this show is that I do better personally at small Hotel shows and regional shows and Hackensack.

Regional shows; I had one of my former Annandale customers come to the show, he was at Gettysburg last week and he made an interesting observation. I did not walk the room at MFCA, but he told me this show and Gettysburg reminded him of the indoor flea market I used to sell at in Korea as far as the quality of merchandise that wa available.

The thing is this; as we lose collectors, we also loose dealers and that is a very good point regarding the quality of the shows and the quality of the offerings.

At Gettysburg, there were five full time toy soldier dealers there; myself, Crown, Warstore Collectibles, Gettysburg Toy Soldier and For the Historian and he sells mostly books.

At MFCA, it was myself, TFT and my good friends from the Hobby Bunker as Crown, Warstore, GTS and For the Historian were not there. There were also several vendors there selling unpainted kits, I think a couple of them do this full time, I'm not sure really. No hobby shops, no fill time book dealers.

One of the long time vendors showed me the floor plan for MFCA from 1996, there were 127 dealer tables there and the names list was a who's who of toy soldier dealers from that time, most of whom are now either out of business, retired or deceased.

If you look around the country, how many full time toy soldier dealers do we have left; nine, maybe ten of us?

The point being; as a customer, if you come to shows and you see the same old, same old and you buy mostly mail order from the current full time dealers, who can blame them really for not coming to the shows anymore and causing the gate to be down and the sales to be off.

One thing leads to another, it's a product of the times I'm afraid and combination of several factors.

 

[Larry Allen]

Yes the show was a bit depressing from the attendance standpoint, but as was mentioned, Brad (Baron) really put a lot of effort into the event and I found it very well organized and run.

John Jenkins gave (something like) 10 to 12 items to be raffled off. Not just single figures but his Tanks, Wheels across the dessert; War of the Roses sets, Planes and more. As was mentioned, John Jenkins was also there to announce his newest range ... The AWI series, Battle of Saratoga. (See other threads from more information). The venue was was setup and run well. I didn't hear any complaints.

The hotel seemed cooperative and parking was not an issue.

It was real nice, after a long winter stuck in Northern Maine to see Mark, Andreas, Brad (Jazzeum), Konrad, Brad (Baron), Travis Zach, Tom, Julie and some many more Forum folks. That makes the shows worth much more.

The biggest part of the show was the Exhibit of the exquisite works of art. THAT should easily be worth the price of admission.

--- LaRRy