Currahee Chris
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 4,776
Hey guys-
I have been thinking about posting a thread like this for awhile so here goes. Here are some thoughts I would like to share in an attempt to increase fairness and goodwill and harmony at our toy soldier shows. I am by no means trying to dictate or codify some kind of rules for behavior- just simply wanted to put a sounding board out there for all to consider. I would be interested to hear from our friends across the pond as to what might consist of good manners at the shows overseas.
My thoughts:
1.) "Do not touch"- if a vendor has that sign posted all over their table....in whatever form...in whatever language... be courteous and at a minimum ask. Human hands have oils on them which could smudge or weaken some paints (though I hear it actually helps glossies). I always carry a magnifying glass and use it to view detail and avoid offending said vendor.
2.) Keep the language clean- be respectful of families and the fair sex.....
3.) Deodorant- can be an attendee's best friend whilst at a show during a hot weekend. Feel free to apply amply. Toothpaste isn't a bad idea either. {sm3} Heavy booze or smoke smell can be a distraction. Try not to break wind too!! {sm4}
4.) Don't expect a discount from a vendor- look, we work hard for our wages and wouldn't dream of giving our employers 10% back- these folks work hard for their money- don't ask for a discount, if they offer, then take it but let them make the offer. Some companies have rules prohibiting selling at a discount so your pressures for pinch pennies may cost someone their livelihood......
5.) Vendors- sellers don't owe you a living- treat us with respect. Not everyone can afford the items from your table. Some folks are curious- don't pressure people into sales when you think they might be over extended.
6.) Try not to crowd- the tables are getting smaller (or maybe our waistlines are expanding ^&grin). I have seen where some collectors unknowingly block access to vendors tables by standing around talking, etc and the vendor looses a potential customer because they loose patience waiting for some space. Move to the side if/when you finish conducting business so others can enjoy.
7.) thicken the skin- there are a wide variety of topics and a wide variety of opinions and "experts" {sm4} present at shows. I have been at fault here of getting sucked into p-***ing contests with some collectors over my views and theirs. This can create a difficult scene for nearby vendors and possibly yourself. Try to maintain some composure....try at least {sm3}
8.) If someone is looking to buy a set/figure etc from a vendor, please DO NOT interject that you saw it cheaper from someone else or that you have one in your collection that you could sell them cheaper. This ain't cool.
9.) Tip the barmaid!! 15 quid is all she asks for!! {sm4}{sm3}
10.) if a vendor offers to hold an item for you, may not be a bad idea to get a receipt- some nasty scrapes I have seen where a buyer thinks he left something with a vendor and the vendor doesn't have everything. Also, a vendor can hold something for you but don't expect him/her to provide absolute insurance against something accidentally happening to something fragile or expensive. I know they will do their best but stuff happens. If you buy something fragile or delicate, then maybe it is a better idea to take the time and secure it in your room/car, etc.
11.) Don't gossip- don't bad mouth a vendor or dealer about someone else- it's a very small community!! {eek3} Also, don't just assume that a vendor won't help you if something is broken- don't hesitate to ask. If you don't get the service you want, talk with your wallet and don't deal with them again. Lastly, a vendor doesn't want to hear your problems- they aren't your therapist.
Alright, those are some do's/don't's I can think of. Remember, we are all ambassadors for the hobby. Have fun and let's enjoy this hobby of ours!!
I have been thinking about posting a thread like this for awhile so here goes. Here are some thoughts I would like to share in an attempt to increase fairness and goodwill and harmony at our toy soldier shows. I am by no means trying to dictate or codify some kind of rules for behavior- just simply wanted to put a sounding board out there for all to consider. I would be interested to hear from our friends across the pond as to what might consist of good manners at the shows overseas.
My thoughts:
1.) "Do not touch"- if a vendor has that sign posted all over their table....in whatever form...in whatever language... be courteous and at a minimum ask. Human hands have oils on them which could smudge or weaken some paints (though I hear it actually helps glossies). I always carry a magnifying glass and use it to view detail and avoid offending said vendor.
2.) Keep the language clean- be respectful of families and the fair sex.....
3.) Deodorant- can be an attendee's best friend whilst at a show during a hot weekend. Feel free to apply amply. Toothpaste isn't a bad idea either. {sm3} Heavy booze or smoke smell can be a distraction. Try not to break wind too!! {sm4}
4.) Don't expect a discount from a vendor- look, we work hard for our wages and wouldn't dream of giving our employers 10% back- these folks work hard for their money- don't ask for a discount, if they offer, then take it but let them make the offer. Some companies have rules prohibiting selling at a discount so your pressures for pinch pennies may cost someone their livelihood......
5.) Vendors- sellers don't owe you a living- treat us with respect. Not everyone can afford the items from your table. Some folks are curious- don't pressure people into sales when you think they might be over extended.
6.) Try not to crowd- the tables are getting smaller (or maybe our waistlines are expanding ^&grin). I have seen where some collectors unknowingly block access to vendors tables by standing around talking, etc and the vendor looses a potential customer because they loose patience waiting for some space. Move to the side if/when you finish conducting business so others can enjoy.
7.) thicken the skin- there are a wide variety of topics and a wide variety of opinions and "experts" {sm4} present at shows. I have been at fault here of getting sucked into p-***ing contests with some collectors over my views and theirs. This can create a difficult scene for nearby vendors and possibly yourself. Try to maintain some composure....try at least {sm3}
8.) If someone is looking to buy a set/figure etc from a vendor, please DO NOT interject that you saw it cheaper from someone else or that you have one in your collection that you could sell them cheaper. This ain't cool.
9.) Tip the barmaid!! 15 quid is all she asks for!! {sm4}{sm3}
10.) if a vendor offers to hold an item for you, may not be a bad idea to get a receipt- some nasty scrapes I have seen where a buyer thinks he left something with a vendor and the vendor doesn't have everything. Also, a vendor can hold something for you but don't expect him/her to provide absolute insurance against something accidentally happening to something fragile or expensive. I know they will do their best but stuff happens. If you buy something fragile or delicate, then maybe it is a better idea to take the time and secure it in your room/car, etc.
11.) Don't gossip- don't bad mouth a vendor or dealer about someone else- it's a very small community!! {eek3} Also, don't just assume that a vendor won't help you if something is broken- don't hesitate to ask. If you don't get the service you want, talk with your wallet and don't deal with them again. Lastly, a vendor doesn't want to hear your problems- they aren't your therapist.
Alright, those are some do's/don't's I can think of. Remember, we are all ambassadors for the hobby. Have fun and let's enjoy this hobby of ours!!
:rolleyes2:" and he says "Sorry, manufacturer won't let me." or "I don't make that big a profit on those items." then I will simply buy a little less/suck it up and pay, no offence taken. If he throws in one of the lancers for free (lets say $75 off a $375 purchase) I will buy from him many more times. I see nothing wrong with this. In fact, I have recently made a slight shift from one seller to another because of a deal very similar to the one above. 
