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Model Show Etiquette

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  • Member since
    June 2010
Posted by Temujin on Thursday, April 18, 2013 10:25 PM

Hmmm....it never occurred to me to do anything other than walk around and enjoy the show. Big Smile

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Saturday, April 13, 2013 12:35 AM

O.K., it's 1:30 in the morning, I'm trying to get to bed so I can get up early to head to the show.

So who is going to be there?  Anyone planning on being there?  I'll have a black jacket with a small National Weather Service emblem on the front.  Hope to see someone from FSM forum there.

Either way, I'll be posting pics from the show tomorrow night.

Eagle90

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 7:03 PM

littletimmy

There are a few people out there who actually X- ray kits .... just to be sure that a mint kit is what is in the box.

I cant afford to buy a x-ray machine.

Maybe I could strap a kit to my chest and visit the Emergency room.  

The guy that runs    oldmodelkits.com   Opens every kit that he gets and inspects it thoroughly.

My "other" favorite website  BTW.

Absolutely!  Alan is a great guy.  When I got back into the hobby, I e-mailed him about the great articles he has on his site.  We got to talking and he gave me "store" credit for some of my stuff.  Got a couple of really good kits from him.  I check his site almost every day.  Great for references too.

 

  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Douglas AZ
Posted by littletimmy on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 6:44 PM

There are a few people out there who actually X- ray kits .... just to be sure that a mint kit is what is in the box.

I cant afford to buy a x-ray machine.

Maybe I could strap a kit to my chest and visit the Emergency room.  

The guy that runs    oldmodelkits.com   Opens every kit that he gets and inspects it thoroughly.

My "other" favorite website  BTW.

 Dont worry about the thumbprint, paint it Rust , and call it "Battle Damage"

  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Douglas AZ
Posted by littletimmy on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 6:36 PM

There are many venders who will re-wrap a kit. They dont intend to rip you off . They are just trying to keep the kit altogether.

 Dont worry about the thumbprint, paint it Rust , and call it "Battle Damage"

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 6:25 PM

littletimmy

He wouldnt let me open the box. Got into an argument how it was mint and opening it would decrease the value. But I was going to pay for it so why was he worried?  Then I heard the faint sound of broken glass shuffling in the box. after that he wouldnt let me near the box untill he had my cash!     KISS MY *** !!!

After that I open all kits that are sealed. Most venders allow it. there getting cash so its a win/win for all.

BTW   It was a Jo-Han kit. The Haulin Hearse. Current value  around$100.   He was selling it for$55

Whats that they say about too good to be true?

O.K., another silly questionEmbarrassed...you say to ask to open a sealed kit.  Do you mean the shrink wrapped stuff from the manufacture, or have these vendors had them opened already and did something to "seal" them up again?  Sorry for the silly question, but I don't want to offend anyone there by asking the wrong things.  Thank you all for your advice and help....it is greatly appreciated!

Eagle90

 

  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Douglas AZ
Posted by littletimmy on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 4:41 PM

He wouldnt let me open the box. Got into an argument how it was mint and opening it would decrease the value. But I was going to pay for it so why was he worried?  Then I heard the faint sound of broken glass shuffling in the box. after that he wouldnt let me near the box untill he had my cash!     KISS MY *** !!!

After that I open all kits that are sealed. Most venders allow it. there getting cash so its a win/win for all.

BTW   It was a Jo-Han kit. The Haulin Hearse. Current value  around$100.   He was selling it for$55

Whats that they say about too good to be true?

 Dont worry about the thumbprint, paint it Rust , and call it "Battle Damage"

  • Member since
    December 2012
Posted by RX7850 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 3:56 PM

littletimmy

One final note: Some people Have been known to put a bunch of scrape plastic into a vintege box and then seal it . There mission is to RIP YOU OFF!!!     Before you leave OPEN any sealed kits and check the contents!!!!    I have been to many shows  And havent had any problems. But flea markets and garage sales can be a buyer beware situation. If I question a kit I will open the box before I buy.   Some will say not to do this because you will destroy the value of a " MINT " kit.  Mint be damned ...... I want to know what I,m getting.    I only had this happen once at a flea market..... the guy wouldent let me touch the box    so I walked away.

Curious to know if the vendor was courteous enough to allow you to pay first and then open the kit in their presence. If not that was a good call on your part.

  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Douglas AZ
Posted by littletimmy on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 2:56 PM

I,m not saying it happens every day of the week  but..... it happens.   At shows your 99% safe. Its the flea markets and garage sales where you have to be carful. Some people dont care about reputation and if they get found out they just move on.  Once you get a kit home only to discover its full of rocks and garbage its too late. Going to get your money back turns into a he said- he said thing where you cant win.   I open kits before I buy.    Besides.....Isnt that what everybody does anyway?      You open it the minute your out of the hobby store.  It,s  The "icing on the cake"    To smell that virgin plastic........    To dream of the build to come.

You also open boxes you bought online to check that the contents arrived undamaged dont you?

 Dont worry about the thumbprint, paint it Rust , and call it "Battle Damage"

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 12:56 PM

Eagle90

littletimmy

One final note: Some people Have been known to put a bunch of scrape plastic into a vintege box and then seal it . There mission is to RIP YOU OFF!!!     Before you leave OPEN any sealed kits and check the contents!!!!    I have been to many shows  And havent had any problems. But flea markets and garage sales can be a buyer beware situation. If I question a kit I will open the box before I buy.   Some will say not to do this because you will destroy the value of a " MINT " kit.  Mint be damned ...... I want to know what I,m getting.    I only had this happen once at a flea market..... the guy wouldent let me touch the box    so I walked away.

Thanks, I would never have thought of that to happen.  Sad, very sad.

I've been attending contests since 1980 and I've never heard of that happening. I'd say it's a pretty rare thing and would have to be a one time dealer. Word will get around super quick that Jim Bob is scamming people like that. Heck, if a guy is reticent to deal and has higher than normal prices, word gets around and he won't sell much. Once the reputation is shot, it's really hard to regain. There's another guy who vends in southern New England/New York who comes off as a PITA, but he has good prices and is willing to drop them if you're looking to buy. I got a Bronco M114 with all the goodies for $45 when the retail was $70. he'd marked it $50 and I asked if he could dfo beter. When I'm looking for armor, I always check him out and ignore the personality quirks.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 12:26 PM

Rob Gronovius

I will admit to being warned about a certain vendor at my club's show. He would often shrinkwrap less than perfect kits (like an aircraft kit missing the clear parts) and sell them as mint, unopened.

So, the lesson here is to always open (if they don't let you before) after purchase and check!  Thanks again!

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 12:20 PM

I will admit to being warned about a certain vendor at my club's show. He would often shrinkwrap less than perfect kits (like an aircraft kit missing the clear parts) and sell them as mint, unopened.

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 10:50 AM

littletimmy

One final note: Some people Have been known to put a bunch of scrape plastic into a vintege box and then seal it . There mission is to RIP YOU OFF!!!     Before you leave OPEN any sealed kits and check the contents!!!!    I have been to many shows  And havent had any problems. But flea markets and garage sales can be a buyer beware situation. If I question a kit I will open the box before I buy.   Some will say not to do this because you will destroy the value of a " MINT " kit.  Mint be damned ...... I want to know what I,m getting.    I only had this happen once at a flea market..... the guy wouldent let me touch the box    so I walked away.

Thanks, I would never have thought of that to happen.  Sad, very sad.

 

  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Douglas AZ
Posted by littletimmy on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 10:46 AM

One final note: Some people Have been known to put a bunch of scrape plastic into a vintege box and then seal it . There mission is to RIP YOU OFF!!!     Before you leave OPEN any sealed kits and check the contents!!!!    I have been to many shows  And havent had any problems. But flea markets and garage sales can be a buyer beware situation. If I question a kit I will open the box before I buy.   Some will say not to do this because you will destroy the value of a " MINT " kit.  Mint be damned ...... I want to know what I,m getting.    I only had this happen once at a flea market..... the guy wouldent let me touch the box    so I walked away.

 Dont worry about the thumbprint, paint it Rust , and call it "Battle Damage"

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 10:41 AM

No problem, glad to help. Think I just wrote up what the other guys had already said in a list form though!

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 9:59 AM

Gamera

Personally I make an orbit around the dealer's room first off to see if there's anything I really want and/or any really good deals. Then I head over to the raffle table and buy a few tickets. Then I check out the entries, chat with people etc. Go to lunch. Then look at the entries again, look around the dealer's room. When the show is closing I go back and hit up any dealers when they're getting ready to pack up.

1). Raffles are generally good, about 90% of the time I get way more than I paid for. If you get something you don't want if you're a member of a club you can donate it to your own club raffle- we've had kits no one wanted that have been in circulation for years! If not just look around, if you're an aircraft guy and just got an auto kit find that guy in the NASCAR shirt holding a P-51 and looking dejected. Offer him a swap!

2). You can learn a lot from stuff like 'American Pickers'. If you see a kit you've been looking for twenty years DON'T gush to the dealer the truth and then ask him 'will you take a few bucks off eh?'  Tell the dealer that it looks like a nice kit and you might sorta be interested and then ask for a deal. Frank Fritz wasn't the first 'bundler'. Grab a stack of a hundred bucks worth of kits and then ask the dealer if he'll take eighty. And don't shove a hundred dollar bill at him if you do this!!!

3). If the vendor sells the kit you've been looking for twenty years to another guy just as you walk up DON'T punch either of them in the nose!

4). Talk to people, unlike cooks and magicians most modelers are happy to tell you why they did this or how they did that. Great place to pick up tips to improve your own modeling.

5). Don't spend your gas money you need to get home or you lunch money!  

6). Sit down and take a rest every now and then. Most shows I've been to have had concrete floors - they'll kill your feet if you spend too much time standing or walking.

Good luck and have fun!

Now that is some good stuff there!  I really enjoyed reading those......I think I'll print it off!

Thanks!

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 9:47 AM

Personally I make an orbit around the dealer's room first off to see if there's anything I really want and/or any really good deals. Then I head over to the raffle table and buy a few tickets. Then I check out the entries, chat with people etc. Go to lunch. Then look at the entries again, look around the dealer's room. When the show is closing I go back and hit up any dealers when they're getting ready to pack up.

1). Raffles are generally good, about 90% of the time I get way more than I paid for. If you get something you don't want if you're a member of a club you can donate it to your own club raffle- we've had kits no one wanted that have been in circulation for years! If not just look around, if you're an aircraft guy and just got an auto kit find that guy in the NASCAR shirt holding a P-51 and looking dejected. Offer him a swap!

2). You can learn a lot from stuff like 'American Pickers'. If you see a kit you've been looking for twenty years DON'T gush to the dealer the truth and then ask him 'will you take a few bucks off eh?'  Tell the dealer that it looks like a nice kit and you might sorta be interested and then ask for a deal. Frank Fritz wasn't the first 'bundler'. Grab a stack of a hundred bucks worth of kits and then ask the dealer if he'll take eighty. And don't shove a hundred dollar bill at him if you do this!!!

3). If the vendor sells the kit you've been looking for twenty years to another guy just as you walk up DON'T punch either of them in the nose!

4). Talk to people, unlike cooks and magicians most modelers are happy to tell you why they did this or how they did that. Great place to pick up tips to improve your own modeling.

5). Don't spend your gas money you need to get home or you lunch money!  

6). Sit down and take a rest every now and then. Most shows I've been to have had concrete floors - they'll kill your feet if you spend too much time standing or walking.

Good luck and have fun!

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 8:38 AM

tankerbuilder

HI :

It has been my experience that if you are honest and above-board with the vendors they are willing to trade . All you have to do is ask " Hey , if this kit is all there , would you be willing to do a trade ." Remember though , he may just do it and then turn around and put it in the space the kit you got was in . This way everyone is happy .

  DO NOT , and I repeat DO NOT even think of selling out of your trunk ! This is unethical at least .Let the vendors  know what you want , if they have it  , and try to see if he or she will trade . I have done it many times and both the vendor and I were happy .

 The same vendor ,at the next show , called me over and told me he had a kit I might be interested in . He showed me the kit and I asked " Cash or Trade " his answer ," Either is fine , let's see what you got " Again , we both left happy .      Tanker - builder

Never thought of selling out of the trunk.  My initial question was a little vague.  My thought from the start was asking the vendors if they would like to trade...not sell anything from the trunk.  I'm looking to make friends like you did at the show, not start a riot! Smile  

As for the honest part of trading, I have already gone through the kits and inventoried to make sure everything is there.  Some of the kits are still sealed, so I didn't open those.  I'm not trying to rip anyone off, just have some kits I know I will not do and in hopes of finding something I would like better, would like to trade.  

More good advice!  Thanks so much for the help!

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 8:31 AM

ajlafleche

Another point about cash. At our show we had 64 tables (31 vendors)  rented out. Only 24 of those tables were taken by "professional" vendors, those with a brick and mortar or on line business. The rest were guys who were cleaning out their stashes or who only do this occasinlally at shows. They deal only in cash. The professionals are less likely to give big discounts since they have overhead to cover, including salaries for their workers. The other guys may be more likely to haggle since their goal is to get rid of stuff.

What I've done at the two figures shows I attend each year is create a shopping list of kits I have seen n the previous few months and start with those. Then I'll go back and bottom feed for bargains or look for new releases.

Getting several iems form one guy will likely cause him to be more generous in his asking price. Let him set the first price, ""Wha's the best you could do on this/these?" If the price sounds good, you might want to save time and go for it, especially if it's a pro. If you think it's above you're budget, you might counter with "I was thinking more like $X." And see where it goes. He may come down, you may need to go up. This is how the shoppers on PBS's Market Warriors work and it seems to get them good prices. Of course, having a full camera crew next to you may help!

Also, bring small bills. You don't want to give a dealer (or the registration table) a $100 for his first sale and kill his bank for the day.

More great advice!  Thanks so much.  Being my first show, I'm feeling pretty good about the buying part now.  Thank you!

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 8:26 AM

Tongue TiedRaffles!!!!!  I'm going to need more cash!

 

  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by tankerbuilder on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 8:19 AM

HI :

It has been my experience that if you are honest and above-board with the vendors they are willing to trade . All you have to do is ask " Hey , if this kit is all there , would you be willing to do a trade ." Remember though , he may just do it and then turn around and put it in the space the kit you got was in . This way everyone is happy .

  DO NOT , and I repeat DO NOT even think of selling out of your trunk ! This is unethical at least .Let the vendors  know what you want , if they have it  , and try to see if he or she will trade . I have done it many times and both the vendor and I were happy .

 The same vendor ,at the next show , called me over and told me he had a kit I might be interested in . He showed me the kit and I asked " Cash or Trade " his answer ," Either is fine , let's see what you got " Again , we both left happy .      Tanker - builder

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 8:12 AM

Another point about cash. At our show we had 64 tables (31 vendors)  rented out. Only 24 of those tables were taken by "professional" vendors, those with a brick and mortar or on line business. The rest were guys who were cleaning out their stashes or who only do this occasinlally at shows. They deal only in cash. The professionals are less likely to give big discounts since they have overhead to cover, including salaries for their workers. The other guys may be more likely to haggle since their goal is to get rid of stuff.

What I've done at the two figures shows I attend each year is create a shopping list of kits I have seen n the previous few months and start with those. Then I'll go back and bottom feed for bargains or look for new releases.

Getting several iems form one guy will likely cause him to be more generous in his asking price. Let him set the first price, ""Wha's the best you could do on this/these?" If the price sounds good, you might want to save time and go for it, especially if it's a pro. If you think it's above you're budget, you might counter with "I was thinking more like $X." And see where it goes. He may come down, you may need to go up. This is how the shoppers on PBS's Market Warriors work and it seems to get them good prices. Of course, having a full camera crew next to you may help!

Also, bring small bills. You don't want to give a dealer (or the registration table) a $100 for his first sale and kill his bank for the day.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    September 2011
  • From: Milaca, Minnesota
Posted by falconmod on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 7:56 AM

And don't forget the raffle's,  I went to a show in rochester MN this winter intending/hoping to by some OOP kits from vendors, didn't really find anything but I won 3 kits in the raffle,  stuff that I will build all for $5 in tickets.   Woo Hoo!

John

On the Bench: 1/72 Ki-67, 1/48 T-38

1/144 AC-130, 1/72 AV-8A Harrier

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 6:47 AM

mitsdude

I recall from my sports card days someone at a show would occasionally sell from the trunk of their car and the shows vendors would complain but there wasn't really anything that could be done about it. In the cases I saw it was just some guy taking advantage of a one time situation as opposed to someone that made it a habit of showing up during a card show.

The hotel didn't want to get involved especially if the trunk seller was a paying guest staying at the hotel.

No trunk sales here for me.  Never was my intent to start a "model black market". Big Smile  I used to do the card shows, but they were just too "shifty" for me.  Every card vendor looked like a shifty alley character.  Besides, the cost of those cards got to be WAY too much (started to cut into my model and guitar funds!).  Just not worth it to me anymore.  Sold all but one box of my favorites and my Marino collection.  

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 6:42 AM

Rob Gronovius

Just be aware that sometimes when you pass something by in hopes of finding it cheaper, you don't always find it at another table and it could be gone by the time you come back around to the first place you saw  it at.

If it i something that you have really been looking for and it's kind of rare, you may want to grab it when you see it. Of the ordinary or common kits, there's probably multiple vendors selling the same item so look for the best price.

Also if you plan on staying towards the end of the show, sometimes vendors drop their prices just so they don't have to pack it up and take it home. I remember when the Trumpeter Strv-103 S-tank was a new kit running $25-30. Towards the end of the show a vendor talked me into buying it for $10.

Another good point!  I had planned on shock and awing my way through quickly, but a little patience may see better results.  I had not planned on staying the whole time, but now........Great points brought up by everyone.  Thanks!

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 6:40 AM

padakr

littletimmy

I would bring cash and leave the card at home. Just so you wont be tempted to spend the morgage payment on kits that wont have a home if you spend the morgage payment !!!

I agree.  And when it comes to haggling, cash is better.  A lot of vendors can take CCs (there's an app for that), but each transaction costs them, so they don't take home the amount you paid.  With cash, they might be willing to deal a little more, since they don't have the CC fees biting into their profit.

Paul

Good point.  I think the CC companies have enough of everyone's money already!  Thanks for the tip!

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 6:38 AM

littletimmy

I would bring cash and leave the card at home. Just so you wont be tempted to spend the morgage payment on kits that wont have a home if you spend the morgage payment !!!

I could see me doing that too!  Embarrassed

 

  • Member since
    February 2007
Posted by mitsdude on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 1:44 AM

I recall from my sports card days someone at a show would occasionally sell from the trunk of their car and the shows vendors would complain but there wasn't really anything that could be done about it. In the cases I saw it was just some guy taking advantage of a one time situation as opposed to someone that made it a habit of showing up during a card show.

The hotel didn't want to get involved especially if the trunk seller was a paying guest staying at the hotel.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 12:13 AM

Just be aware that sometimes when you pass something by in hopes of finding it cheaper, you don't always find it at another table and it could be gone by the time you come back around to the first place you saw  it at.

If it i something that you have really been looking for and it's kind of rare, you may want to grab it when you see it. Of the ordinary or common kits, there's probably multiple vendors selling the same item so look for the best price.

Also if you plan on staying towards the end of the show, sometimes vendors drop their prices just so they don't have to pack it up and take it home. I remember when the Trumpeter Strv-103 S-tank was a new kit running $25-30. Towards the end of the show a vendor talked me into buying it for $10.

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