Hobby Shows

Toy Soldiers of San Diego were at a recent Toy Soldier Show. I was lucky enough to visit them while I was there. To get the most out of a hobby show you have to do a little preparation.

Nick of TSSD shows off his magnificent 1/32nd scale Alamo to Larry of Pegasus.

Find out the exact time and location of the show. A quick Internet search will usually give you all the information you need. Find out about parking, some places will charge you to park your car. I typically reserve at least $10 and possibly $20 for parking depending on where the show is located. I fold up a $20 bill and hide it in my wallet so I don't spend it on army men. I try and take at least $200 with me and more is always better. Since you have to pay to get in most show, usually around $5, you want to spend enough to offset the costs of parking and entry. I try and take a variety of bills, including small bills and even some change. Vendors like exact change and sometimes waving $15 in front of them and offering it for a $20 item will more likely get a positive response than showing a $20 bill! I make sure I have space in the car so I have room for everything I might buy, covered up and out of the direct sun.

Most shows are set up in hotels or similar venues and consist of vendors with one or more tables displaying their wares. I like to pause for a moment near the entrance and scan the venue, if there is something particularly good, I may head for it immediately. Go early for the best selection, many times the vendors have already wandered the show before the doors are open and snapped up a few good buys before actual official sales begin. Stay late for the bargains. If there is something on your wishlist that is a like to have not a have to get, then sometimes you can get a real bargain at the end of a show. I got a 12" action figure, regularly about $50 for only $30. Not too bad.

Have a list of what you are really looking for at the show. This can serve as a bit of a reminder to you, as the selection can be a bit overwhelming. If you see someone with similar items for sale, as if they have the specific item you want. Sometimes its not unpacked or there can be so much it can be hard to find individual items in the crowd. Have a good idea what the items normally sell at retail. Expect most items to be priced similarly to retail, but many dealers will deal, and the more you buy often the better the deal. Remember you won't be paying shipping and you get the chance to view the item before you buy. Keep in mind also that you may never see this person again, so returns out generally out of the question.

TSSD 1/32nd scale Alamo. A great model as you can see. Many of the dealers travel around the country going from show to show or make several shows in a year. It is a good chance to chat and make new friends, but remember they are there to sell things and need to make money. Show expenses for a vendor can be very high, tables often run $50 or more each, and then another $100 or more per night for the hotel, plus travel expenses. Shows sometimes start on Friday and go until Sunday and when you add travel time can absorb at least a week and usually several of preparation time, travel and the show itself. These are a big deal to the vendor and they are there to make money, so don't hog their time if they are busy.

I like to gather business cards and fliers so I can buy more later. Sometimes getting that important connection is a good thing too. Shows also bring out many local and small vendors who have no web presence or no store. At a local hobby show I went to a few weeks ago several vendors where there with old and out of production stock and so many of us got some pretty good bargains.

Shows can be crowded busy places. Walk slowly and observe carefully. Look on and under the table, many vendors put things on the floor as well as on the table. Be polite to others and don't block their view of items. I usually walk the whole show at least twice and frequently three or four times. Generally you should not bring children, they grab everything and they are far too bored and tired after a short walk around. You don't want to pay for items they broke while you were not watching. Older kids are great, if they are interested in the hobby, otherwise they are just an unnecessary distraction. Wives are a mixed group, some are generally ready to go home after about ten minutes, others like MRS Bunkermeister, enjoy the thrill of the hunt and excitement of the show.

If you live very far away, and it is a very large show, it is well worth it to stay at the hotel. Then you only have to walk downstairs and you are ready to go. My wife and I have done this and it makes the show go very easy. Shows are a lot of fun and with a bit of planning they can get you some great bargains too.