Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums Petroliana News Charlotte Auto Fair

We drove all the way from Canada for the first time last spring . We are planning on going again . Great time. Decent stuff and lots of nice vendors .

If all those who dislike the Autofair are only coming to buy anyway I'll be happy if you stay away as I'll likely be able to buy the great stuff and not have you as competition. So yes, if you're not coming as a vendor please stay away... LOL

Reality bites. Why so many get so bent out for ones telling the truth. The word has been out on Charlotte a few years now, how treated , way over prices for greed by some vendors and a lot of just stuff. This isn't the only show that times is a changing, the advertising shows was not so hot this year, less dealers, a lot of dealers are just auction companies and selling before the doors open which was always enforced. Rarity and quality has taken a step backwards and prices for some thing are just out of sight. Just reality.

It's interesting how there are complaints, yet I don't see any of the complainers pointing out those 'better' shows in the region that bring in tens of thousands of people through the gates.

As for higher prices for most everything?

That's a laugh, since no one has lowered prices, maybe these complainers can start a new show where they'll sell their stuff for 1/2 of what it cost?

Why should a guy who spends $1000 on a Texaco sign not expect to get profit when we see them sell on oldgas and elsewhere for $1600, 1800, 2200, 2500?

Again, I'll reiterate, if you're going to complain about Charlotte as a buyer then don't come to the show and those who enjoy going can buy what you aren't because you didn't come. On the other hand if you are just frustrated you don't have unlimited time to hunt down signs, Charlotte offers one venue to go and find some.

Reality is that times change, prices change, and either you keep up with the times or stay home.

Just to be sure you understood my complaint. I had nothing to say about the vendors or prices of their items. I didnt like the proprietors and their heavy handed rule, the price of concessions at the track, and 225.00 per nite for a 68.00 room. Since I cant go to all the shows, I go to Dixie gas instead. A better show by far if you need an example.

If you stay south of the track down between Gastonia and Charlotte you'll find reasonable room rates. This year I have a cousin living in the area so I'm staying free!

The people who administer the show are getting long in the tooth for sure. Unfortunately it's symptomatic of the younger generations not being involved in clubs in the same way as their elders. The setup cost, 130 at show time, is high, but when I do over $3k in business in two days it doesn't bother me much anymore. And because there are on average 70-80k people who come to the show sales are going to occur. Last year fall was my worst ever but we had rain EVERY DAY and I still bought well even if I didn't sell well. And that's something you can't fault a show itself for happening.

If your time is limited and your interest sole focus is signage then waiting a week for Dixie Gas I can understand. Besides, you're likely to see some good picks from Charlotte turn up at Dixie, you'll just have to pay more for them is all..

I have gone to the Auto Fair since spectators parked on the race track and there was no Red or Green fields there are good years and off years like all shows We stay about 15 miles from there and have a nice motel for around $79 with breakfast yes the food prices are high but the same a t Carlisle and yes they could treat you better but always been like that Always have a good time and usually buy quite a bit Always enjoy going

Please post pictures of all that GREAT stuff you find at Charlotte!! Prove all of us in the business wrong for not sitting around listening to how high everything is and how you never find anything reasonable to buy there. I know at least five LARGE petro vendors that don't even waste the time or the money to go, even though we live less than an hour away!!

Used to go to Charlotte every year until about 18 years ago. Started getting too big and difficult to remember where something was unless you wrote it down. Chances were when you went back it would be gone anyway. I much more enjoy the smaller 1 to 2 day gas shows. Everything is in one collective area plus it gives you a chance to visit with friends. That's very important too.

Packing for the show, will be setting up on Thursday through Saturday in the Orange field in space LO 39-40. Bringing several pumps an oil drum, small fire hydrant, lots of oil cans and smalls. Come on by !!