Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums Petroliana News Peotone gas question?

John,are you getting Alzheimers already(HeeHee)? I bought a pair of DX salt & pepper shakers from you this past fall. That was my first time at Peotone. I didn't bring a lot to sell. Did sell a few things, but overall, I was a little disappointed. I hear over and over that the show brings in a great crowd but that they don't spend a lot. Of course there are always exceptions. Tim and Kevin seemed to do a great job. It is getting tougher and tougher for show promotors. The buying public don't seem to have the discretionary income they used to. Roger Cherry gives me a hard time about the cans(for example) that I would buy for $10.00 to sell for $15.00. A couple of years ago, I could sell them all day long. I used to sell a lot of smalls. Hardly ever anymore.Most of us collectors will rent a space and try to sell a few things and help offset the cost of "admission". I'm getting to where I don't care about setting up much anymore as it's like work. I do like seeing people at the shows as John says, so I will continue to go to shows, just won't be as likely to vend. Pat.

Even more now, we look at various things and ask, "Is it worth it?" Add the cost of gas, motel, swap meet space and your time together and see if it is worth it to go. The same for the guys who put on swap meets. A lot of work, up front costs and risk of losing money must make the promoters ask the same question of themselves.

What a loss it would be to the hobby if fewer and fewer vendors would set up at swap meets and fewer promoters would host shows?

If it was all about the money or wise investments of time, much of the hobby would evaporate. I've wasted plenty of both at times with little to show for it. I still really enjoy finding that special item and even just seeing cool stuff up close that I can't afford. It feels good to sell an item to someone who appreciates owning it no matter the price. Not to mention talking to fellow collectors and seeing old friends.

I haven't figured out how to put a value on that stuff, but when it gets to cost too much, I guess I'll stop.

Jim,
I totally agree. If your a dealer and sell items at every show i guess $75 isn't bad because if you sell $1000 on ebay it would cost you $100.
It's not all about money here... it's about promoters trying to keep the cost down and passing that on to vendors! Why just stay at the same place over and over if the price of the building keeps going up. Tim and Kevin do a great job with out a doubt! I will be going to Peotone and will have the same fun... just cost me a little more for my fun. LOL

Hey John - if this thread has done anything at all it's turned your decision to go around.So I guess I'll be seeing you there.That's great as I too enjoy seeing everyone at shows and miss a lot of old gassers that are gone.After all that is what this thing is really about friendships.I don't like the idea of are hobby struggling because of several reasons but I too think that they do a great job.We are in uncharted waters in this hobby at this time and will hope it get's better soon.Larry Robertson and I have been doing this show since Wayne started it yrs ago and I can't tell you how many times I might sell better on Sat or Sun,it all depends on what I have to sell.I guess I'm rambling so I'll close by saying I see your point John as we as dealers are not doing as well all are expenses keep climbing but that is something we indure or not.