Vendors... shows used to be about the savings!

[pfarber]

With Gilbert PA about 3 days away I am starting to get a list of what I am looking for.

I remember a few, few short years ago when you payed to get into an MV meet and got some really, really good deals from vendors. 10-20% off show specials, overstock or old items... it was worth the $5 to get in.

Now at best you can hope to save shipping costs... but with fuel, entry and food you don't really even save that. Vendors (the big guys) throw out a smattering for things and charge just about the same price as mail order. I bought some GPW tool box locks last year and the every vendor was within $5 of each other. No deals if I bought $100 worth of stuff, no one was matching price, even had to pay sales tax.

MV shows need vendors. They are most of the draw. From the with a pickup truck full of stuff to the 'full time' vendors. I really, really don't go to shows for the MVs. Once in a while you are surprised with an MV that shows up, but the next year its all the same. Good trucks, but the same trucks.

I know vendors pay for most of the costs of an event... but its not even worth showing up to support who's holding it when you are not saving anything.

I have a list and will post back with what the total costs were at the show vs ordering it online.