All, An open letter to all dealers of jewelry, and rough
rock. The recent post by a club person is exactly what I am talking
about when I say that these promoters are not serving the dealers.
Did you get the gist of the post? It was that if you as a dealer do
not like what they are doing, then do not bother to apply for our
show. There is no question to the dealer of: How can we make the
show better for you? We as dealers need to organize and put on our
own shows. Eliminate the promoter altogether. What are your
thoughts?
Gerry Galarneau
Hello Gerry and Orchidians, Sounds like organizing marbles on a waxed,
hard wooden floor. 
I’d suggest that an existing entity, which
includes dealers within its membership, could be a start. The entity
(SNAG, LJ, etc.) already has staff and contacts among many interested
in participating. The show could be designed to be "dealer friendly"
and profits managed by the entity to support new shows.
Frankly, the time and effort needed to create and promote a show
mandates paid staff to do it. I’d build in a bonus to staff to
reward them for a successful show. The unpaid volunteer has no
incentive to do something that labor intensive without compensation!
Dealers have their own businesses to manage without adding another
responsibility.
Let’s hear other ideas. Judy in Kansas
Judy M. Willingham, R.S.
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
237 Seaton Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan KS 66506
(785) 532-2936
Gerry, Some of your points are well taken, but not in the case of the
Culver City Show. It is one example of a well-run, well-supported
show in an adequate location with compatible dealers. I have not
been a dealer there (yet), but have close friends who are regulars.
I’ve attended the past five or six years, and the consistency is
admirable, including strong attendance. Doesn’t mean they can’t take
offense when they feel unfairly attacked. They are not the problem.
Another L.A. area club show on a smaller scale that works well is the
Glendora.
What I see they have in common is:
-
a location that doesn’t bankrupt them, has adequate parking, air
conditioning, and is reasonably accessible to a metropolitan area,
-
a club large enough and fit enough to handle the mechanics of
organization, set up and tear down
-
care used in assembling a show of dealers with a good mix of
products appropriate to the venue
-
an educational component with strong displays and demonstrations
As to dealers organizing their own shows, that could be an
interesting development beyond the club sponsored arena or that of
the professional promoter. But somebody’s going to end up in the
position of promoter, or it isn’t going to happen. Collectively, I’m
sure any group of experienced vendors has the expertise. But do they
have the time, upfront money and energy to cope with the arrangements
and publicity? Do they know the area well enough to know about
conflicting events and negative weather patterns? Can they get free
PR placement in addition to knowing where to place, and whom to
target in paid ads? Do they know the dealer pool well enough to put
together a compatible grouping in temperment, product, and audience?
If so, then, they should go for it! It would be a great event! Carol
Carol J. Bova @Carol_J_Bova
The recent post by a club person is exactly what I am talking about
when I say that these promoters are not serving the dealers. Did you
get the gist of the post? It was that if you as a dealer do not
like what they are doing, then do not bother to apply for our show.
Gerry, You misread my post. The gist was that YOU, because of your
negative attitude, should not bother to apply for our show � all
others are welcome. I see also that you haven’t bothered to take me
up on my offer to get feedback from any/all of the dealers at our show
so I’ll make it easy for you. The list of dealers can be accessed at
our website: http://www.gembiz.com/ccrmc/dealers.htm
There is no question to the dealer of: How can we make the show
better for you?
We pass out questionnaires to our dealers at the end of every show
which ask how they fared, as well as if they were satisfied with the
services, security, and facilities provided by us. Here are some of
this year’s responses: “This was our best weekend show ever. You
folks must know how to advertise.” “Security is outstanding. Since
we are usually one of the last to finish loading, we really appreciate
club members around with their eyes open. Especially appreciate that
you stay till the bitter end.” “Top notch as usual.” “Your show is
always one of our very best shows.” “Your club goes out of its way to
help us out. You all try so very hard.” “Your hospitality room is
better than we could ask for!” “I really enjoy being part of your
excellent production. You put on the best quality show I participate
in during the year.” “Twice what we expected.” “A stellar
performance (as usual!).” “I really have fun here. You are a great
bunch.” “Class act group. Thanks for having me again.” “Each year I
have increased my sales and made new customers.” “Each year better
than the past including this year. Your club always shines. What a
great group.” “You did a super job this year. I LOVE the post cards
and the ‘email’ postcard was great.”
One more suggestion: Read the article in the July 2001 issue of
“Rock &Gem” magazine entitled, “Secrets of a Successful Rock Show -
Tips from the Culver City Rock & Mineral Club.” That’s us. The
article was conceived and written by Barbara McCondra. Oh yes, she’s
one of our dealers.
Beth Rosengard