RetrotechUK May 21st

[audiomagpie]

Stall holder booking forms are now available via the RetrotechUK website:

https://www.retrotechuk.com

Look forwards to seeing many of you at the new venue this year!

[Paul Stenning]

The FAQ has now also been updated.

[duncanlowe]

I hope it's OK to ask for some advice. Prompted by the fact that I've been in the loft to rescue an Akai turntable because my Nephew was thinking of buying a vintage turntable, we have decided that we want to get rid of some stuff in the loft. A lot of 1980s HiFi (mid end) stuff (Speakers, tape decks, tuners , amps). But then my thoughts widened to lots of older computing stuff I have, like motherboards and PSUs. Also to the Mac G4 and monitor discussed in another thread. And in my head, the list goes on.

Now I'm not thinking of making a fortune (being a millionaire Rodney), but is it likely worth my while booking a stall at RT to get rid of these (I do have quite a bit)?

If so, how do I price? Ask for offers? Price stuff I think needs a start?

And how likely is it, especially if the price is right, that stuff will go?

Finally, I've some slightly newer stuff. Still old, but hardly retro. For example analogue and IP CCTV cameras, and CCTV IP servers. Would these be acceptable, and sell?

I did go to the first one after lockdown, 2 years ago and I think what I have fits the profile. But I'd hate to book a stall, and end up dragging most stuff back home.

[slidertogrid]

I would look at ebay completed listings. from that you can judge saleability and get an idea as to what items will sell for. I sell a few radios at RT and I price them around half of the price ebay will achieve, working on the principal that there are no fees with RT but the potential "audience" is smaller than the auction site.
I usually manage to sell most of what I take. Anything not sold after lunch can always be reduced but bear in mind a lot of buyers will make offers anyway.
One point I would advise though is to put prices on everything as buyers often don't like asking and it will also save you time in answering questions.

[duncanlowe]

Originally Posted by slidertogrid

I would look at ebay completed listings. from that you can judge saleability and get an idea as to what items will sell for. I sell a few radios at RT and I price them around half of the price ebay will achieve, working on the principal that there are no fees with RT but the potential "audience" is smaller than the auction site.
I usually manage to sell most of what I take. Anything not sold after lunch can always be reduced but bear in mind a lot of buyers will make offers anyway.
One point I would advise though is to put prices on everything as buyers often don't like asking and it will also save you time in answering questions.

Thanks, sound advice.

[Paul Stenning]

For those who have sent stall booking forms and cheques, nothing will happen yet.

Cheques are usually cashed 2-3 weeks before the event then the tickets etc posted about a week before.

If you have any concerns or queries please contact Greg using the email address on the RetroTechUK website.

[ortek_service]

Annoying, the Dunstable Radio Rally date has finally been announced (a bit later than Jan/Feb they promise to announce it by): as being on the same 21st May day (which is around usual date for that)
So the RetroTech! (that had been announced a while ago and is a week later than normal this year), now clashes with that
- As they're < 60miles apart, many traders and visitors (particularly those of us who live between them) normally often go to both. So could mean lower numbers at each.

Bletchley Park's TNMoC is also holding an Acorn Computers Econet 'bring-your-own party' to create a large network on that date! (but all weekend at least, so also on Sat 20th May).
Seems May's rather busy for events / are like buses, arriving together in three's!

[Paul Stenning]

Yes, RetroTechUK is usually the day after Eurovision final but it's a week later than that this week too.

With the change of venue decision only made at the August 2022 BVWS committee meeting, the BVWS were quite late to book so had to go with the closest available date.

It's a shame Dunstable Radio Rally didn't check as the RetroTechUK date was announced first, but it also makes sense for them to choose their usual weekend.

[audiomagpie]

It's inevitable that events will clash from time to time and the situation is not ideal.

Having found a new venue that has enabled us to continue with the RetrotechUK event, we were unable to secure our regular date of the second Sunday in May. Other dates had to be considered. We had to consider other spring events, holidays already booked and it's a busy time of the year for bank holidays this coming May - there are 3! Previous experience has taught us that bank holiday weekends are best avoided. So we feel we've done the best we can in the circumstances...

Apologies if this means a few of you will be unable to attend - we'll miss you and hopefully the situation will be better next year!