RetrotechUK May 21st - Page 9 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

stevehertz · 24th May 2023, 1:46 pm

Well said Greg and some nice points and clarification there.

If we do have to share, then much as some people liked the stormtroopers etc (I did), wouldn't it be better for us if to share the venue with a more low key, low attendance other event? Makes sense to me. But obviously we have to take what comes along.

slidertogrid · 24th May 2023, 1:54 pm

I really enjoyed the day and speaking to my two friends who had the stall (we had 4 tables between us) they did better as far as amount of stuff sold than the last three events. Admittedly at lower prices. I put a few radios on the stall and everything went, a couple went for free but that was my choice. I would rather give stuff away than bin it... The money raised by my radios that sold paid for a couple of things I bought, the admission, the table fee (1) and the fuel so all in all a good day out and space in my spare room!

On the subject of radio rallies and pricing I overheard a conversation that went,
"How much?" "£xx" "Really? "Yes, well that's what they make on ebay" " But we aren't on ebay are we? We're in a field in Spalding"

stevehertz · 24th May 2023, 2:13 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by slidertogrid

On the subject of radio rallies and pricing I overheard a conversation that went,
"How much?" "£xx" "Really? "Yes, well that's what they make on ebay" " But we aren't on ebay are we? We're in a field in Spalding"

My take on that is the classic "an item is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it". WHERE a person decides to sell something will obviously impact on that, and it's up to them. Some people have the need to realise the 'full value' of an item, and others not. I use 'both' depending on what it is.

wd40addict · 24th May 2023, 3:31 pm

That conversation has been going on at NVCF for roughly the last ten years: "It's worth £xx on Ebay" - "Well go and sell it on Ebay then!".

The most extreme pricing I ever came across was on a very beaten up Heathkit Preamp a few years back. It was the sort of stall that doesn't put prices on things.

Me:"How much is it?"
Stallholder:"two fifty"
Me:"£2.50"
Stallholder:"No £250"

My flabber was well and truly gasted, £2.50 would have been a fair price!

Paul Stenning · 24th May 2023, 3:51 pm

Let's not get too diverted by stallholder pricing please. There are always a few with unrealistic expectations who probably end up selling very little!

slidertogrid · 24th May 2023, 3:55 pm

Yes true, If I had a high value item that was highly sort after I would ask around the higher end of what is was worth. The Transistor radios I sold I just priced at between £8 and £12. I didn't bother checking sold listings on ebay I just priced them at what I would pay if I wanted one. If I had a record of what they cost me I doubt many or any made me a profit it was just a clear out exercise. I just didn't want to pile it back in the car and take it home.
Others may have a different attitude I saw some stalls that still had most of what they started with towards the end - maybe some people just do it for a day out and don't care what sells and what doesn't ?

I saw a few potential buyers checking their phone to see what something was worth before entering into negotiation, (not my stuff I hasten to add). I had an item on the stall which my mate looked up on line. I had priced it at a tenner, my mate told me that they made between £50 and £100 on ebay and mine was NIB. As this was about lunchtime I was surprised it hadn't sold. I must admit I put it to one side at that point!

Some things will only sell of course if someone has a need for it, then price has a lower effect on saleability. You are unlikely to buy a load of TV droppers just because they are cheap if you don't collect TVs !

edit; crossed with Pauls post. Fair enough. delete this if it isn't helpful no problem!

Paul Stenning · 24th May 2023, 6:19 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiomagpie

The WEC spoilt us - THE CONNEXION WILL NEVER BE THE WEC AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE COMPROMISES.

However, Sports Connexion is less than a fifth of the cost of WEC, and I cannot see how WEC is worth that much more, for events like RetroTechUK.

This year we have all seen what the compromises are. Next year hopefully some of these will be less of a problem. We will also have more information on the website so people can be better prepared, as well as the other things Greg mentioned like signage.

Radio Wrangler · 24th May 2023, 9:26 pm

It doesn't just apply to stallholders, the venues themselves can price themselves out of the market. In times when many people are feeling the pinch, this becomes even more critical.

David

PaulM · 24th May 2023, 11:16 pm

Many moons ago, as secretary of the BATC, I was deeply involved with our rally/convention at the Sports Connexion. We always had it to ourselves and it was basically a big open space with tables hired in. It worked, but in my view it was not very inspiring. Boring is too strong a word, but it certainly wasn't a 'family' venue.

Our best years were at Harlaxton Manor. That was something else and something for the family to see too. It wasn't expensive, but we were eventually thrown out as being too successful with traders ignoring rules. Happy days, but many folk will now consider it too far north. Most visitors thought that it was worth the trip and with cheap on site over night accommodation it worked well. No idea whether they might still consider something like this.

https://harlaxton.co.uk/

Such an incredible place and we had lots of space for the trading tables and exhibitors.

Best regards,

Paul M

audiomagpie · 25th May 2023, 8:38 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevehertz

Well said Greg and some nice points and clarification there.

If we do have to share, then much as some people liked the stormtroopers etc (I did), wouldn't it be better for us if to share the venue with a more low key, low attendance other event? Makes sense to me. But obviously we have to take what comes along.

The 2024 event is now booked for 12th May. There is currently nothing booked in the other hall on that day but in a discussion with the centre manager, he suggested (before I did) that if they had another booking for the same date, it would be best if it was a smaller, low key event, as you've suggested Steve....

slidertogrid · 25th May 2023, 9:10 am

How does the other hall compare with the one that was used for RT? Is it bigger ? a lot more expensive?

Paul Stenning · 25th May 2023, 9:12 am

I think RetroTech had the bigger hall.

audiomagpie · 25th May 2023, 1:27 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by slidertogrid

How does the other hall compare with the one that was used for RT? Is it bigger ? a lot more expensive?

The other hall is smaller. Alex (BVWS Bulletin editor) did pop into the other event, he commented that was a bit darker inside too...

slidertogrid · 25th May 2023, 2:05 pm

Ah I see I just wondered if it was bigger as the Comic con event seemed to have a lot of visitors. Dark? Oh it sounds as if a few have gone over to the "dark side" we don't want to do that....

Looking forward to next year already. Hopefully I can clear the loft then!

Courtney Louise · 25th May 2023, 2:57 pm

My partner Jacquie and I were both at Retrotech and loved every minute, As soon as I walked through the door I thought the venue was a much simpler flat layout.

The catering I found to be good overall but would probably take my own food next year. Drinks though at the van... When I went to buy tea one of the ladies serving was calling just drinks people forward to get them through quicker, so plus points for that.

Parking was horrendous. We arrived about 10:45 or so and were instructed to park on the overspill, even on production of a disabled badge. After a short discussion they let us through but then we're not allowed to park in the allocated disabled bays due to too many people walking around so got redirected to a small parking area by the staff car park.

I dread to think how other disabled folk who got there later coped.

Prices on the whole I thought were good, although a few typical traders trying to charge the earth for a few select pieces.

I did come away with a few cool items including a DKE38 and a very rare EU version of a Wireway Wire Recorder/PA/Broadcaster for what I thought was a very reasonable £40. The restoration of which is already underway.

As is was Jacquies first event I wasn't really sure how she would take it but she thoroughly enjoyed herself and even bought a small transistor radio for herself.

It was also great to catch up with some friends I hadn't seen for a year or so.

Thanks to all for making it such a great day..

stevehertz · 26th May 2023, 7:01 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Stenning

I think RetroTech had the bigger hall.

Apart from the somewhat small loading entrances*, to me the hall was perfect; large, 'square' and all on one level with plenty of aisle space. Couldn't be better. Ah, tables were a bit rickety on first examination, but in use seemed stable enough.

There was a relatively long serving area next to, or part of the unused bar. Could that be used to serve more traditional refreshments like breakfast baps, sandwiches, cakes and hot and cold drinks? Obviously a caterer would need to be brought in but I'm sure there's many local ones who'd jump at the opportunity.

Like I said previously, the BBQ was serving mightily good burgers but not to everyone's choice or pocket.

* It was the door threshold strips that caused most of the holdups as heavily loaded trolleys struggled to ride over them. Easily solvable with a couple of angled strips and some good sticky duct tape.

Junk Box Nick · 26th May 2023, 7:59 am

I would guess that the arrangement with the van precludes any other catering arrangement.

stevehertz · 26th May 2023, 8:16 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junk Box Nick

I would guess that the arrangement with the van precludes any other catering arrangement.

What arrangement with the van? Unless it's stipulated by the venue (is it?) surely we are free to choose whoever we want, especially as ours would be inside 'our' hall, away from the van. Clarification needed on that one.

Junk Box Nick · 26th May 2023, 8:31 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevehertz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junk Box Nick

I would guess that the arrangement with the van precludes any other catering arrangement.

What arrangement with the van? Unless it's stipulated by the venue (is it?) surely we are free to choose whoever we want, especially as ours would be inside 'our' hall, away from the van. Clarification needed on that one.

See comments up thread. The van looks to be there permanently as organisers have already commented. I am not one.

Note my use of the the word guess. I was merely speculating on the possibilities or otherwise and which I don't think is unreasonable to do.

slidertogrid · 26th May 2023, 10:15 am

That would be a question for the organisers to ask the venue owners would we be allowed to bring in a caterer to sell inside the venue?

Maybe next year if there isn't a big event in the other building there won't be the queue at the van in any case so it won't be a problem. .

24th May 2023, 1:46 pm	#161
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,831	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st Well said Greg and some nice points and clarification there. If we do have to share, then much as some people liked the stormtroopers etc (I did), wouldn't it be better for us if to share the venue with a more low key, low attendance other event? Makes sense to me. But obviously we have to take what comes along. __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..

24th May 2023, 1:54 pm	#162
slidertogrid Octode Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,898	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st I really enjoyed the day and speaking to my two friends who had the stall (we had 4 tables between us) they did better as far as amount of stuff sold than the last three events. Admittedly at lower prices. I put a few radios on the stall and everything went, a couple went for free but that was my choice. I would rather give stuff away than bin it... The money raised by my radios that sold paid for a couple of things I bought, the admission, the table fee (1) and the fuel so all in all a good day out and space in my spare room! On the subject of radio rallies and pricing I overheard a conversation that went, "How much?" "£xx" "Really? "Yes, well that's what they make on ebay" " But we aren't on ebay are we? We're in a field in Spalding"

24th May 2023, 3:31 pm	#164
wd40addict Octode Join Date: May 2009 Location: Stevenage, Herts. UK. Posts: 1,518	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st That conversation has been going on at NVCF for roughly the last ten years: "It's worth £xx on Ebay" - "Well go and sell it on Ebay then!". The most extreme pricing I ever came across was on a very beaten up Heathkit Preamp a few years back. It was the sort of stall that doesn't put prices on things. Me:"How much is it?" Stallholder:"two fifty" Me:"£2.50" Stallholder:"No £250" My flabber was well and truly gasted, £2.50 would have been a fair price!

24th May 2023, 3:51 pm	#165
Paul Stenning Administrator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cardiff Posts: 9,071	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st Let's not get too diverted by stallholder pricing please. There are always a few with unrealistic expectations who probably end up selling very little! __________________ Paul Stenning Forum Admin/Owner and BVWS Webmaster

24th May 2023, 3:55 pm	#166
slidertogrid Octode Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,898	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st Yes true, If I had a high value item that was highly sort after I would ask around the higher end of what is was worth. The Transistor radios I sold I just priced at between £8 and £12. I didn't bother checking sold listings on ebay I just priced them at what I would pay if I wanted one. If I had a record of what they cost me I doubt many or any made me a profit it was just a clear out exercise. I just didn't want to pile it back in the car and take it home. Others may have a different attitude I saw some stalls that still had most of what they started with towards the end - maybe some people just do it for a day out and don't care what sells and what doesn't ? I saw a few potential buyers checking their phone to see what something was worth before entering into negotiation, (not my stuff I hasten to add). I had an item on the stall which my mate looked up on line. I had priced it at a tenner, my mate told me that they made between £50 and £100 on ebay and mine was NIB. As this was about lunchtime I was surprised it hadn't sold. I must admit I put it to one side at that point! Some things will only sell of course if someone has a need for it, then price has a lower effect on saleability. You are unlikely to buy a load of TV droppers just because they are cheap if you don't collect TVs ! edit; crossed with Pauls post. Fair enough. delete this if it isn't helpful no problem! Last edited by slidertogrid; 24th May 2023 at 3:57 pm. Reason: Post crossed.

24th May 2023, 9:26 pm	#168
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,874	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st It doesn't just apply to stallholders, the venues themselves can price themselves out of the market. In times when many people are feeling the pinch, this becomes even more critical. David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done

24th May 2023, 11:16 pm	#169
PaulM Hexode Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Lincoln, UK. Posts: 483	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st Many moons ago, as secretary of the BATC, I was deeply involved with our rally/convention at the Sports Connexion. We always had it to ourselves and it was basically a big open space with tables hired in. It worked, but in my view it was not very inspiring. Boring is too strong a word, but it certainly wasn't a 'family' venue. Our best years were at Harlaxton Manor. That was something else and something for the family to see too. It wasn't expensive, but we were eventually thrown out as being too successful with traders ignoring rules. Happy days, but many folk will now consider it too far north. Most visitors thought that it was worth the trip and with cheap on site over night accommodation it worked well. No idea whether they might still consider something like this. https://harlaxton.co.uk/ Such an incredible place and we had lots of space for the trading tables and exhibitors. Best regards, Paul M

25th May 2023, 9:10 am	#171
slidertogrid Octode Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,898	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st How does the other hall compare with the one that was used for RT? Is it bigger ? a lot more expensive?

25th May 2023, 9:12 am	#172
Paul Stenning Administrator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cardiff Posts: 9,071	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st I think RetroTech had the bigger hall. __________________ Paul Stenning Forum Admin/Owner and BVWS Webmaster

25th May 2023, 2:05 pm	#174
slidertogrid Octode Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,898	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st Ah I see I just wondered if it was bigger as the Comic con event seemed to have a lot of visitors. Dark? Oh it sounds as if a few have gone over to the "dark side" we don't want to do that.... Looking forward to next year already. Hopefully I can clear the loft then!

25th May 2023, 2:57 pm	#175
Courtney Louise Octode Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Welshpool, Powys, Wales Posts: 1,327	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st My partner Jacquie and I were both at Retrotech and loved every minute, As soon as I walked through the door I thought the venue was a much simpler flat layout. The catering I found to be good overall but would probably take my own food next year. Drinks though at the van... When I went to buy tea one of the ladies serving was calling just drinks people forward to get them through quicker, so plus points for that. Parking was horrendous. We arrived about 10:45 or so and were instructed to park on the overspill, even on production of a disabled badge. After a short discussion they let us through but then we're not allowed to park in the allocated disabled bays due to too many people walking around so got redirected to a small parking area by the staff car park. I dread to think how other disabled folk who got there later coped. Prices on the whole I thought were good, although a few typical traders trying to charge the earth for a few select pieces. I did come away with a few cool items including a DKE38 and a very rare EU version of a Wireway Wire Recorder/PA/Broadcaster for what I thought was a very reasonable £40. The restoration of which is already underway. As is was Jacquies first event I wasn't really sure how she would take it but she thoroughly enjoyed herself and even bought a small transistor radio for herself. It was also great to catch up with some friends I hadn't seen for a year or so. Thanks to all for making it such a great day.. __________________ *33, 45, 78, around and around they go...*

26th May 2023, 7:59 am	#177
Junk Box Nick Octode Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: West Midlands, UK. Posts: 1,571	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st I would guess that the arrangement with the van precludes any other catering arrangement.

26th May 2023, 10:15 am	#180
slidertogrid Octode Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,898	Re: RetrotechUK May 21st That would be a question for the organisers to ask the venue owners would we be allowed to bring in a caterer to sell inside the venue? Maybe next year if there isn't a big event in the other building there won't be the queue at the van in any case so it won't be a problem. .