03-23-2010, 03:05 PM
Dear Galen
Thanks for your observations, mine are nearly the same, but having close friends involved in a club, I can see another side.
Most of the show organizers used to cover some of the fellows expenses going to and from the shows, even to the point of supplying hotel accommodations. They knew that the layouts were a draw and wanted them there for that reason. They also made sure there were adequate lighting and wiring so they could get set up in a reasonable amount of time. They donated money to the clubs to help defray the cost.
Most of that is not done anymore. They are lucky to get free admission.
Most of the club members are over 60 years old, the young guys aren't into trains, and what young people get in the clubs have other obligations and can't make all of these shows or the monthly organizational meetings, even though they would like to participate.
There is way more to it than meets the eye.
As for the merchandise, these fellows have traveling expenses and licencing costs just like a LHS, and they feel they are justified in charging retail prices because of that. I doubt any of them have liability insurance like a LHS so their arguments are flawed. Travel expenses for a few weekends a year do not come anywhere near costs to run a brick and mortar store, and I see better deals there.
Anymore, if you want a deal, go through the Internet.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Charlie
Thanks for your observations, mine are nearly the same, but having close friends involved in a club, I can see another side.
Most of the show organizers used to cover some of the fellows expenses going to and from the shows, even to the point of supplying hotel accommodations. They knew that the layouts were a draw and wanted them there for that reason. They also made sure there were adequate lighting and wiring so they could get set up in a reasonable amount of time. They donated money to the clubs to help defray the cost.
Most of that is not done anymore. They are lucky to get free admission.
Most of the club members are over 60 years old, the young guys aren't into trains, and what young people get in the clubs have other obligations and can't make all of these shows or the monthly organizational meetings, even though they would like to participate.
There is way more to it than meets the eye.
As for the merchandise, these fellows have traveling expenses and licencing costs just like a LHS, and they feel they are justified in charging retail prices because of that. I doubt any of them have liability insurance like a LHS so their arguments are flawed. Travel expenses for a few weekends a year do not come anywhere near costs to run a brick and mortar store, and I see better deals there.
Anymore, if you want a deal, go through the Internet.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Charlie