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Cardiff Model Railway Show


CardiffModelExhibition
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Having just exhibited at Taunton, I have to say there was a broad spectrum of traders and on those rare occasions I was able to leave the layout, business seemed brisk for all concerned. 

Not so long ago there was a good balance of traders at the Cardiff show but the more specialist traders have reduced over the years. 

I do wonder if the amount of non railway content sends a mixed message and the modellers who would attend for the more specialist trader don't attend...........

 

 

Rob. 

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37 minutes ago, CardiffModelExhibition said:

That's something to consider :) 

 

I appreciate it's easy to pontificate about these things, not necessarily easy to implement them, and keep all parties happy! Perhaps an area could be set aside for "cottage industry" type traders, with either reduced or zero rent, provided they didn't sell RTR (either new or second hand)?

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On 29/10/2019 at 21:59, Barry Ten said:

Would it be possible to draw a distinction between the retail traders with  lots of RTR to sell, and the likes of 247 Developments, who aren't necessarily going to turn a huge amount of money over a weekend, but do provide a useful range of hard to find bits for the kitbuilder or scratchbuilder?

 

I could not agree more. When I was managing a largish exhibition (biggest in Greater London at that time), we kept the number of general retailers at 3. That gives them a decent chance of making enough sales to make it worthwhile. I guess we got it right as they came back each year.

 

We treated the artisan producers quite differently, including a lesser rate per metre (about half I think).

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On 29/10/2019 at 22:59, mozzer models said:

:D thanks say hi when we meet again

 

Taunton is a average show for sales for us but OK

York is our best of the year 

 

Yes but York there has been a 247 stand in the same place for years.  York is also known for good trade.  Good trade attracts those looking for trade attracts more trade.  Its a virtuous circle but is currently working in reverse in many places.  Specialist traders also get profile which drives internet sales.  I attend a lot of shows and 247 had a change in ownership and, to me is a trader on the up.  It is becoming an at show go-to place for Romford/Markit bits as well as the nameplates. If Cardiff was not too loss making you might consider revisiting, it might take 2 or 3 years of visiting before custom builds.  

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13 hours ago, Crantock said:

Yes but York there has been a 247 stand in the same place for years.  York is also known for good trade.  Good trade attracts those looking for trade attracts more trade.  Its a virtuous circle but is currently working in reverse in many places.  Specialist traders also get profile which drives internet sales.  I attend a lot of shows and 247 had a change in ownership and, to me is a trader on the up.  It is becoming an at show go-to place for Romford/Markit bits as well as the nameplates. If Cardiff was not too loss making you might consider revisiting, it might take 2 or 3 years of visiting before custom builds.  

Sorry to say sales would need to be 3x what they were when we did it in 2017 just to low to think about attending again

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