We are looking too attend some shows this year, and we are simply wondering which shows you attend the most, and what would products would you like on sale there.
For those who dont know we are a large Camping and Caravaning equipment supplier based in the west midlands and we appreciate any tip-offs or advice on where too attend.
The only caravan/camping show we attend is the one at the bath & west showground as its local.
Apart from that we attend the great dorset steam fair near Blandford. One other camping/caravan stall there every year which always seems to be the busiest trader on site.
We have been to the Spring and Autumn caravan and camping show at Newark, Notts. Also, have you thought about Elvaston steam rally. There are a large contingent of people from this forum who camp for this event.
we normally go to truckfest, south west and dorset steam fair, but for one thing or another we have not made them this year, there was a good caravan staall at truckfest last year and he made a killing, but pitchs aint cheap, and as millermicm, dorset has a very busy caravan stall,
This year because we are starting the process of looking for a new caravan we have been to the Lawns Caravan Extravaganze and have tickets for the NEC next month. We would be looking at new caravans (obviously) and accessories of all kinds!
Quite a coincidence that you should post this as I'm camping at a vintage steam and tractor show at the moment - I was looking for a folding chair but there's not one stall here selling camping gear. I go to a lot of these shows, and while there may be the odd stall selling small camping items like gas cylinders and suitcase stoves there never seems to be any 'proper' camping stalls. I know the Pickering show usually has a dedicated caravan accessory stall but I've never seen anything anywhere else.
The Cumbria Steam Gathering at Flookburgh in July is a big show and would be worth going to and Elvaston Steam Rally, as previously mentioned, is also a good one with a lot of UKCS members having a meet there. If you would be interested in going to that type of show then you need to get the January copy of Old Glory - comes out in December and available from W H Smiths - that contains the dates for the majority of the steam and vintage shows in the UK and the various contact details for anyone wanting to exhibit.
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
the nec shows are very big . nice to go to in the winter for a day out and to plan ahead.
but we also like to go to malvern the three counties show. a very small show but a nice day out in a pretty location if the weather is nice. its coming up now on the 30th sept for 3 days.
Thanks for the replies guys keep them coming !
We do the n.e.c. show in febuary which we have done for the past two years now i believe.
We dont like to do the show at the end of the year though as there is no new products out for delivery till the earliest of January.
Also done the feast of lanterns which we have had alot of positive feedback through.
But keep them coming guys and ill see what we can do
Hello we are off to Lincoln show, love this show, we go every year and stay over , also off to N.E.C.
tigermouse are you an avid fan of steam??,,have you seen the steam bus at whitby ? she is beautiful,,,called Elizabeth, you can ride on her around the seafront, i have a signed autograph as the driver, who owns her!!!! also was the driver of the steam train in all the Harry Potter movies.
------------- wishing everyone,,,,what you would wish for yourselves x
We visited the caravan and motorhome show at the Carmarthen showground on Friday .
Although there were hundreds of caravans and motorhomes there were surprisingly few stalls selling acessories .
One selling unbranded toilet chemicals , one with general bits and bobs like melamine sets, dishdrainers and caravan washing products etc .
A carpet runner stall, one with wheel trims and hitchlocks, and not much more .
I was rather disappointed tbh, it was the first time we have been to a caravan show and thought there would be a lot more to see.
All I bought was a plug for the sink and some pads for the corner steadies.
contact caravan club to find out when they hold their national show,s.
------------- its easy enough to be pleasant when the world rolls along like a song.but a man is worth while if he can smile when every thing goes f------ wrong.
The October NEC is one of the best we've been to, but we can't afford to go every year - heaven only knows what I would come back with!!!
Only came down to Arley last week 'to see how things were going' and ended up by spending money. Mary, Matt & Co.: If they don't start those foundations soon, I'll have to bring my spade with me next time I come.
Jacksonsarley,
Are you planning on exhibiting or retailing?
At steam fairs, truck shows, country fairs and the like you'd be far better off setting up a retail operation. The stalls that always seem to do well at such events create the impression of shifting 'clearance' stock or customer returns. Lots of kidology with lots of 'Show Special' prices (even if it's your regular price plus 10%...). And at big events like Peterborough Truckfest and Elvaston Steam Rally there will be many hundreds (if not thousands) of people camping and there will always be someone who has forgot to pack some essential basic items like air bed, sleeping bags, tent pegs, plates, kettle, etc (Who? Me?..)
If you are planning on setting up a travelling showroom with the intention of showing off your wares in the hope of taking orders for future delivery then you'd be better off sticking to the camping / caravan orientated shows.
D S B were getting quite used to the nec show now and we've found that we have had to get an even bigger stand this year as its just way too small with the old van on and all the stock!
Shytot4x4 - we will be retailing constantly at the shows but we just need to be going to more and dont know where to start ! we have only done the nec and feast of lanterns which we have found to be great fun and profitable but obviously we want to be getting to more shows and getting our name out there
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: What events do you go to ?
Mary, Matt & Co.: If they don't start those foundations soon, I'll have to bring my spade with me next time I come.
but obviously we want to be getting to more shows and getting our name out there
