Show Bargains?

[JackLeg]

After visiting the Klingspor show yesterday, I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed in the lack of "show bargains" on tools.

My hat's off to Klingspor, as their abrasive bargains were the best thing I saw at the show, and I did take advantage of them. BUT, I was surprised that the major tool manufacturer's wouldn't even match the prices that the BORG's sell their brands for. It seems to me, that when people drive some distances to visit a show, they should be presented with some true bargains. Bosch seemed to be the one exception with their drill offer.

I'm well aware of what it costs to put on a show. Lord knows that in my 35+ years in sales, I attended and worked dozens of shows. But, the companies I represented would usually select a few stock items to deeply discount to the attendees.

I purchased an item in a manufacturer's booth, at a price I later learned was above the MSRP. After the 10% discount, I was paying the MSRP for the items, and that did not include shipping. Yep, I was not an informed consumer. I'll not make that mistake again.

Don't mean this to sound like "whining" after the fact, but I just wondered if anyone else had similar experiences. I hope the Moderator's will edit or moderate this as needed, as the intent is NOT to create controversy.

 

[WoodWrangler]

Klingspor does an excellent job putting on this show ... and by far, Klingspor has the BEST deals outright (like 50 packs of random orbit sandpaper for $5! to name one). And Bosch was well represented with the drill/driver deals ...

but you are right that some others could have probably stepped up to the plate a little better. Now, I'm not sure if this is by design or not ... but I think everyone hopes there will be some "amazing deals that I must tell my friends about" at every show -- and hopefully something you couldn't leave the show without. But lately, they have been few and far between (not just at this show, but I felt the same at the Woodworking Show in Charlotte this past year -- good deals could be had, but fewer than expected).

So ... I'm not sure why, but I've felt the same in the past so I can relate. I guess I want to find a killer deal (sometimes a "loss leader" or "at the real cost") type of deal to get me in the buying mood (that isn't too hard for me)

In the end though ... this show (for me) is not just about bargain deals though ... I do find it to be one of the only (maybe the only?) shows to support so many local woodworkers and woodworking organizations/groups openly and fairly. That alone makes me support it happily -- as well as Klingspor. More sweet deals would have sweetened the day even better ... but I'm still VERY happy with what I did get!

 

[TracyP]

I attended both days and was very happy with the outcome of the show. I actually assisted five people in making their first pens. Two of those folks have already joined our woodworking corner of the net. Three of those were high school students on a field trip. One of them would have missed his bus to finish making his pen. Now I am no teacher, but I had a blast helping these people do something that I enjoy so much. I could have went all weekend without a single deal, just to get to see the look on the faces of these five people as we pressed their pens together and they PROUDLY placed them in their pockets. Made my weekend worth every minute!!!!

 

[DaveO]

I have never considered WW'ing shows a great place to get bargains. There may be some, but it costs too much to put on/be in one of them to discount merchandise too deeply. The biggest benefit of ww'ing shows is the chance to see the newest machinery in person and/or see it demoed. The manufactures want you to see what they have to offer, but necessarily sell it to you at a discount. The biggest benefit of the Klingspor show is like Jeremy said. Their support of local ww'ing clubs is unsurpassed. It is more a social event than a bargain fest. Just feel lucky you got to go, I had to miss it this year, the first in three :cry_smile:cry_smile


Dave

 

[ScottM]

This was my first WW show. I was not in the market for any major purchases so I did not shop hard. Picked up a few small things at good prices. I was having to much fun doing demo's or watching demo's. Like Tracy said helping others was bargin enough for me. Next year I plan to be there both days.

 

[Partman]

Klingspor's show bargains. NO COST to park! :eusa_thin NO COST it get into the show! :eusa_thin Get to talk to the tool rep's , Got to ask the Timber Wolf people if they have learn to weld blades yet. :rotflm: The best thing was NCWWer was their to take part in it.

Danny

PS. Oh yea free apples.:icon_thum

 

[PChristy]

First wood working show in over ten years and loved every minute of it - Didn't go for the tool bargains (could't afford them if they where 50% off anyway) My bargains where the fellowship - the demo I did on the Scroll saw to help others and to give an unexpected receiver a Christmas ornament and to see a smile on their face - I did buy one thing but that has no comparsing to helping others achive their goals in life

 

[Travis Porter]

I didn't make it due to distance and family stuff, but wasn't there hinting around there were going to be some extra good deals this year?

 

[rickc]

I didn't make it due to distance and family stuff, but wasn't there hinting around there were going to be some extra good deals this year?

Don't know if there was or not, however, I believe by either first or secondhand experience, when people go to shows they tend to expect some type of "great deal". Maybe thinking while it can be expensive to put on a show, that giving attendees nice discounts to get their products out in the general public equates to advertising. :eusa_thin

Personally, I seem to recall second had stories of people getting some nice deals at shows. Maybe even from some of the folks here. Regardless, I believe expectations are set (and sometimes encouraged) to see some type of deals at shows. Paying retail prices at a show is not bad, as you have seen a product demonstrated, believe you can get a project that requires the tool and purchase it! :icon_thum You would pay the same at your local hardware / BORG - but you would save any shipping charges and wait time if you ordered on line. Let's face it - sometimes just saving the wait time alone can be a bargain!

 

[LeftyTom]

My first show as part of NCWW, and it was worth the trip. Free parking and admission were good enough freebies to relatively cover the gas for the trip.

I know the economy has been slowing, but I think Klingspor was the only vendor offering something as simple as a free pen. I was in the market for some chisels and a chainsaw chain sharpener; I didn't see either in two passes through the vendors. Turning tools by the ton, however.

 

[CaptnA]

Show Bargains? There were some. Fortunately, perhaps, not a lot as my wallet couldn't have taken much of a beating.
This was our first time and hopefully we can go next year and work to support the site 'booth/area' a bit. Didn't know until 8am Friday we'd be able to go and that was for a short while.
The NCWoodWorker area was very nice. The organization, the members, and the skills that are amassed here were all presented very professionally. The things our group had on display rivaled anything I saw in the building! Great job to all who worked and contributed~
Getting to see several of you again was worth the price of admission:gar-La;

We also got to meet Steve Coles. (He isn't nearly as scary in person as his former avatar would lead you to believe:rotflm

Next year I hope to go as a 'participant' and not as a spectator.

Bargains? Yes and no, guess its perspective and need.
Did I get my money's worth? You bet I did.