UBB.threads Forums General Interest Community Center MAX

Well, MAX is over. Slowest one I can remember as far as dealer sales went.

As could be expected, pristine items and rarer but not too expensive items were was was selling if anything. Average or below average common items did not move. Neither did uniforms, web gear, canteens, and the like.

Now if you were buying, you could get better prices IMO.

There was more than usual brought in by folks to sell to dealers. I think many dealers stocked up for the future.

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As usual, very enjoyable personally. I really like looking through all that "stuff" even if I have no interest in owning it. It is really fascinating to see what the GIs sent or hauled home.

I met many GDC guys including several of the Moderators. I need to go through my pictures, but for now here is a group shot.

Dave

I will second that, slowest Max show I've ever seen, there were more dealers around than customers at one point.
Most troubling though was the amount of fakes present, it is killing the hobby for newcomers.
The good part was that most dealers where easily giving 20% to 25% discounts on any items.
I have serious doubts that any dealers will say " best show ever ".
I have heard from two top dealers that this was their worst show ever.
Things will not get better until the economy is back on track.
I was surprised to have heard that many long time collectors have recently sold their entire collections due to unforseen economic events.
A roof on top of your head is more important than a bunch of daggers just sitting around in your basement.

Slow show indeed, Pat, but no one was giving me 25% off! Where the heck did you see that?

The best I could do was beat Gary down 10%

John

John, don't forget that I'm in the car business and we do know how to negociate a fair deal.
Kidding aside, when talking about a negociated price, I'm mostly referring to small dealers.
For instance, I think Spencer did real well ( probably his best show ever ) but his prices were more than fair, it just common sense ............... good item + fair price = sale.

Well I'll tell you I had an awesome show and the very best aspect of it is talking with all my friends. The social aspect is huge. Most of us do not have many local friends and neighbors who "get" what we do. So when we can all get together it truly is a wonderful time. It was pleasure seeing you guys!!
As far as the attendance, I really see these shows as turning into more of a dealer swap meet. Sure some collectors within 4 hrs driving come but beyond that it's a costly venture. Most of the younger collectors I know are more internet based and save the travel time and money to buy online. IMHO it's cheaper and safer. Already looking forward to next year!!

I'm with Paul

I had an awesome show, I didn't hear any dealers moaning.

Gary

Thought show was very good! Slow at times but 1st day was crazy!

I quess it depends what you sell! Or buy! Only takes a few too make your show!

Had a great time and was special seeing all the guys!

Some guys get nailed to a chair and don't move or want anything and just spend time grumpy!

I saw plenty of our members buying plenty!

These shows are what you make of it!

Much is done thats never seen! And its the good people who are fun and just need a little kidding!

Don't kid your self this is a class show and members should thank the Toms!

I made a point at end of show to thank Tom W. for what he does for the hobby!

I had fun and you members I talked to were great!

PVON

Can we see some Pic's? I've been too a couple of the mx shows, And seeing all the stuff was a joy!!

Well I had a good show as Paul said it’s certainly half the fun meeting with the other collectors. I found some good things at the show several Saturday the last day. Two SMF slant grip army daggers one with a family crest engraved into the top of the pommel I bought it from an old man walking around selling it due to a lead from my friend George-Thanks George! The other a slant grip Weyersberg (174) army also a named high ranking infantry officer waffenrock and a grade 12 shooting lanyard were the highlights. I know many of the collectors I talked to found something special for their collections. Sorry for the crappy picture it was taken with my I-pad in a dark hotel room.

I enjoyed the show as always. A great learning experience, a chance to see friends, and see material from different wars & eras. Didn't find anything for my collection and sold a few things. It sure beats the old gun show routine hoping for something military. For me it is a hobby and I enjoy being around it.

Yes, I too had a great time at the show, and with all my friends I met there.
I can't wait for SOS


Stingray

Gents,

Same goes for me, had a lovely time. The best part is getting together with old friends and making new ones in the hobby. You can't put a price tag on that!

Best!

Bill

The slowest show I've seen in 8 years of attendance. As stated above, it was mostly a swap meet between dealers. To my knowledge absolutely no advertising was done to attract the metropolitan audience. I have never seen so many dealers leave early Saturday evening !!! I'm am going to the SOS show for my first time in the hopes of finding a better venue.

Had a wonderful MAX show seeing all the boyz in the hobby, P Von, Bill Warda, Patrice, the Hogel Bros, Bob Clark, Eddie and a bunch more. One of my best shows ever both selling and buying some wonderful inventory. Can wait until next year! JR

SA

Had a decent show nothing too exciting but had a good time and picked up a couple of pcs. for the collection. Anyone know next years dates yet??

I had dealers tell me it was "like a morgue" on Saturday saw two dealers, one very well known asking $450 for an officer's RCAF overseas cap and an EM cap. These sell for $50 to $75 and $25 to $40 respectively each.....I was in shock....they are very slow sellers up here at those prices I quoted and are readily available...far from scarce or rare. Don't dealers check websites before they post or acquire an item??? Saw a Political NSDAP uniform ensemble for $1650 that is a price I paid in 1995 from Terry Stewart....... SA daggers and Luft were still priced "high" $750 for RZM SAs...????.....good show still, always a pleasure...only bought 1 item...cheers, Ryan

I had a very good time at the show. I had two tables, and sold over half of my items. But of course you had to negotiate the prices, if you were not willing to come down , then you will not sell anything.The prices seem to be high as usual, I try to keep my prices low, and even had to come down lower to sell. Probably 1/3 of my sales went to the europeans.Bought a very nice dagger for the collection.Overall i think the show was a little slow, but then again the economy is not the best either.
Thanks
Bob

This was just an average large show for me. Sold to the Russians and other Europeans. First day was too slow for me and it didn't pick up until Friday afternoon, but Saturday was good. Sold more daggers than anything else. I know all the tables sold and I heard the gate was better than last years.
I feel that every presidential election year is always slower and that, coupled with the economy, are the reasons IMO.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone have access to the gate numbers, for let's say, the last five years? Ballpark estimates perhaps.