Buying parts at a car show/festival?

[The Riddler]

Ok, so the car show and festival season is nearly upon us, just trying to research if people buy at car shows, what they buy and whether they buy genuine stuff (if available) at shows.

The company I work for (Genuine parts supplier) are thinking about getting a trade stand at a show or two this year. What kind of products would we be best bringing? Wipers, Service parts? Oils? Consumables? Car care stuff? Accessories such as mats?

Any input would be appreciated, need to get some information together to find out if it would be viable.

[Eggman]

Depends entirely on the type of show. I probably wouldn't expect to buy much at a general 'classic' show, but most years I attend a one make event where I bulk buy consumables and service items - stuff like cable ties, trade packs (of crimp connectors, O rings, circlips; anything that looks like it might come in handy) disposable latex gloves, gaffer tape, 10 packs of oil or air filters. I generally also take a list of parts and tools that I need or want. I don't expect to be paying High Street prices though.

[Rubin215]

The last few shows I have been to it hasn't been worth buying anything as either the quality of merchandise was rubbish, or the prices were no cheaper than in the shop (i.e. I could get the same item cheaper on the t'interweb).

[gareth.e]

What about I haven't but I would?

Also is it likely you would be offering any sort of discount of special freebies?

As if not I'd probably just purchase if and when I need rather than specifically at show

[Jimmyarm]

I have before, a complete exhaust system including manifold (from Maniflow) which I got a discount on equivalent to VAT at the time

Also bought an unbranded coil pack which expired within a month

[davepoth]

It needs to be stuff specific to the cars at the show, or if not that, at a hefty discount.

[Fleckers]

back in the 80's I came accross and then purchased MER for the first time

[The Riddler]

Updated the poll, not thought of that as an answer.

The parts in question would probably be at 'Trade club' prices, all genuine, manufacturer supplied and warrantied.

Talking to a work mate over Facebook who is well versed in shows, he seems to think a very special offer would get punters in. Another aim of the exercise would be to get the name out to garages and traders, do many specialists attend?

We would only be attending brand specific shows.

[Big Rod]

How about, 'I haven't but wish I had.'?

[mad4amanda]

How about I used to head up a team that used to sell at these shows , our best sales were £138k in a weekend!

[The Riddler]

mad4amanda said:

How about I used to head up a team that used to sell at these shows , our best sales were £138k in a weekend!

Erm!!!!

That's an interesting answer, what kind of products did you sell? Did you do brand specific shows or multi-brand?

Anything you can help me with?

[Big Rod]

Big Rod said:

How about, 'I haven't but wish I had.'?

The reason I said this was, (amongst other almost identical examples), because I had the chance to buy a wide arch kit from a vendor at an autojumble for £20, (yes, £20! ), and I wasn't 'flush' at the time so decided I could get a better deal from eBay/forum(s)/mates/knock something up myself/etc.

Found out I couldn't by a very very long shot!

Trick here is to make sure the potential buyer has your details to maybe purchase them after the event if they're still available. Granted, not quite the same scenario as you, but I think it holds water.

[Big Rod]

Big Rod said:

How about, 'I haven't but wish I had.'?

The reason I said this was, (amongst other almost identical examples), because I had the chance to buy a wide arch kit from a vendor at an autojumble for £20, (yes, £20! ), and I wasn't 'flush' at the time so decided I could get a better deal from eBay/forum(s)/mates/knock something up myself/etc.

Found out I couldn't by a very very long shot!

Trick here is to make sure the potential buyer has your details to maybe purchase them after the event if they're still available. Granted, not quite the same scenario as you, but I think it holds water.

[marshalla]

I've bought parts at many classic car shows, and then immediately fitted them to the car while crowds gathered around to watch my fists of ham in action...







they never put any money in the hat though.

[TheEnd]

Stock small stuff, luxury and novelties, car polish, fancy wipers etc.

Most blokes will feel a little let down if they didn't buy something, but they aren't going to be carrying around a car battery or exhaust.

I'd imagine the best things to sell are those they people didn't realise they wanted until they saw some!

New badges and trims sell pretty well

[The Riddler]

Thanks for all replies so far.

BUMP for the weekend crew!

[Chiswickboy]

TheEnd said:

, but they aren't going to be carrying around a car battery or exhaust.

But you can always keep it to one side for them to collect when they head off home.

However, if you don't sell it you have to load it up again and drag it back! Depends what line you are in and what type of show you go to. Probably best to offer specialist products and use the venue to make your products known to a wider audience and build on the experience. Don't do it just as a way of making a few extra sales. Look at it as a marketing exercise and talk to as many visitors as possible to get their take on what you offer. Also consider taking orders for delivery of large items.

HTH

[The Riddler]

Chiswickboy said:

But you can always keep it to one side for them to collect when they head off home.

However, if you don't sell it you have to load it up again and drag it back! Depends what line you are in and what type of show you go to. Probably best to offer specialist products and use the venue to make your products known to a wider audience and build on the experience. Don't do it just as a way of making a few extra sales. Look at it as a marketing exercise and talk to as many visitors as possible to get their take on what you offer. Also consider taking orders for delivery of large items.

HTH

Good reply, something to think about!

Thanks

[Ozzie Osmond]

I didn't realise the shiny bits and pieces for sale at car shows actually fitted any car!

I thought the whole idea was to buy at the show, and then leave them in the corner of the kitchen/study/garage until one day selling them on ebay for 99p.....

[The Riddler]

Ozzie Osmond said:

I didn't realise the shiny bits and pieces for sale at car shows actually fitted any car!

I thought the whole idea was to buy at the show, and then leave them in the corner of the kitchen/study/garage until one day selling them on ebay for 99p.....

If we go ahead we would be selling OEM parts under a manufacturers name.