neuroslicer
Old School Reefer
Let me take a little time to discuss the increase in charges this year. I think a lot of people don't appreciate the set up costs it takes to really have what we consider the "best" frag swap possible. I suppose we could spend less and rent a smaller facility, we could have people put their tanks on the floor for that matter instead of renting nice tables and chairs. We could spend less time and effort getting donations for the raffle. We could skip concession sales altogether for that matter.
Before our first annual frag swap (and I can recall...as one who has been in the club for quite a few years now!), we used to have a "reef garage sale", and less than a couple dozen local hobbyists would come. But one goal of the club is to bring as many people together at one time, to further the hobby among those already in it and to introduce the hobby to others as well. But after doing six frag swaps, we've (and multiple kudos to Frag Swap King Marty who has this system down!) become pretty good at creating an event that brings lots (and I mean hundreds) of people together at the same time. On the practical side, more attendees mean more sales for people bringing their frags, which attracts more vendors and sponsors bringing a wider variety and number of coral to the show (and donating raffle items and prizes). We're now attracting vendors from hundreds (and this year, thousands!) of miles away because of the great word of mouth our frag swaps have created! We saw a great increase in attendance last year and we attribute much of it to having a guest speaker of great renown. But that also carries costs (hotel, airfare, honorarium, other travel expenses). As we've mentioned before, we didn't make a profit last year and really don't expect to this year... but we don't want to lose money either (most times we barely break even).
One of the ways our club members help continue this great hobby is through your annual dues which really helps fund the frag swap. And in volunteering your time to help keep it running smooth. We really appreciate all our club members due for us! If you're not a member please consider joining (and you'll get free admission to the frag swap and can even sell a few frags at our club table).
I encourage vendors to advertise what they are bringing and even set up pre-event sales of their critters. And if more than one of you get together to split the cost of a table that's fine too. But I really want to discourage people from bringing their frags to the parking lot and selling out of their car. To be sure, you'll sell some frags and save yourself the table fee. But displaying your frags inside in an aquarium, where people can get a better look at the health of the animals, you'll get many more people looking over your collection and a lot more satisfied customers: and you'll easily make up for the vendor fee with the increase in sales to happy buyers. And most importantly, you'll be contributing to the health of our hobby and our club, guaranteeing our present success and enabling future successful frag swaps to come.
See you at the swap! (and we still have 3 tables available for rent! :bounce1
As always, Best Fishes!
Respectfully submitted by your club pres., Jay Blundon
Before our first annual frag swap (and I can recall...as one who has been in the club for quite a few years now!), we used to have a "reef garage sale", and less than a couple dozen local hobbyists would come. But one goal of the club is to bring as many people together at one time, to further the hobby among those already in it and to introduce the hobby to others as well. But after doing six frag swaps, we've (and multiple kudos to Frag Swap King Marty who has this system down!) become pretty good at creating an event that brings lots (and I mean hundreds) of people together at the same time. On the practical side, more attendees mean more sales for people bringing their frags, which attracts more vendors and sponsors bringing a wider variety and number of coral to the show (and donating raffle items and prizes). We're now attracting vendors from hundreds (and this year, thousands!) of miles away because of the great word of mouth our frag swaps have created! We saw a great increase in attendance last year and we attribute much of it to having a guest speaker of great renown. But that also carries costs (hotel, airfare, honorarium, other travel expenses). As we've mentioned before, we didn't make a profit last year and really don't expect to this year... but we don't want to lose money either (most times we barely break even).
One of the ways our club members help continue this great hobby is through your annual dues which really helps fund the frag swap. And in volunteering your time to help keep it running smooth. We really appreciate all our club members due for us! If you're not a member please consider joining (and you'll get free admission to the frag swap and can even sell a few frags at our club table).
I encourage vendors to advertise what they are bringing and even set up pre-event sales of their critters. And if more than one of you get together to split the cost of a table that's fine too. But I really want to discourage people from bringing their frags to the parking lot and selling out of their car. To be sure, you'll sell some frags and save yourself the table fee. But displaying your frags inside in an aquarium, where people can get a better look at the health of the animals, you'll get many more people looking over your collection and a lot more satisfied customers: and you'll easily make up for the vendor fee with the increase in sales to happy buyers. And most importantly, you'll be contributing to the health of our hobby and our club, guaranteeing our present success and enabling future successful frag swaps to come.
See you at the swap! (and we still have 3 tables available for rent! :bounce1
As always, Best Fishes!
Respectfully submitted by your club pres., Jay Blundon
