Train Shows

[Anonymous]

Greetings,

Theres a train show coming up in Houston and I have not been to one in along time.

Is it a cash only deal with the vendors?

Mark in Texas

[pbjwilson]

I go to the train show in Wheaton , IL. They take everything cash, check, plastic.

[Hawks05]

Vendors should be able to do any type of payment. the few that i've been at i know the vendors have a thing for credit card.

[Jetrock]

It depends on the vendor. Some are professionals who will be able to take credit cards. Some will be folks cleaning out their hobby boxes who will only take cash. But even dealers who take credit cards prefer cash because they have to pay a transaction fee on every credit-card purchase--many dealers have a cash price and a credit price because of this--or can be persuaded to knock a few bucks off for cash purchases.

One tip for horse-traders--BRING CASH. Dealers willing to barter on their prices will be most flexible about pricing if it's a cash purchase. And when it's a close thing, there's nothing to encourage a dealer to knock down the price a buck or two than a handful of greenbacks.

Bring small bills. It's kind of rude to haggle a price down to, say, $3 from $5 and then hand the dealer a $20. Get change where you can if you can't stop anywhere but the ATM before the show.

A way to prevent overspending--Know how much you want to spend at the show, in advance. Bring that much money, IN CASH. Do NOT bring credit card or ATM card. When you run out of money, go look at the modular railroad displays and then go home. You'll know how much you have available at a glance in your wallet, and you won't have to worry about some nightmarish credit-card bill next month.

Moral of the story: BRING CASH.

[Anonymous]

Jetrock--you have hit the nail on the head!! Very well put. I have had luck with vendors near closing time--especially @ smaller shows and people need to have some business. Cash certainly does talk!!! And what you said can also apply to casinos!!

[Anonymous]

Other Tips:

Have a list of what you want, ranked in order of preference. Also include maximum price you are willing to pay. It should be no higher than what you can get it for on the net.

Don't be afraid to haggle a low price and then say: "Will you take X for three?" It usually works for me as I model a low demand period.

Know your period. When confronted with a real rareity be ready to snap it up.

Good Luck and have fun

Randy

[Anonymous]

Has this show been advertised in MR Magazine? I didn't know a show was coming up in Houston soon...Details, please?

[Anonymous]

Greetings,

Its in Humble on March 20 at the civic center. It starts at 11 am.

San Jacinto club is the sponser.

Mark in Texas