Author Topic: Rant about 4WD Show Prices  (Read 17466 times)

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Offline Paul (SA)

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Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« on: October 13, 2015, 07:00:05 AM »
I am keen on going to the 4wd show here in Adelaide this month. I am not keen to buy anything in particular but just see what is new and interesting.

At $18 for entry though this is getting a bit much. I know it is combined with the Boat/fishing show but still.

Unless you are ready to do a deal on a purchase of something sufficient to recoup the entry fee somewhat it hardly seems worth it.

I like to take the kids along to increase their interest in getting outdoors but I can't justify taking them along now.

Rant over.
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Offline Goose

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #1 on: October 13, 2015, 08:20:51 AM »
Is kid entry not free? They were at the Penrith show.

Agree on the charges though... it really offsets any savings unless you are buying a lot. 

Offline Julian Kaye

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #2 on: October 13, 2015, 08:27:16 AM »

 You've really just got to look at these shows as a day out. Paying entry for the privilege of buying something doesn't do anything for me and the prices aren't all that flash anyway. The real money is made by the show organisers, good luck to them but besides entry and a coffee they get nothin from me.

Offline Swannie

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2015, 08:39:02 AM »
considering what many things costs to take kids for the day its pretty cheap really. Plus you get to look around at everything and spend time with the kids

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Offline scblack

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2015, 08:45:12 AM »
considering what many things costs to take kids for the day its pretty cheap really. Plus you get to look around at everything and spend time with the kids

Swannie
Agreed, with kids free its not that expensive. We (my family) have gone to the Rosehill show several times the last few years, its as much a day out as checking out camping gear. Plus parking is free - in Sydney that's a bonus.
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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2015, 09:18:18 AM »
Not just shows, but many things... Charge 1/2 the price and not only will more go but bring mates etc.. small profit large turn over...

The steam train ride at Maldon on weekend was $75 a family to go 4ft down the track... make it $30 and I'll see it as value and come back.

Same as 10 pin bowling during school holidays... 2 games each for 2 adults + 3 kids under 13 the other day cost me over $130... nearly ****in died on the spot.
make it $40 for a family and I'd go more often - not once and never again
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Offline Footy Shorts Shane

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #6 on: October 13, 2015, 10:17:12 AM »
Not just shows, but many things... Charge 1/2 the price and not only will more go but bring mates etc.. small profit large turn over...

The steam train ride at Maldon on weekend was $75 a family to go 4ft down the track... make it $30 and I'll see it as value and come back.

Same as 10 pin bowling during school holidays... 2 games each for 2 adults + 3 kids under 13 the other day cost me over $130... nearly ****in died on the spot.
make it $40 for a family and I'd go more often - not once and never again


100% agree. Look at these two events and their pricing. One is twice the admission with probably less than 1/5 of the spectators.

http://www.willowbankraceway.com.au/events/detail.aspx?EventGroupID=92

http://qldraceways.com.au/all-american-thanksgiving-day
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Offline Oldandslow

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2015, 12:08:50 PM »
The entry price for these shows is getting out of hand. We only go to them to check out the new gear with the intention of possibly buying from them and they charge us for the privilege. It is the event promoters that make all the money, many exhibitors don't even cover costs.

Offline wakychapmans

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2015, 12:21:38 PM »
not entirely the same, but in he late 90's, the MTB company that I worked for did free technical/mechanical support at events for our products. (disc brakes, suspension forks etc)

We had event promoters that wanted us to pay (as much as $1,000 a weekend) for the privilege of  standing in the sun all weekend on a mountain and working on peoples bikes.

Did I mention that the technical/mechanical service that we provided was free?

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Offline Bird

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #9 on: October 13, 2015, 12:34:48 PM »
not entirely the same, but in he late 90's, the MTB company that I worked for did free technical/mechanical support at events for our products. (disc brakes, suspension forks etc)

We had event promoters that wanted us to pay (as much as $1,000 a weekend) for the privilege of  standing in the sun all weekend on a mountain and working on peoples bikes.

Did I mention that the technical/mechanical service that we provided was free?

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It was said a few years ago ARB spent $85,000 on space at the big 4b show in Melb..

You have to make $100k to make a profit.. that's a lot of snatch straps and shackles
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Offline dales133

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #10 on: October 13, 2015, 01:05:14 PM »
Whats worse the last one in melborne was almost the same for parking.
30 odd bucks and i hadnt even walked tbrough the gate yet

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #11 on: October 13, 2015, 01:16:12 PM »
I only go to camping or fourbie shows if I want to compare makes/models/manufacturers etc. prior to making a major purchase.  To do that, other than at a show, I need to take a day off work, as most of these places don't open at times that fit with my work, then knock myself out driving all over the city using fuel and paying for parking (in most cases).  Maybe only get to see three local guys.  Whereas at the shows, I get to see them all within walking distance.  Plus I not only get to see the local guys, I get to see a heap of interstate manufacturers at the shows.  Therefore I don't mind paying for parking and an admission ticket.

If I am looking for a snatch starp, I wouldn't be wasting my time going to a show.  Never found a decent bargain at one yet.  Always better prices during their sales or online.

KB

Offline Bird

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #12 on: October 13, 2015, 01:28:02 PM »
Quote from: dales133
Whats worse the last one in melborne was almost the same for parking.
30 odd bucks and i hadnt even walked tbrough the gate yet
and after lining up for 45 mins stuck in traffic they are counting on the fact you wont just turn around and go home. Interesting to see what happens if you get to the gate and refuse to pay for parking.. with 1200 cars up your ringhole along the 1 way street they aren't going to make you do U-Turn and go home - they wouldn't have many options but to let you in....
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Offline plusnq

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #13 on: October 13, 2015, 01:50:26 PM »
Whats worse the last one in melborne was almost the same for parking.
30 odd bucks and i hadnt even walked tbrough the gate yet

Same in Brisbane

Offline Paul (SA)

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #14 on: October 13, 2015, 02:22:52 PM »
I know of one local camper trailer retailer who usually has a display who is not attending this year. He basically said that he can't afford the cost to have a space as an exhibitor.

Leisurefest was great in Adelaide. A local big 4 was the venue and entry was free.

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Offline Rumpig

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #15 on: October 13, 2015, 04:43:22 PM »
Same in Brisbane
plenty of on street parking about the RNA grounds, never paid to park any time we have gone to a show myself.
Can't say I attend many shows these days though, the entry price puts me off going and there aren't the big savings to be had that there used to be like say 8 or 9 years ago. Went to the last caravan and camping show that was on just for the heck of it, in no hurry to go to another one any time soon after that experience. If I was in the market to buy a van or camper it'd be worth going, but unless you have you eye on buying something I don't see the value in the shows nowadays.
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Offline plusnq

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #16 on: October 13, 2015, 04:49:09 PM »
plenty of on street parking about the RNA grounds, never paid to park any time we have gone to a show myself.
Can't say I attend many shows these days though, the entry price puts me off going and there aren't the big savings to be had that there used to be like say 8 or 9 years ago. Went to the last caravan and camping show that was on just for the heck of it, in no hurry to go to another one any time soon after that experience. If I was in the market to buy a van or camper it'd be worth going, but unless you have you eye on buying something I don't see the value in the shows nowadays.

Not sure I'd agree re the parking and the inspectors are lethal. I was pinged $130 the other day for a parking infringement in Brisbane.I agree with the rest. I don't see any value unless you are in the market for something as show specials seem a bit ordinary these days.My kids did like climbing over all the campers earlier this year though.

Offline Rumpig

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #17 on: October 13, 2015, 06:05:27 PM »
Not sure I'd agree re the parking and the inspectors are lethal. I was pinged $130 the other day for a parking infringement in Brisbane.I agree with the rest. I don't see any value unless you are in the market for something as show specials seem a bit ordinary these days.My kids did like climbing over all the campers earlier this year though.
over the years have always gotten car parks on Brookes St or the many side streets running off of it. Also manage to park on St Pauls Tce right outside the entrance gate one Sunday, even though the person on the gate said I'd get a ticket for parking there (which I didn't get by the way). Saturdays and Sundays have different restrictions, just a matter of reading the signs even though they can be confusing at first glance. Now that they have redeveloped the RNA  it means you need to walk a few hundred metres further to an entrance gate, but I'd rather do that then pay the high parking fees they charge.
« Last Edit: October 13, 2015, 06:07:21 PM by Rumpig »
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Offline Snake

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #18 on: October 13, 2015, 06:17:59 PM »
My wife and I just went to the Melbourne Leisurefest Caravan and Camping show at Sandown. $16 online tickets. Bought a 40L Waeco for $700 (Anaconda best price was $879) a fridge cover for $80 (usually $115) and an Oztrail double pop up shower for $110 marked down from $200. We thought it was a good day out. I think there are a lot of sooks out there though that what something for nothing..
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Offline Jakster1

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #19 on: October 13, 2015, 07:10:36 PM »
We thought it was a good day out. I think there are a lot of sooks out there though that what something for nothing..


Agree.

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Offline rags

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #20 on: October 13, 2015, 07:35:09 PM »
With the upcoming 4wd show on at Sydney eastern creek this weekend, I thought I would check and maybe order tickets online to save but stopped as if I buy at site on the day the cost is $18.00 but online the cost is $18.00 plus a $1.90 online surcharge total $19.90 go figure.

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #21 on: October 13, 2015, 07:41:58 PM »
Went to Sandown on the weekend. Best $40 I ever spent walked away agreeing that my choice of “next camper” was our best option
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Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #22 on: October 13, 2015, 08:57:54 PM »
walked away agreeing that my choice of “next camper” was our best option
well for this week anyway......
« Last Edit: October 13, 2015, 08:59:48 PM by scarpsD40 »

Offline McGirr

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #23 on: October 13, 2015, 11:47:26 PM »

Hopefully heading to the show at Rosehill in April 2016. Flights to Sydney are free from Warburton, perks of the job, and really don't care what the entry prices are as this is our chance to choose our next Van, hybrid or whatever.

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Offline dales133

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Re: Rant about 4WD Show Prices
« Reply #24 on: October 14, 2015, 02:21:33 AM »
I know of one local camper trailer retailer who usually has a display who is not attending this year. He basically said that he can't afford the cost to have a space as an exhibitor.

Leisurefest was great in Adelaide. A local big 4 was the venue and entry was free.
I think you nailed it right there.
Even though it sucks paying parking and an expensive entry price and if your there all day have a couple of snacks and drinks youve done the best part of 100 bucks...its the exhibitors that are the ones that realy get shafted as all that money should realy be going to them.
After all they are paying to get boots on the ground with deep.pockets.