Location: Teignmouth

i`m not claiming poverty in any way.

and as suggested to compensate any takings lost from prescot, i would simply list the same value on ebay.

do remember i use all media to make a living in car parts, stalls are only a small part of my business.

i could just not turn up at prescot, as its no longer a viable event.

but then those who race will NOT know in advance that i wont be there to support them with spare parts.

i felt bringing this to the competetors attension in advance via the forum, (as i know most of them read the forum). would give them a chance to change there preperation for the event.

also i didn`t list anyones salary, and if im honest couldn`t give a **** what he earns. thats his business, and up to the VSCC if they are RICH enough to throw that sort of cash about. (its your subscriptions money).

i did think long and hard about listing all the events. but when i wrote them all down, it suprised me how many have died or are no longer profitable.

i thought this may be of interest to others.

perhaps i am wrong, and J hunberist is correct. all stall holders are filthy rich. and people just throw money at at us at shows for doing nothing. (i dont think any of my customers are that stoopid).

tony

Location: in a disgruntled place

I'm following this thread with interest, as I'd like to take the fledgling A7 woodwork business to a few shows and/or rallies this year and I certainly can't afford to throw time and money away on no-hope venues!

Location: Herefordshire, with an E not a T

hi martin,

i never see the point in falsifying anything about events,

some people make out things are better than they are, to make themselves look bigger than they are

not many people own up to small profits or losses. it could be seen more as what they are doing is not working.

as i sed what i have listed is the truth abou events.

but if you want to talk more on this subject, give me a call. i dont mind helping.

thanks tony

Location: in a disgruntled place

Thanks, Tony

Location: Herefordshire, with an E not a T

I contacted the VSCC and asked them to comment on the views expressed about the increased cost of trade stands at this year's events. I received the following reply which I believe addresses the points which have been raised.

'Unfortunately, when prices are increased there is naturally concern and this is not a decision which was taken lightly. I think it is important to provide a little further information which has not been mentioned in the posts:

The stands now attract VAT and so there was a 20% increase across the board before the actual rates were reviewed. However, VAT registered merchants can of course reclaim the VAT.

The price of the stands had not been reviewed for over 5 years and so had fallen well behind the norm. Therefore, any increase this year was going to be larger than we might have wished as the prices had not been reviewed annually as they perhaps should have been.

Oulton Park was a one day event and last took place in 2010 and so a direct comparison cannot be made. This year it is a 2 day event with a major focus on the Family Day on the Sunday to maximise attendance over the weekend which the merchants should see a direct benefit from.

Mallory Park net increase is £75 to £90 plus VAT and again the first increase for a number of years.

Prescott is always oversubscribed and the price increase reflects this as we are struggling to meet the requirements of those interested in a Trade Stand. The net increase is £180 to £225 plus VAT.

I hope that this helps to explain the situation in a little more detail.'

Location: Farnham

i dont understand how a VAT registered company, are not chargeing vat last year.

but are now chargeing vat this year. but there you go. i`m not VAT registered so perhaps dont understand it.

as for prescot being oversubscribed, (the orchard stalls are) as they collect the trade coming in and out of the event. they have the best chance of selling.

the paddock however was only just filled at the last minute last year.

and at the moment it looks like 3 stall holders in the paddock may not be returning this year.

Location: in a disgruntled place

hi dave p,

your point is valid, there can be a small amount of after sales.

if you read the list of events i used to do.

i had to make the same decision with each and every one.

i told myself at i do very little advertising, so whats what i was doing these events for.

prescot is tricky for the amount of time it takes up for the trade.

in the paddock, if you dont turn up wednesday, you end up with the pitches that have 10 ton of aggrigate on them, my stall dont fit these. then you stall out for friday, saterday, and sunday. on top of this monday is rest and unloading, and it probably takes two days preperation.

thats 7 free days for advertising and handing cards out.

alot of what i sell takes time for me to finish, but together myself. its not mass produced from china. i also have customers waiting for items like hartford dampers i dont have time to finish.

at this point it makes more sense to catch up with other jobs, than to give another 7 free days to advertising.

thanks tony

Location: in a disgruntled place