WOW... now I know the difference in "going" to the boat show and "working" at the boat show!!! I managed to zip around and buy some LED replacement bulbs for my halogen ones. But purchased little else other than my daily pain killer!
It was rather interesting having a business/booth. As you know the weather was incredible, which helped attendance of locals and drive in traffic. The folks who attend Thursday and Friday will typically have their reservations well in advance-therefore rain or shine they WILL be there. Sales on Thursday and Friday were amazing. Lots of tire kickers the rest of the show. Overall a good sales show, but total sales for me were down 10% from last year. Not bad I thought, all things considered. I know of several boat dealers who were "disappointed" with sales.
For the first time in this show I had something stolen AND I had someone threaten to bring a lawsuit against me the next day by his daughter who is an attorney because I asked if he possibly had cash rather than charging for a $12 sale. THAT was a first. I've refused to sell to someone before for being rude, I'm too old to put up with those folks, but this was a first for a yelling and screaming idiot. I personally think rude people should be illegal.
As always it was wonderful catching up with friends and seeing how their children had grown over the year and how many nautical miles they had traveled. A HUGE thank you goes to a Sailnet member who generously shared his knowledge on digital tv transmission.
It gives me great pleasure being able to sell something at cost to an elderly sailor who probably couldn't afford it any other way, to see someones face light up because they discovered an item they didn't know existed and to feel the energy and enthusiasm from those who enjoy the water and wind and open their hearts, minds and souls to those who share that love.
Yes, I do own a business, but not promoting a thing with this post...just sharing
