Small Local Stamp Shows. Will They Survive?

That would be a real shame, because seeing material to buy is only part of a show's appeal. It is seeing and talking with other collectors, old friends. Seeing exhibits, learning.

Agreed, especially since collecting really loses something when it just turns into a credit card exercise. Unless you're really specializing, it's too easy to find things online and then, what's the point? Click and it's yours. Where is the challenge? Where is the thrill of the hunt? It's kind of disconcerting.

Note that my comment did not criticize stamp shows so I find the comment odd.

The thing is you don't have to utilize the internet. It is your choice. You can build your collection(s) by shopping only stamp shows. Not sure how that is too much different from shopping their price lists or websites. To each their own. Right?

I will say that I have learned more on the internet and interacted with more people on sites such as this than I ever could at a local stamp show. So much knowledge in so many areas right at your finger tips.




Name one local stamp show that has more exhibits available to view immediately than you will find on the internet. One show that has unlimited information on all things philatelic one click away. Has hundreds of members talking about hundreds of topics at once. Sounds like a heck of a show!

Cheers

Roger

Interesting timing on this topic, as I will be going to my first stamp dealer show in over a decade this coming Sunday in Fullerton, CA. I'm a little curious to see how busy - or not busy - it will actually be. I planned to talk to some of the dealers in attendance, and see if I could get their thoughts on competing with the internet and the future of shows.

-Lance

Lance, definitely report back here after the show. Online has certainly opened up a whole new world of stamp collecting, but it is still hard to beat a good show. I still lament the last of the brick and mortar stores closing. To reply to Roger, I've seen some pretty deep exhibits at shows... It's one thing to see a Jenny Invert online, it's another to see one in person.

There is nothing like seeing stamps in person. No matter how many images one looks at, there are still details that can only be seen when actually viewing the material. Images are usually larger then reality, which distorts the items. And shades, colors, and impressions are never as good in an image as they are in person. And who's fault is it that you don't talk with people at shows? I talk with some on line, too, but being together at a show is still the best way to meet.

My collections have benefited immeasurably from the wealth of material and the ease of searchability on the Internet, of course, but I still love being able to flip through boxes of postcards and covers in person, so I'm eagerly awaiting the San Francisco Vintage Paper Fair and WESTPEX next month.

Another benefit of buying things at shows is that shipping charges aren't tacked onto (or factored into) every little purchase. I usually wait to buy the very low-end stamps on my want list at WESTPEX, since I would generally have to pay more than catalogue value to get them online.

I know because I have a couple at home.

Glad I started this discussion.
It's a great feeling when a delivery arrives of an online philatelic purchase especially if it's better than expected in a well presented package.
However the fun of the chase in a show is even better!

Real estate developers, state and local governments, and we as taxpayers all have a role in the situation, as well. Key reasons that these shows falter include the cost of space rental and the cost of insurance. Hotels and commercial conference centers have mostly priced hobby shows out of existence. Why doesn't government, or the giant real estate developer with idle properties, make space available free, and insured, to hobby groups for shows of this type? We are more than happy as taxpayers to vote in reps who fund needle sharing programs, but not meeting space for the clubs, associations, and other groups that really knit communities together. Those people are looking for the scarce free church hall, VFW post, or other (typically aging) facility that is cheap and spacious. The closest model I've seen is the Sobrato Centers for Nonprofits in Silicon Valley, funded by the ultra-wealthy Sobrato family, which made its fortune in developing commercial property for the high-tech industry. It has four clean, modern, comfortable complexes that nonprofits can use free. Yet they still require 501(c)(3) status and your own $1 million insurance certificate to use the space, disqualifying most stamp clubs or show associations.

Great point "the cost of space rental and the cost of insurance"
Its a UK issue as well

I believe some nice heat/cooled common space could be a nightmare to manage - cleaning up, security, etc. but not saying it is a bad idea. However stamp shows are not non-profit. A local stamp club (never been due to distance and timing) meets in a church.

Our county has two senior centers (not a residence place) that are available for groups to meet. There is a quarterly publication that details the meetings such as heath and wellness, crafting, language, photography, how to use a computer or phone, etc. Most are volunteer lead. I do not see why a stamp collecting interest group could not use it but not sure on commercial limitations such as auctions or dues. Some classes do have fees. The facilizes are available during normal business hours. I am not sure about age limitations but many collectors would be seniors.

Of course, during COVID most onsite was suspended.

There is commercial operation in the town that rents meeting space in a renovated building. It looks upscale (modern design) so may not likely che.

The words "Convention Center" means expensive with many groups wanting their piece of the action: security, concessions, catering, etc.

Great thread

Our club will be hosting our first show since September 2019 and we are all very exited about. It is usually a small show with 6 or so dealers but I always find lots that I need. It will be held on March 26th At Fredericton High School in Fredericton New Brunswick Canada if anyone from here is in the area :)

It is unknow at this point what the turnout will be. I will post a review after it is held.

Dianne

Way back in the day, this must have been in the mid to late 80s, I was part of a stamp club that met in a room at a local bank. It was free to use for non-profit groups and it had its own door, separate from the bank, to which registered users had keys. I doubt that spaces like that are readily available anymore but they used to be everywhere.

Given The Death of the High Street, there's a lot of empty property around, but I suspect that owners are focused on seeking permission to convert the buildings to residential use, rather than lets at the margin.