Blade Show Advice as seller

[WillB]

Are you guys talking about the blade show in Atlanta starting on June 7th?

We scheduled a mini vacation around attending the blade show. I have never been to one before and I will have my wife & two young daughters (3 & <1) with me. Will the blade show be an appropriate environment for young kids? I didn’t foresee any issues, but the above posts about “the pit” are reason enough to inquire if the atmosphere is kid friendly?

Anyone have advice, thoughts, suggestions to ensuring a positive experience?

How about advice for someone determined to land a specific blade from a custom maker’s booth at the show?

I have never been, which is why I started the thread to get a few of my own Qs answered and why I can't answer yours. Others may have info on that one. I can't really imagine why it would not be a family friendly show, but it's not Disney world obviously

 

[Darth_Blader]

I’d call it reasonably kid and family friendly. Be prepared to see a few odd (at least for my upbringing) things, like men in kilts with short swords on their belts, teenagers flipping bali’s, and some “booth girls”. Most of the makers and dealers seem pretty grounded. I took my girls several times when they were probably 5 years old, and my oldest who’s now in her 20’s still goes with me. It’s fun, the people are generally friendly, and you’ll see some pretty unbelievable craftsmanship “and stuff”.
The one things to be prepared for is the crowds. Last year was pretty ridiculous, but if you put a leash on the kids and take an extra zippy cup it should be fine.

Jim

 

[Fort Payne's Finest]

I go to Blade every year. I see a number of private sellers carry backpacks with a list of knives for sale pinned to the outside of the pack for other attendees to see/inquire about.

Obviously, you could't have a mile long list with a small font. Use a large, easy to read font, short direct description, and a price. You'd be amazed the number of people that would be exposed to your listing simply by navigating the floor. It's a VERY knife savvy crowd, though, so keep that in mind as far as pricing goes.

Good luck!

 

[Halfneck]

Best bet is as Fort Payne's Finest post states - A pack with a visible advertisement of the knives you are selling. There will also be a few vendors/tables with signs stating they buy knives. Keep in mind they are there to make money, so be prepared to haggle. Don't try and sell your knife near a vendor's table - especially one that is advertising similar knives. See the "Brown Bagging" reference above. Very frowned upon, and can possibly get you booted. Selling in the Pit happens, but people tend to hang out within their groups. Can't be shy, and again be prepared to haggle. Envision a Trading Blanket type scenario

Might want to check over on Lightfighter and see if any of the vendors from there are attending. Might be able to help you out too.

 

[WillB]

I go to Blade every year. I see a number of private sellers carry backpacks with a list of knives for sale pinned to the outside of the pack for other attendees to see/inquire about.

Obviously, you could't have a mile long list with a small font. Use a large, easy to read font, short direct description, and a price. You'd be amazed the number of people that would be exposed to your listing simply by navigating the floor. It's a VERY knife savvy crowd, though, so keep that in mind as far as pricing goes.

Good luck!

Much appreciated and useful.

 

[WillB]

Best bet is as Fort Payne's Finest post states - A pack with a visible advertisement of the knives you are selling. There will also be a few vendors/tables with signs stating they buy knives. Keep in mind they are there to make money, so be prepared to haggle. Don't try and sell your knife near a vendor's table - especially one that is advertising similar knives. See the "Brown Bagging" reference above. Very frowned upon, and can possibly get you booted. Selling in the Pit happens, but people tend to hang out within their groups. Can't be shy, and again be prepared to haggle. Envision a Trading Blanket type scenario

Might want to check over on Lightfighter and see if any of the vendors from there are attending. Might be able to help you out too.

Will do, but my understanding is they're not supposed to share space at a table and I wouldn't wanna cause a hassle for them. The knives I'd be selling are the 3 in my sig (assuming they don't get sold between now and then) and a few others.