Snow Show

[diamonddave]

Both areas have their pro's and con's...

The inside swap meet has been slowly dying over the past 6-7 years. Why?

Can't start sleds inside. Who wants to buy a sled and can't at least hear it run?

Have to set up Friday night. Then you can't pick up until Sunday afternoon (at least that's the way it was the last time I did this.)

Sundays prove to show less than 10% amount of people than Saturdays. Used sled and part vendors never do well on Sunday. Is Sunday even worth it for them? In the blue lot you can takeoff Saturday afternoon, can't inside.


Weather....The blue lot sucked the previous 2 years. It poured rain. This year we knew it wasn't going to be a monsoon.

Alot of the swap meet vendors that go inside come from miles away....Economy, internet sales, ebay, etc. also go back to the Sunday turnout.

I only saw 1 dealer in the blue lot seliing some leftover and used sleds.

The blue lot has always been the "pre" swap meet. it died after 10:30am.

People are busy. Time is valuable.

Barbeque in the blue lot....other refreshments...

Keep it the same. I only go inside for new product and information on whats new however, I already knew what was new....internet.

 

[snowhunter1]

Good Points!!

I agree the Snow Show is very important for the industry! WSSA take note at what is going on here. There are many of us who look forward to this every year, and this is your biggest fund raiser to help keep our trails and parks open. The blue lot is just as important as the show, and keeping it is a must! I can remember the blue lot almost completely full from front to back with deals. Then going inside to see better deals in the swap meet area! The main pavilion packed with all types of venders and so many people that it was really tough just to get around. How can you make it more friendly for the venders so they will come back? (Yamaha) Then maybe they can cut some cost, so we can get the SNOW SHOW deals that bring us back. I understand, the economy is not doing very well right now and people are cutting back, and $40.00 to sell their $1000.00 sled (maybe) seems kind of tall and could be why some decided to stay away this year. How can WE make it better for all???? I have been a WSSA supporter since 1999 and for the rest that don't, maybe time for you to join and help fund them so maybe, just maybe they can start charging less for the Snow Show!

 

[94fordguy]

I also have mixed emotions on this years show... The blue lot seemed to be packed as we drove in, but we headed straight into the show to check things out there right off the bat. I was disappointed to see less vendors there and was only able to get 1 item that was actually on my list this year. On the good side, Sleds seemed to be moving FAST this year inside the building... kinda surprised me how many 'SOLD' signs were up within the first few hours which is good, but the aftermarket selections were overpriced and lacking IMO.

On the negative side, several of the vendors that had products on my 'maybe' list were just charging full retail... I can buy it off the internet for full retail... Give me 5 or 10% off as an incentive to get my cash NOW and I'd bet they'd move more product! I know I'd spend more $$$ given that option.

Blue Lot - It was cool to see lots of rigs in there like always, but as said in the past, DEALERS need to be banned from selling in the blue lot... they are ruining it for the dealers on the inside and hurting the show and ultimately themselves... If you want to move some product with that kind of exposure, PONY UP and support the sport that's supporting you! I'm hoping to see this show grow more in the future, and I think the blue lot is really hurting it by allowing businesses in.

 

[PowderMiner]

Hey guys,
It's cheaper to sell inside the fair grounds, I know guys who are setting up in the parking lot both days and also paying to get in both days, thats 100.00. for 65.00 you can set up Friday afternoon keep your stuff out for the weekend and sell something on friday night, Sat, and Sun. and get in the grounds for the weekend and get wrist bands for 10.00 each for a couple friends that are helping you out. And the attendance was down from other years for a few reasons I think, opening hunting weekend. (for guys that cant shoot a bow) just kidding. Edmonton, BC show same weekend. and a lot of guys talking on here but not joining the WSSA and helping out.

Good point about joining up and helping... I would like to become a little more involved. Funny because participation is what we are discussing in a class I am taking... got to keep the posts separate though cause it is Environmental Law... complaining about not being able to start my sled inside might not go over well in that forum

 

[blindman]

Blue lot

I only saw 1 dealer in the blue lot seliing some leftover and used sleds.

Thats funny, I got a price quote on a 2014 doo XM from them. lots of 2014 sleds with them. Just wanted to compare the price to my snowcheck. Not much difference.

I agree no dealers in the blue lot.

Keep the blue swap meet or many folks may not even bother coming down and going to the show.

I spent about 300 inside. Thanks I-90 for the discounts.

 

[sunbather1969]

I think the answer is simple

Economy sucks, we are a small community us snowmobilers and word gets out where to buy and get work done so maybe dealers are staying home. I know I didn't boat very far this year solely because the price of fuel and I have a good paying job. I know i'm keeping my machines another year because they do the job and I had more fun renting in Utah, Idaho and Montana mainly because of better snow. I went with money to buy a sled deck and came home empty handed I sold my as new 2010 enclosed for six grand i'll be damned if I'm gonna pay 3800 for a deck that had to pass through three hands before it gets to the buyer, the sad thing is I guarantee there still on the trailer. Hell one of our local dealers raised his price but he was smart and took the adds off craigslist before the show , 585 cheaper at a dealer in Oregon that was not at show. Oh well people shop around buy local support local is a thing of the past sorry to say. video killed the radio star right. Internet killed a lot of shops to but ill be back to buy again next year. Rant over

 

[Snodawg]

Don't see the big deal with the blue lot, you still have to pay $40 a rig and then still have to pay to go inside so I don't see the issue with the money. The inside swap was definitely sparse this year. Our group put together a trailer of parts to sell in the parking lot this year and we did real well, but stuff was priced to sell. I don't think any of us would have done this if we had to get a spot inside. With the blue lot you can come and go as you please, it's not so crowded, and no one is going to tell you to put away the bbq and beer. Anyways this has been the most enjoyable snow show I've been to in the last 10 years or so.

When I say to move the swap meet inside, I mean that there is plenty of open space inside the fairgrounds that is not being utilized that can be used the same as the blue lot. Able to fire up a sled for one minute to hear it run should be allowed if it is in an open space, not under a tent or indoors. Also, be able to leave when you like etc. etc. It would basically be the same swap meet as it is now except that the crowds would not be able to come in until the gate opens. This would let some people spend their money at the swap meet and some can go inside and spend their money. Inside vendors would then be able to have first crack at some open wallets as well. And yes I think there should be some incentives there versus going home and buying online at a discount.

 

[snowhunter1]

When I say to move the swap meet inside, I mean that there is plenty of open space inside the fairgrounds that is not being utilized that can be used the same as the blue lot. Able to fire up a sled for one minute to hear it run should be allowed if it is in an open space, not under a tent or indoors. Also, be able to leave when you like etc. etc. It would basically be the same swap meet as it is now except that the crowds would not be able to come in until the gate opens. This would let some people spend their money at the swap meet and some can go inside and spend their money. Inside vendors would then be able to have first crack at some open wallets as well. And yes I think there should be some incentives there versus going home and buying online at a discount.

Keep the ideas coming in! Have some friends that are involve with WSSA group for the snow show and these thought and idea's should get to them, and this might help for next year!

 

[Snodawg]

Keep the ideas coming in! Have some friends that are involve with WSSA group for the snow show and these thought and idea's should get to them, and this might help for next year!

That is my intent of my first post.....knowing WSSA would read them.
Great discussion peeps....keep it going.

 

[800 Escape]

I used to bring sled & parts every year but a last year I had something to do on Sunday so tried to load my last of 3 sleds & a few parts & go home on Saturday night & Sandy flipped out on me & said I can never bring stuff back in if I leave, she said you have to keep your stuff inside all weekend unless it sells. I think that's why a lot of people go out to Blue Lot, don't have to deal with the CRAP INSIDE!!

 

[2Thetopp]

I used to bring sled & parts every year but a last year I had something to do on Sunday so tried to load my last of 3 sleds & a few parts & go home on Saturday night & Sandy flipped out on me & said I can never bring stuff back in if I leave, she said you have to keep your stuff inside all weekend unless it sells. I think that's why a lot of people go out to Blue Lot, don't have to deal with the CRAP INSIDE!!

Exactly why I chose to use the blue lot, living in Everett I would have to bring down the sleds on Friday night, come back down on Saturday to try and sell. Then regardless on whether I make a sale or not, I've got to return on Sunday to pack up. So rather than sitting in traffic with a trailer on Friday night, burning gas, (three round trips), and TIME IS MONEY. It makes more sense going to the blue lot early, really early Saturday morning, paying the forty bucks, try to sell sleds, paying ten bucks to go inside (WSSA still gets my money) and if I choose to return on Sunday they will get more, able to start sled for a short time to help with a sale, and return to my family, just works better for me. Hope we can come up with a better way to make it work for everybody, I look forward to the show every year.

 

[snowhunter1]

Exactly why I chose to use the blue lot, living in Everett I would have to bring down the sleds on Friday night, come back down on Saturday to try and sell. Then regardless on whether I make a sale or not, I've got to return on Sunday to pack up. So rather than sitting in traffic with a trailer on Friday night, burning gas, (three round trips), and TIME IS MONEY. It makes more sense going to the blue lot early, really early Saturday morning, paying the forty bucks, try to sell sleds, paying ten bucks to go inside (WSSA still gets my money) and if I choose to return on Sunday they will get more, able to start sled for a short time to help with a sale, and return to my family, just works better for me. Hope we can come up with a better way to make it work for everybody, I look forward to the show every year.

Good points! This is the kind of info that WSSA needs to hear! With good input from the snowmobile community, it will only help for future shows! BTW would have helped putting the ski skins on while taking the sled off the trailer! LOL helped you out And where was PM?

 

[volcano buster]

For those posting that they would like to see the show grow, what do you want to see that isn't there currently?

I thought the main building was fuller than I remembered and I thought there were more people than in the last few.

I still think WSSA could come up with a "bag check" area, monitored by WSSA volunteers, so purchased items could be checked and stored so you could continue to browse/shop without lugging bulky items around. This would make a less congested shopping experience for the rest of us and likely cut down on trips to the truck to drop stuff off. The vendors would likely see people hanging out in the building longer too.

 

[Snodawg]

Good points! This is the kind of info that WSSA needs to hear! With good input from the snowmobile community, it will only help for future shows!

Very True. Interesting points of view from everyone. There no bad posts here.

 

[Snodawg]

I still think WSSA could come up with a "bag check" area, monitored by WSSA volunteers, so purchased could be checked and stored so you could continue to browse/shop without lugging bulky items around. This would make a less congested shopping experience for the rest of us and likely cut down on trips to the truck to drop stuff off. The vendors would likely see people hanging out in the building longer too.

Now that's a great idea but could be kinda hard to implement. I like it.

 

[stevepolaris]

The bag check would be awesome but I think that that would be hard to achieve.

 

[sanity]

I still think WSSA could come up with a "bag check" area, monitored by WSSA volunteers, so purchased could be checked and stored so you could continue to browse/shop

I'd love this. Couple that with a way to drive up to load your stuff up at the end of the day and I'd buy lots of stuff. Last year I had to make 3 trips to the car in the rain and decided it wasn't worth it this year. Probably would have bought some helmets if I had a way to carry them in addition to the new boots and fuel container I got.

I went today and attendance seemed light. I think I've always gone on a Saturday so maybe that's the biggest difference. Went to a couple of the presentations and took it easy. Hardly anyone was in the blue lot.

 

[PowderMiner]

Good points! This is the kind of info that WSSA needs to hear! With good input from the snowmobile community, it will only help for future shows! BTW would have helped putting the ski skins on while taking the sled off the trailer! LOL helped you out And where was PM?

I don't move skidooz, u don't have to worry cause they don't get stuck right

 

[2Thetopp]

BTW would have helped putting the ski skins on while taking the sled off the trailer! LOL helped you out And where was PM?

Pm sent, ya, when there was work to be done Powderminer always seems to disappear thanks again. Baggage check could work, right behind the WSSA tables, run it like a hat/coat check, you donate money they give you a number, you give them your number you get your stuff. Give them more money, maybe they'll carry it to your truck. OK, hand cart/shopping cart would be nice, I know I could have used one.

 

[Lake Cle Elum]

Any recommendations on good restaurants?

Loose Wheel Sports bar - 715 River Rd....
Puyallup Eagles
Ram - South Hill Mall