Boat Show Booth

[Moye Toye]

I would love your advice on whether or not we should have a booth at the NC boat shows this year for Maui Surf Company Shoes. I mean I know most people are there looking at the new boats and latest tackle, but how many would be interested in picking up a pair of shoes while they are there. People can buy shoes offline and with my discount get 40% off and free shipping, so I am torn, so I thought I would ask the experts.

"Is it worth getting a booth at the Boat shows to sell and advertise maui shoes?"

Maui is coming from FL so I want to ensure they do not waste their time.

Thanks for any advice you might have.
Chris

[gradywhite273]

either go all in with a booth, plenty of stock and a handheld credit card machine or stay put. To me , i buy at boat shows most times not boats, but accessories. When you are looking at 200k + for boats, 85 for shoes sounds like a bargain.

[Moye Toye]

Thank you for that heads up Mr. Grady. I think that is what we might try to do. I mean I dont know what kind of show discount they are going to offer, but if it is better than the 40% off I can get everyone, that will be pretty sweet!

[Robja]

I usually go to the shows in Raleigh. The show at the civic center has very little in the way of accessories. those booths always seemed out of the way and did not have a lot of traffic. If I was going to do one of the shows in Raleigh it would be the bass and saltwater expo at the fairgrounds. There are as many or more booths as there are boats and most of the vendors seem to do well.

[Moye Toye]

I am with you on that one Robja. I have never even really enjoyed the Power/Sail event, but the Bass/Saltwater is always packed. Plus it never fails I always end up buying something that I dont need. If you see us at the show, please stop by.

[Robja]

Moye Toye,

Are you Fishing the US Open in Southport this weekend?

[Binnacle]

We were at the Raleigh Bass and Saltwater Expo last year and did very well; even with the majority of the crowd being freshwater bass guys. Unfortunately, we can’t go this year. It is the same week as the Fishing Expo and Boat Show in Timonium and it will too much to split staff to cover both shows. I was in Timonium Wednesday and Thursday morning then flew to Raleigh Thursday and then flew back to Timonium early Saturday morning, it was just too much!
There is another show in Raleigh that is normally held at the convention center. Last year the convention center was under construction and the event was held at an empty car dealership. I think they would have been better off just to canceling it; you could do the entire show in 15 minutes. People were I little tick after paying the $12 or so bucks to get in. I’m sure that this year’s will be much better at the new convention center. It looks like a beautiful facility.
If you have any specific questions feel free to shoot me a P.M.

[Squidnation]

I have seen apparal accessories do very well at the boat shows. Especially if you have a product that caters to women. Most wives get dragged to these shows and get very excited when there is something there that they can actually buy for themselves

[Moye Toye]

Thank you Binnacle and Squidnation. If we do go forward with this booth, I will ensure they bring enough lady shoes and flops, because I agree, my wife quit going because there was nothing for her to see or buy. Maybe Maui will change that for some of you guys wives too. I just got a new pair last night, the Lahaina's. These babies are sweet. Extremely nice with the plaid shorts or shirts. I will be trying them out this weekend and I will let you know how they do. If they wear as good as they look, I will hav them bring a truck load of these.

Hope to see everyone if we get the chance to be there.

Chris