Thread: Melbourne W.W.W. Show 15-17 October 2010

Originally Posted by Groggy

Phil, I'd be disappointed if you were flamed for having an opinion. In fact, I reckon you've highlighted some very good points there.

Haven't been flamed yet Groggy but I expect to be Thing is what can be done to improve things?

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

Yer gitt'n old Phil.

Some days I feel old, better than the options.

Just wanted everyone to know that all of the comments re parking, catering and especially the disabled parking treatment will be sent to the Melbourne Showground Managment. All suggestions and comments taken on board. Lots of thanks everyone. Liz

Originally Posted by Phil Spencer

Haven't been flamed yet Groggy but I expect to be Thing is what can be done to improve things?

Not going to flame you Phil, but perspective is an interesting thing. I'm playing the devil's advocate here, but I wonder what the vendors were told the purpose of the show was, compared to what we attendees each expect to be able to get from the show.

I would imagine that the vendors would be expecting EEE to provide them with a venue where they can showcase their products and services to a growing audience that will increase their presence in the marketplace. It's a business growth opportunity, or something like that.

Some attendees on the other hand, may expect that they will see demonstrations of skills and woodoworking areas outside what they normally do in their own workshop, so they can increase their diversity in their hobbies. Other attendees may simply look at it as a market where they can shop, for things they already use, can get on line, but expect the shows to provide bargains and price reductions which they can use to stock up. Yet other attendees may not be hobbyists in this area but wish to be and come along to see what it's all about.

Again, devil's advocate so I'd rather Phil got flamed than me , but I think it's a tricky balancing act for EEE to satisfy the vendors, i.e. help them grow their business, and also satisfy people attending with all their various reasons for doing so.

I spent about 3.5 hours there on Saturday, spent a bit of money, had a good look around, and could have stayed for a while longer if not for other committments. I had a very satisfying time, so my intents at least, were met.

Very well written.

My impressions of the show were that it lacked some of the "buzz" that it has had over the years. I do like the nice wide aisles but the parking fiasco is simply unacceptable. I arrived circa 10 am and then waited 20 mins to get into the car park, the parking attendants were simply slow and incapable of processing more than one thought per minute. There were less stands (eg Diamond sharpening guy, Pyrography people) than in previous years overall which was disappointing but an increase in timber sellers or at least there seemed to be.

Due to the parking delay and the fact that this year I was only able to attend one day, I was continually running between demos and had no time to stop and talk to anyone although I did briefly catch up with Sturdee.

Overall it was ok but not quite as good as other shows but then maybe my expectations have been distorted from previous experiences...

Originally Posted by Rookie

I would imagine that the vendors would be expecting EEE to provide them with a venue where they can showcase their products and services to a growing audience that will increase their presence in the marketplace. It's a business growth opportunity, or something like that.
.

that seems perfectly reasonable to me

Originally Posted by Rookie

Some attendees on the other hand, may expect that they will see demonstrations of skills and woodoworking areas outside what they normally do in their own workshop, so they can increase their diversity in their hobbies. Other attendees may simply look at it as a market where they can shop, for things they already use, can get on line, but expect the shows to provide bargains and price reductions which they can use to stock up. Yet other attendees may not be hobbyists in this area but wish to be and come along to see what it's all about..

that too ... i also like to see products first hand that i might want to buy now or in the future ... seeing a picture on the internet (or in one particular case no picture) is not enough for me to put out my money

Originally Posted by Rookie

I spent about 3.5 hours there on Saturday, spent a bit of money, had a good look around, and could have stayed for a while longer if not for other committments. I had a very satisfying time, so my intents at least, were met.

i made it down on saturday about lunchtime and spent a few hours and a bit of money and came back on sunday morning and spent another two hours and a bit more money and enjoyed myself a good deal

parking was fine by the time i got there so the comments must have been taken up and acted upon ... well done folks


some amusing things to me were a timber merchant who had "end of year specials" which appeared more expensive than they had at canberra show and a high end machinery company who had "show and currency special" which was more than their emailed quote to me




regards david

I spent 3 days at the show, doing a stint each day on the forum stand and spent too much (amazing how all those little things each day adds up but I could not help myself ) and watched a lot of demos.

Parking was not a problem for us on Friday morning as we knew from the forum (worthwhile reading prior to coming) that entrance was through gate 7 and not as last year. Other days I used public transport which was clean and efficient. First time I used it in 2 years so I was pleasantly surprised.

Most of the vendors that I was interested in were there, except for Timbecon and Woodworking warehouse so my money went elsewhere. I was disappointed with H & F having such a limited range on show unlike previous years so they also missed out on some purchases, but it was great to see some newcomers, like Pop's shed.

Like many others I will only buy something after I have seen and touched it, so only in unusual circumstances will I buy over the net. That's why I like to see vendors from other states to be here.

I was glad to see that 2WP were there. I have one of their secateurs and I broke the spring this year and in trying to fix it I lost a little bolt and nut. Took it in and they fixed it in minutes, free of charge. Great after sale service as I've had it for at least 10 years.

I really enjoyed the demos I saw being Neill, Gulio Marcolongo and Theo Haralampou. All were excellent demonstrators and I learned a lot. Well worth coming to the show for and I hope to see them again next year.

The forum lounge provided by EEE is fantastic, an opportunity to leave my bag, sit down and relax with complimentary coffee when tired and meet up with other forumnites. Thanks again for that facility.

The biggest highlight was the look on Tim Skilton's face when in a monotone and a straight face I asked him for $3000 being reimbursement of the money I spent on wood turning stuff during the last year.

I thought it was only right that he should repay me as he introduced me last year into wood turning by making a honey dipper. After a great laugh we left as great mates and I accepted a jar of honey in lieu of payment.

Caught up with many forum members and I even spent 5 minutes (may be more ) with Brendan on the FETool. Nice meeting you Brendan.

I noticed that the public announcements made were hard to hear when attending a demo, may be a bit louder next time.

So I had a great time, no complaints about the way it was organised, my only problem was that I spent too much money.


Peter.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Most of the vendors that I was interested in were there, except for Timbecon and Woodworking warehouse so my money went elsewhere. I was disappointed with H & F having such a limited range on show unlike previous years so they also missed out on some purchases, but it was great to see some newcomers, like Pop's shed..

yes, i should have mentioned them (pop's shed), the lady on the eee (shellawax) stand and also phillip faram, all of whom exemplified customer service ... something some of the other businesses could learn about or perhaps remember

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Like many others I will only buy something after I have seen and touched it, so only in unusual circumstances will I buy over the net. That's why I like to see vendors from other states to be here..

for me that also means the local vendors ... afterall it takes me a couple of days to get to melbourne and a couple more to get back home ... three hours to get to canberra and seven to sydney so the shows represent THEIR opportunity to get my money too

Originally Posted by Sturdee

The biggest highlight was the look on Tim Skilton's face when in a monotone and a straight face I asked him for $3000 being reimbursement of the money I spent on wood turning stuff during the last year. .

$3000 ... you haven't really been trying have you?

Originally Posted by Sturdee

So I had a great time, no complaints about the way it was organised, my only problem was that I spent too much money.


Peter.

i had some money left over which probably means the vendors didn't try hard enough


regards david

Originally Posted by robbygard

yes, i should have mentioned them (pop's shed), the lady on the eee (shellawax) stand and also phillip faram, all of whom exemplified customer service ... something some of the other businesses could learn about or perhaps remember






regards david

The Lady was the lovely Pauline, the Beaut side of Ubeaut.

So that would make Neil, U.

But you're .
. ...I'm confused

Well folks, I enjoyed my visit to the Melbourne WW show on Saturday.

Arrived with a couple of mates and...yes, the long wait for parking left a bit (lot) to be desired and it was raining but somehow (as luck would have it) the bus timing suited us perfectly both in and out.
We purchased profusely and dropped in for a chat with Tea Lady and Sturdee at the WWF spot and generally enjoyed the outing.

Looks like pen turning will be the next new venture, (all advice welcome)....and we will see if it replaces the mighty fine pepper grinders which have become the staple Christmas gift out of the shed.

Great day out

Dave

Originally Posted by Rookie

So that would make Neil, U. Correct.

But you're .
. ...I'm confused

I am not part of Ubeaut except a friend (I hope) and sometimes demonstrator when Chris (he is the suave one) can't make it.

Probably more confused now.

Originally Posted by Rookie

So that would make Neil, U.

But you're .
. ...I'm confused

was demonstrating Tormek on Jim Carroll's stand.