Neptune Aquatics Vendor Table/Monthly Meetings Poll

[Ron]

As a board member, I'm hesitant to share my personal opinion. I don't make decisions on the board based on personal opinion, but try to represent the best interests of membership as a whole.

The auctions, in addition being a great place for people to both sell and buy fish, are the primary fundraisers for the club. It allows the club to afford to bring in speakers from across the country who are recognized in the hobby. It allows for the summer picnic and winter christmas get togethers. It enables us to help support worthy causes such as making equipment donations to help support the resurrection efforts going on at Belle Isle Aquarium.

People coming to purchase other items based on presales have that money already set aside. They know to bring more than that in order to participate in the auction, raffles, etc. For all the people who come unaware of a vendor presence, they might just spend the majority on the vendor and have nothing left to help benefit the club.

On the topic of non-fish being offered at a vendor table, those would compete with our raffle items. We also recently started allowing a limited number of dry goods in the auction, which may also be considered in competition.

As mentioned, a swap would likely provide a better venue for vendors to hold tables.

As mentioned, I don't see a problem with presages and think those are just fine. I believe they certainly help bring more people to events who might not otherwise commit to attending.

[Marty]

People coming to purchase other items based on presales have that money already set aside. They know to bring more than that in order to participate in the auction, raffles, etc. For all the people who come unaware of a vendor presence, they might just spend the majority on the vendor and have nothing left to help benefit the club.

That's why I mentioned advertising well in advance, so people are aware that the vendors are there and plan appropriately.  I would not want to see more than two vendor tables because of our past experience with a combined auction/swap.

[Ron]

People coming to purchase other items based on presales have that money already set aside. They know to bring more than that in order to participate in the auction, raffles, etc. For all the people who come unaware of a vendor presence, they might just spend the majority on the vendor and have nothing left to help benefit the club.

That's why I mentioned advertising well in advance, so people are aware that the vendors are there and plan appropriately.  I would not want to see more than two vendor tables because of our past experience with a combined auction/swap.

I knew in advanced that MCAS was hosting 2 vendors. Had one not sold out of some items so quickly, I'd have probably spent almost all I brought on those items rather than bringing home a box full of fish instead. Just saying.

[Marty]

I'm sure that could be applicable to some people.  Some people are in the market for fish, and some people aren't. 

I guess I was looking at it as a possible draw for someone that might not otherwise attend.  That person, once at the auction, is more likely to buy fish than a person that didn't come at all.

I don't know if there would be a way to quantify whether or not it's helpful or harmful to the club's bottom line, but I guess I was looking at it as an additional service to our members by hosting vendors that might offer items available for immediate purchase that would otherwise have to be shipped.

[GrizzlysDad]

Maybe MCA should close the kitchen during auctions....people are spending money on food that they should be spending on fish 

[GrizzlysDad]

I'm sure that could be applicable to some people.  Some people are in the market for fish, and some people aren't. 

I guess I was looking at it as a possible draw for someone that might not otherwise attend.  That person, once at the auction, is more likely to buy fish than a person that didn't come at all.

I don't know if there would be a way to quantify whether or not it's helpful or harmful to the club's bottom line, but I guess I was looking at it as an additional service to our members by hosting vendors that might offer items available for immediate purchase that would otherwise have to be shipped.

That's exactly what happened with the MCAS auction. At least half a dozen people contacted me before the auction just to buy the food. Once I told them to come buy it at the auction, they stayed for their very first auction.

[Ron]

I'm sure that could be applicable to some people.  Some people are in the market for fish, and some people aren't. 

I guess I was looking at it as a possible draw for someone that might not otherwise attend.  That person, once at the auction, is more likely to buy fish than a person that didn't come at all.

I don't know if there would be a way to quantify whether or not it's helpful or harmful to the club's bottom line, but I guess I was looking at it as an additional service to our members by hosting vendors that might offer items available for immediate purchase that would otherwise have to be shipped.

That's exactly what happened with the MCAS auction. At least half a dozen people contacted me before the auction just to buy the food. Once I told them to come buy it at the auction, they stayed for their very first auction.

Those are presales; keep it up. 

[GrizzlysDad]

I'm sure that could be applicable to some people.  Some people are in the market for fish, and some people aren't. 

I guess I was looking at it as a possible draw for someone that might not otherwise attend.  That person, once at the auction, is more likely to buy fish than a person that didn't come at all.

I don't know if there would be a way to quantify whether or not it's helpful or harmful to the club's bottom line, but I guess I was looking at it as an additional service to our members by hosting vendors that might offer items available for immediate purchase that would otherwise have to be shipped.

That's exactly what happened with the MCAS auction. At least half a dozen people contacted me before the auction just to buy the food. Once I told them to come buy it at the auction, they stayed for their very first auction.

Those are presales; keep it up. 

Yeah presales...but am I not being clear....those are people that would not have even been at the auction, never even knew about fish auctions!!!....and they stayed at said auction and spent money on fish.
Your turn sir

[mibwb]

So, is the voting on Blair bringing a goat or is it on Josh sitting on the goat during the meeting or is it Tony sitting on the goat selling food?  Either ways...it should be advertised at which meeting it will be. Are there going to be tickets sold, on a 50/50 to help the club for this event? I think it would be a big draw.....Maybe even offer rides for kids.....I know, I would try and make it.

PS.
Will pictures be allowed or will they scare Blair and traumatize the goat?

[mightieskeeper]

I can't wait to see this meeting...

[danielratti]

Maybe MCA should close the kitchen during auctions....people are spending money on food that they should be spending on fish 

I agree bump

[danielratti]

But mca could also just sell overpriced hotdogs and some chip crumbs like other clubs do.  But we get Hebrew national hot dogs.

[mibwb]

Hebrew hotdogs, that way there's no fish it them out of respect for the hobbyist.