284 replies to this topic

[GoodAsh]

It’s terrible that HPS won’t support their local astronomy show. They are in Northern NJ and NEAF is in their backyard. Shame on them.

Al

[Victory Pete]

It’s terrible that HPS won’t support their local astronomy show. They are in Northern NJ and NEAF is in their backyard. Shame on them.

Al

I have given up on them entirely. Website didn't work and they didn't seem to care.

[skyward_eyes]

It’s terrible that HPS won’t support their local astronomy show. They are in Northern NJ and NEAF is in their backyard. Shame on them.

Al

I do not know HPS logic for not going, that is their business. 

 

However, it takes an incredible amount of work to do these shows. Months of planning, shipping, logistics, inventory and man power. This is a business decision and each company has to consider the cost of going to shows like this. Only the people running the business can make that decision and what is best for their company. 

 

I use to work for Woodland Hills and I have worked NEAF as a vendor. As a vendor selling at a show you need to pack a good chunk of inventory for NEAF. That means everything you bring is pulled from stock, needs to be carefully inventoried and then shipped. Once on site you work selling your product, usually at a reduced cost even though you likely paid full price for it. There are deal that can be made with manufacturers to obtain the products at a given booth and sell them at a reduced cost because you, the vendor are getting a discount as well. But most of the product vendors like HPS bring is product from their stock. 

 

At the end of the day most vendor likely lose money attending events like this. It is about community and putting a face to the vendor. Many vendors also get together afterwards for dinners and such to build those relationships further. 

 

Ultimately it is a major investment of time and money and it is up to them to make the decision that fits their business the best. 

[JimB1]

I did notice that a lot of vendors went with smaller booths this year. Vixen, Losmandy, Takahashi, etc. all had the smallest size booths where in previous years they had much larger setups. 

[GoodAsh]

I get it. I am part of the Cloudy Nights Classic Telescope group at NEAF. I’ve been doing it for 15 years. We setup and display three booths worth of Classic telescopes. We don’t sell anything. In fact, it costs us all money to participate (hotels, gas, tolls, meals etc.) We do it to bring something to a great show that may inspire and remind people about the joy of astronomy. It’s a lot of work but we love to do it.

My point is that local vendors should support a show that inspires their customer base and maybe creates new customers for them. HPS should take the opportunity to show it’s not always about how much money they can make. I will only support businesses that support our hobby, like Astronomics. They bring us this amazing forum at no cost to us!

Thanks Astronomics!!

Al

[GoodAsh]

Our group this year. 

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[slavicek]

Our group this year. 

Good job, this year I visited your both several times. 

And good thing you are not selling anything... that would be bad news for my wallet. 

[Ali Maleki]

It’s terrible that HPS won’t support their local astronomy show. They are in Northern NJ and NEAF is in their backyard. Shame on them.

Al

I mentioned this exact thing several pages back on this topic. If CCTS can travel from Long Island over two very busy bridges and most others from a lot farther then why doesn't HPS bother to travel the 64 miles to NEAF!

[GoodAsh]

I mentioned this exact thing several pages back on this topic. If CCTS can travel from Long Island over two very busy bridges and most others from a lot farther then why doesn't HPS bother to travel the 64 miles to NEAF!

Which is why my Astro-Bucks are reserved for companies that support our hobby! Thank you to the vendors that support NEAF year after year.

Al

[WillR]

CCTS, Celestron and ZWO took the front three spots in the arena and even ZWO had very limited stock on-hand.

 

Actually there were 4 front spots. The fourth, between Celestron and ZWO, was occupied by Explore Scientific.