For The First Time
Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", January 1999, page 73
I tried my hand for the first time at selling some of my insulators. For
various mundane reasons, I haven't been able to get to a show since Maryland in
the springtime, but my wife and I finally set out for the Albany show and my
truck died on the Long Island Expressway! I took it as a sign that it just
wasn't meant to be! But I had that Insulator Fever, so I went on the Internet to
see what else was going on and I found the Long Island Antique Bottle Show
practically in my back yard. When I called up for information, I got to talking
to the show host about my insulator collection and by the time I got off the
phone I had signed up for a sales table. (Good salesmanship on his part!)
I
spent about two weeks getting organized, trying to remember everything I've seen
at other shows, and was still working at 5:00 a.m. the morning of the show. So
my wife and I packed up everything and off we went. I had sent out letters to all
the NIA members on Long Island, and took all the NIA literature I had,
brochures, etc. I also had two light boxes that I used at home to display my
insulators. By 9:00 a.m. when the doors opened, we were all set up as the only
insulator table among about 50 tables. I was pretty apprehensive and figured if
I at least made back the $25 for the table I'd be happy.
Well, happy wasn't the
word for it. I sold almost all my insulators, but more importantly, generated a lot of interest for the hobby. I
had people stopping all day long to ask about insulators, and the hobby, and
didn't have enough brochures to go around. I made many contacts with people who
had insulators at home and didn't know a thing about them and wanted to know if
I could help identify them. I had my two volume set with me along with some
insulator photos, go-withs, club patches, etc. so there was plenty to talk about
and show people.
It was a very positive first experience and I feel I was
organized enough that I presented the Insulator hobby in a very good light. (No
pun intended!) NIA members who came out were Art Kottman, Dun Olsen and Victor
Gangi, so there were knowledgeable people as well as novices.
Finally, would you
be able to tell me how I can get a supply of handout type Insulator material to
promote the hobby the next time I do this?
Mark Foster,
Rocky Point, New York
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There is nothing better than a collector to promote a hobby... and, Mark.
you certainly did that In your first effort at having a sales table. I
congratulate you. Materials are readily available: Joe Beres (NIA membership
brochure); authors of books; Bill Meier (webmaster at insulators.com); Crown
Jewels of the Wire sample copies and "What are Insulators?" brochures
from me. All you need do is ask. And, for those of you planning on participating
in a show this spring... I'll be happy to put you in touch with great resources.
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