Carlisle a dud?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Columbia MD
(Didn't go this year due to weather forecast and declining vendor participation)
Just an Ole Surfer Boy
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From: Timing is Everything The Jersey Shore
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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'08-'09-'10-'13-'14
What exactly would you like or think Lance can do? He certainly can't change the economy which is what is driving both the weak vendor and attendance numbers.
Drifting
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: South Central PA
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I'm not a sales tax expert, but from what I have read, PA is trying to crack down on internet sales. So basically they have said if you have a office or distribution center in PA or if you physically sell items in PA for a certain number of days a year, you must pay sales tax.
So take Mid America as an example. They don't have an office or warehouse in PA. So they don't have to collect sales tax for PA. It's technically the responsibility of the PA resident to report that on their income taxes. But if they come to CAC and sell items for a certain number of days (and I think it's absurdly low, like 2), they must collect sales tax on all PA orders all year long. Not just what is sold at the show, but on all of their orders all year. Understandably, companies don't want to be bothered with it.
So take Mid America as an example. They don't have an office or warehouse in PA. So they don't have to collect sales tax for PA. It's technically the responsibility of the PA resident to report that on their income taxes. But if they come to CAC and sell items for a certain number of days (and I think it's absurdly low, like 2), they must collect sales tax on all PA orders all year long. Not just what is sold at the show, but on all of their orders all year. Understandably, companies don't want to be bothered with it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: South Central PA
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Columbia MD
Exactly. Not that long ago, many vendors even used to offer "show" discounts of 10%-20% off their products AND they carried a wide assortment for all model years, AND, NO SHIPPING FEES!!! I really feel for the little guys under the tents, too. Used to find some nice deals on car care products, parts, die-casts, etc. Times they are a changin'...and not for the better I'm afraid. If the majority just use CAC as a social gethering, why not morf it into a Corvettes & Coffee?
Just an Ole Surfer Boy
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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'08-'09-'10-'13-'14
I doubt you have any idea how much it cost to run such an event or how much profit they make. I mean it is a business and there in business to make a profit. I guess if it were yours you would be happy to break even or even lose money. CAC is not as good as it once was but it is better then nothing and a whole lot more then you can find ANYWHERE else in the US.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: NJ
Like I had menetioned previously, Corvettes had a good run, partially thanks to the good economy, the entire market has cooled down, even tuners and shops are seeing this.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: DFW, TX
Guess I'm happy I made the call to do other things that weekend instead of heading over to CAC. I don't get the hype about buying parts at a show, you guys really want to walk around and stuff your vette with parts and ride home slowwwwly so that none of your parts get tossed around? I don't even like riding with a spare shirt or spare phone charger. I guess I'm too young to understand. If I was going to buy something in person, I'd just remember what it was and buy it online for 25-50% less, that goes for just about anything.
I can understand the excitement of buying some little things here and there (<=$100) but for anything more you could get it online cheaper
I can understand the excitement of buying some little things here and there (<=$100) but for anything more you could get it online cheaper
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What show are you talking about? Because if you knew what our booth and tent cost you would understand why vendors are down sizing there.
$105... that's hilarious..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: South Central PA
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Manufactures midway I'm sure is going to be a lot more.....for a reason, prime location. I look at being in the midway as part of your advertising budget as well. And if you want your booth to be more than one spot wide, then obviously that will also drive the cost up. The midway is full every year, so it seems people are complaining about the smaller vendors not showing up.
I'm not saying things are perfect or couldn't be improved. I have no idea the finances behind the scenes. But that's the point. Neither do the people on here saying the Carlisle Events is squeezing the small vendors. I'm not interested in a pissing contest, but if people are mad Mid America didn't bring any merchandise or small vendors aren't showing up with a truck load of C2 parts, they should first direct their anger at the vendor (or the state of PA for their sales tax laws).
Drifting
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From: long island NY
Mitch
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From: Long Island
we welcome your thoughts Lance!
well being that I started this thread, I would like to cordially invite Mr Lance Miller himself to reply to some of the
comments forum members have written here regarding the every year complaint about people saving spots on the Fun Field.he did include a letter in this years participants packets stating that this would be frowned upon and chairs would be removed from the field. also what about the vendors? can you tell us why they were smaller this year and in the selection of aftermarket parts was so sparse.also how much are you charging people to sell a vehicle in the car corral probably less than a hundred cost for sale they're not that I'm in the mall to buy a used Corvette
comments forum members have written here regarding the every year complaint about people saving spots on the Fun Field.he did include a letter in this years participants packets stating that this would be frowned upon and chairs would be removed from the field. also what about the vendors? can you tell us why they were smaller this year and in the selection of aftermarket parts was so sparse.also how much are you charging people to sell a vehicle in the car corral probably less than a hundred cost for sale they're not that I'm in the mall to buy a used Corvette
Last edited by Vins; Sep 2, 2014 at 02:36 PM. Reason: wrong words
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Carlisle PA
St. Jude Donor '09
This is the exact reason I didn't go back this year. I talked to Chip last year about this and he said that it would be addressed. Not surprised nothing has been done.
A few people I talked to said the vendors were WAY down in size and the car corral was empty.
2013 is most likely the last time I'll be attending. Sounds like CaC is on the same path as GM Nationals.
A few people I talked to said the vendors were WAY down in size and the car corral was empty.
2013 is most likely the last time I'll be attending. Sounds like CaC is on the same path as GM Nationals.
It was addressed this year, please refer to the registration packet (a letter was included) and the event magazine from this year. We also tore down caution tape in many areas and left a kind note asking people to not reserve their spaces as they come on a first come, first serve basis. Our parkers were also instructed to follow order as well, this year was much better than in years past but we need to stay on top of it moving forward. Special thanks to those of you out there that helped us out!
Hope this helps!
Lance
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,334
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From: Carlisle PA
St. Jude Donor '09
Last year was perfect weather and the launch of the C7. Also, Tadge didn't go this year (not sure if that impacted turnout). The cards were not in anyone's favor this year. A friend of mine called our hotel three days before we left and booked a room - there were a tremendous number of late cancellations due to weather.
We'll let him slide!
Cheers,
Lance
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,334
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From: Carlisle PA
St. Jude Donor '09
Whats the big deal about spot saving, there were plenty of other spots...
I don't get it....too many bruised corvette egos.
This is my third year in a row....I would think most swap meets have changed over the past 10 years due to the online marketplace. I would much rather have a chin spoiler for my C7 shipped to my door rather then carrying it around 20 acres and stuffing it in my corvette for a 3 hour ride home. The one thing I did get that could not be found on Ebay or the parts section of this forum was upper rocker trim for my 68....35$ at carlisle..
I like the show, I think Lance and the crew do a great job....Its a nice weekend getaway for my wife and I to meet up with some corvette friends. Anytime I can see 4000 corvettes together and talk to some of my most used vendors in person....I'm in.
I don't get it....too many bruised corvette egos. This is my third year in a row....I would think most swap meets have changed over the past 10 years due to the online marketplace. I would much rather have a chin spoiler for my C7 shipped to my door rather then carrying it around 20 acres and stuffing it in my corvette for a 3 hour ride home. The one thing I did get that could not be found on Ebay or the parts section of this forum was upper rocker trim for my 68....35$ at carlisle..
I like the show, I think Lance and the crew do a great job....Its a nice weekend getaway for my wife and I to meet up with some corvette friends. Anytime I can see 4000 corvettes together and talk to some of my most used vendors in person....I'm in.
Cheers,
Lance
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,334
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From: Carlisle PA
St. Jude Donor '09
I wish they would stop doing Thursday, maybe it would make it more of a Friday-Sunday show instead of a Thursday-Saturday show. The local hotels jacking prices and requiring 2-3 night stays isn't helping either. (let alone the drop in vendor attendance, etc.) I really hope they can turn it around, it had been my favorite summer tradition for a long time.
Cheers,
Lance
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 120
From: Carlisle PA
St. Jude Donor '09
I had heard alot of people had to choose between CAC or the Caravan, not everyone can take off as much time from work as they want. As far as the venders, it did seem weaker, what was up with Mid America's tent? What a joke ! Is that what their Funfest is like? I still enjoy seeing all the Vettes and meeting new people, my buddy and I met 6 nice guys from "Allentown Area Corvette Club". I guess it's what you make it. Still the parade is FANTASTIC ! Lance