Huge Frag Swap Suggestion...

I'm not really sure where to put this, so it's going here. I've talked to several of you about this (both in the current Presidency and some potential new Presidency members.)

For the past 5 years I've been an addict of the frag swaps back in the midwest. They're much different than I've seen out here. They draw anywhere from 400-1000+ people in a single day, and the cash flow to the club is tremendous.

I'd like to propose we try one here. The problem I see is that early spring is the best time for them, and starting to plan one once the new Presidency comes on board may be too late to have one this spring. But, maybe we can all be on board with the idea? If so, I volunteer to get it going...but we need to start with a lot of help...now.

I've already run one of these, and I've been to countless others (in Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, etc.) I already have tons of info/form letters/etc. on how to do this. But, here's the basic idea:

We get a place like where we currently meet for a full day. Vendors are invited from all over, and they pay to set up in prime locations. "Advanced" hobbyists (those with a lot to sell) can buy smaller "early bird tables" where they can set up small tanks or just sell in containers. Walk-in hobbyists have last pick of the tables, but they aren't charged to sell just a few items. Everyone can post their items on Fragswapper.com to presell (helps keep the number of people in the building all at once down). Fragswapper allows users to post pictures of items for sale, so this also helps to sell items that would typically be closed up during a sale (zoanthids, etc.)

For those who just want to shop, there's a small entry fee (maybe free to members or whatever). There would also be a huge raffle (I've got about 150 companies on a list that I know have donated nice items in the past) and goody bags. Depending on the value of the donation, the company would get a certain level of sponsorship in return (advertising on various things). I've also seen t-shirts sold, food available, you name it.

I see this being very successful since it would give those who live hours away a reason to come and get everything they could imagine in one swoop. Vendors can usually unload a lot of items since the crowd is more diverse than what they usually get...and they get more new customers. Hobbyists can unload their frag tanks all at once and not worry about people asking for "free delivery". Buyers win too b/c a lot of sellers end up giving good deals at the end so they don't have to haul their corals back home. Clubs tend to get a LOT more members (especially if entry is free to members), get some nice cash flow to fund speakers/equipment/etc., and their members are forced to interact more with each other.

Anyway, I would be thrilled if we could do this. Usually these are packed shoulder-to-shoulder, so I'm not the only one who enjoys them. I'm volunteering to get this going, but I need support from everyone.

Thoughts? :-)     

I think the key is for everyone to be able to sell. This draws in more hobbyists that just want to offload their stuff, but not necessarily buy. Hobbyists also typically have more beginner-friendly corals while the vendors bring in the high-end stuff. Most vendors rarely feel like hauling $5 Xenia in, but have no problem bringing a $600 master scoly. Having hobbyists selling will fill the lower-end market...as well as maybe fill the void for some of the more old-school awesome frags that vendors don't typically have. Hobbyists would also have the chance to offload equipment...which always works out awesome for everyone.

If you guys had 400 people in 2.5 hours, then an expanded one could be nuts. We have had people coming in from 13 hours away before, and it was common to travel 4-6 hours for one.

Yes, I did make it to the Fragstock. Although they sound similar, Fragstock was not like the frag swaps I've been to. It was nice, but I think there's some unlocked potential.



Edited by ReefdUp - October 09 2012 at 5:12pm

Let's do it.  

WAAAHOOO!!!

So, would we still call it FragStock? Same time of the year? Same place?

Is it possible to get a separate FragStock volunteer section of the forum (like MWRF) so we can plan without clogging up the normal threads? It would also help us plan without having to drive all over the place to meet.

Teknik - got you down as the first volunteer! ;-)

Who else wants to volunteer?

not sure if its part of the idea.. but even equipment people would want to try to sell seems like a good idea. ive tried to get something like this going in the mustang community, but cost is a little bit more significant when deal with car stuff. btw.. love this idea.. and absolutely think something similar to fragstock is a definite must with no reef fest this year. 

hate to be the downer, but this sounds like pest swap city to me...

perhaps I am just too particular (i only buy from certain vendors), but providing the opportunity for everyone to sell increases the risk of pest swapping, along with the frag swap.

please don't let me discourage the concept everyone is pumped about, but I do think we owe it to inform the new hobbyists the risk of buying at such an event.

That's a great point. Maybe we could hand out pamphlets on dipping/QT or even get the teeny bottles of CoralRx for goody bags.

In my experience, vendors/hobbyists have about the same type/number of pests (hobbyists get it from somewhere.) But, you're right, there are ways to counter this. I'm sure those who are uber-cautious with their reefs already have a QT system or just won't purchase (but may sell.)

I think this is also a great idea. Think you could plan it on a Friday or Saturday?

I'll help.  If we want to we can set up a google or similar site with a log-in for volunteers and planners to work from if setting one up here is too hard.  Also we can use a free live meeting tool for the meetings.  Let me know.

Fat

PS Happy Birthday!

This sounds really good.  I know the first thing that my wife did in the hobby with me was the Reef fest / frag fest last year at the Redlion hotel.  We both had such a good time.  We have been wanting to do something like that for the past year.  I have talked to alot of people that have stopped by the house to see the new tank and we all end up on the even from last year and how much everyone liked it.