Gunshow table set-up, a poll

[newfalguy101]

I have been doing gunshows ( a half dozen or so per year ) for the past tenish years.

I have seen tables that were so loaded down with ahem "stuff" that you couldn't move one thing to take a look without causing a small avalanche, and others so sparse I tend to just cruise by without even breaking stride.

I am wondering what you guys prefer to see.

I started with one table, and constantly shuffled stuff to make it look fuller than it really was, to now where I am renting three and in reality probably could fill a fourth. I try to NOT fill my tables so full it looks like I just dumped stuff out of boxes and everything runs together, yet full enough to STOP everybody so they take time to actually look ( pretty hard to close a sale when the guy is just walking by ( LOL ) ).

 

[WestKentucky]

I like to see a table full of guns organised in some sensible fashion.

 

[medalguy]

I like organized tables, but I also like tables with lots of parts and accessories (read "surplus junk") that might have some long searched-for part or rarity that I might like to have. I love to paw through boxes of greasy machine gun parts and fine some beautiful Thompson part in the original package or something else interesting. I hate sterile-looking tables of new plastic handguns, all roped together.

 

[420Stainless]

I don't think it matters much. I would say that if you have stuff packed in boxes that it would be at least good to put a representation out where it can be seen. If I see a bunch of boxes and see a can of powder or cast bullets on a table I might at least think to ask if you have other types or sizes. Or if you have a couple holsters showing I may ask if you have one somewhere that will fit my trusty revolver. I'll generally assume that what's in the boxes is more of the same that is displayed. Don't know if others think that way though. Particularly true if I see you're selling gun parts and I'm looking for something specific - even if you got them all dumped on the table where I can see I'll still likely ask hoping you'll be able to find it faster or eliminate a fruitless search if you already know you don't have it.

 

[el indio]

When I have two tables at a show,I try to keep products organized. I hate when someone looks at something and then puts it where ever they want.

 

[HammsBeer]

If it's a long sparse table with only a couple things that I can scan in 5 seconds from a distance then I don't even stop.
The one show a year guys seem to do this with their personal guns to sell.

If there are plenty of guns but neatly laid out in order with price tags and descriptions clearly written, and lots of smaller items nearby but not cluttering the guns, then I will stop and check out the whole table.
The regulars/gun shops seem to follow this presentation.

If it looks like a kids toy box, and everything just piled on top of everything, I doubt I want to buy something that's been gun show road rashed.
This seems to be the musty old surplus guys with the same glass cases of 'Nam and Nazi stuff year after year.

 

[bannockburn]

I prefer well organized with as little clutter as possible.

 

[CWL]

While I also prefer a well organized table, it really depends on what you're selling. Firearms and knives should be placed in an orderly manner while ammo, gun parts and books tend to be messier.

If you sell beef jerky and turquoise jewelry, then pile it on.

 

[bikerdoc]

I dont care what your table looks like. I want a smile and a hello if I stop at your table. Dont ignore me. I might not buy this show but the next show I will remember you. Me, when I help my buddy, I talk to anyone that stops. "Whatcha lookin for"

If they say just looking I say good. We like looking, might find something you cant live without.

 

[Sav .250]

Haven`t been to a Gun Show in a while..................Got burned out!

 

[lxd55]

organized with what you have and if I stop and take a moment and you have other stuff under the table tell me. I am one of those people that cannot see the tree because of the forest.

 

[Spitdog]

I like seeing prices on guns, I know you can't put prices on parts and little things but on guns, yes.

 

[konertjm]

When I go to gun show, I treat all the sellers and their items with he same respect I would expect from them. If I pick up an item to look at, I put it back exactly where it was, if there is a tag attached, I make sue the tag is displayed where you can read it.
I also expect the sellers to have their tags facing up, so that I can read without picking up the item.
If I get a vendor who seems grouchy, doesn't want you touching his 'Stuff', and won't talk anything but what he has listed for the price, I pass them by.
Give me a vendor who is friendly, knowledgeable, well organized display, decently priced merchandise, and possibly willing to discount for all cash deal. He just might have a customer for life.

 

[cfullgraf]

If the table is cluttered, I pass it buy. I am not interested digging through stuff on the hope I will see something that I am looking for.

I will admit that one man's junk is another man's treasure so a vendor can populate his table with what he wants.

Tags should be accurate and visible. There are different schools of thought on posting asking prices. Generally, if an item is not priced, I pass. The item has to be REALLY special for me to ask the price.

Friendly is good. Knowledgable, not the appearance of knowledgeable is good.

Gun shows in my area may not be the best in the world but at least they have some entertainment value whether I buy anything or not. But, i will admit, you can look at only so many Glocks and Sigs.

 

[bigfatdave]

Clutter is not OK

Labeled milk crates with categories of clutter might be worth a look

But I prefer some order, at least guns by brand and ammo in some vaugely understandable order

 

[Twiki357]

I don’t really care what the table looks like, just what’s on it. My only concern is when stuff, especially guns, don’t have visible price tags.

Oh, and when the guns are displayed under Plexiglas that’s so scratched up I can barely see what’s there.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

I don't go to gun shows very often any more but when I do go I am usually looking for specific things so an orderly presentation makes it easier for me to determine if you have those things. If things are piled deeply I probably won't stop and dig for fear of damaging something I am not looking for.

 

[Sniper66]

There is room for both and every variant in-between. There is no 'right' way to set up a table.

 

[CajunBass]

It would be mighty dull if every table looked just like the last table.

What I want is for whoever is behind the table to look like they're interested in being there, and interested in talking to me, and not half asleep or talking to his circle of cronnies, and making me feel like I'm bothering them if I dare to ask a question.

I think some of the characters I've seen wouldn't get off their butt to sell anything. It would just be too much work.

Be clean. Have on clean clothes. Comb your hair...if you still have any. Take off hats and dark glasses inside. Look professional, even if you're not really. You wouldn't think anyone would have to say things like that, but apparently some people don't understand it.

 

[Silver Duck]

Guns and ammo, I prefer orderly since if I'm shopping those items I'm looking for something specific. Other stuff, I'm there to poke around looking for "treasures" and a little clutter is good!