4x4 show whats missing ?

Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 13:44
ThreadID: 8471 Views:2348 Replies:13 FollowUps:4
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We are currently looking at the idea of a country 4x4 show / exhibition in WA our idea is to base it on 4x4 safety IE ;recovery,driving ,camping etc rather than just a latest product show room, I am looking for ideas along this line and also comments on what you think is missing at other shows ,thanks for any info and ideas you can addBorn to drive a 4x4 , not a keyboard
Peter York 4x4
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Reply By: diamond(bendigo) - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 13:49

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 13:49
gday peter.
the bigest complaint ive heard about 4wd shows are there lack of the discounts you used to get.back by popular demand
:-)
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Reply By: Tony - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 14:53

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 14:53
The way to do it would be to get the 4WD clubs involved, they put on the displays, winching demo's, 4WD track, all the static displays regarding a 4WD trip, ie spares bush repairs, camping gear etc.

Then invite the Dealers, shops that sell camping gear, 4WD gear any any other stuff like radios, solar that sort of thing.

As far as good specials, thats up to the retail outlets to make it worthwhile being there.
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Reply By: flappan - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 15:36

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 15:36
IMO , bargins are a bonus.

Its more about being able to see the latest and greatest, and compare or see "like" products in action.

Its hard to get a bargin when there's nothing to compete against.

About the only item I have seen that you seem constantly able to deal on are Fridges
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Reply By: maverick - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 16:03

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 16:03
Make contact with the Southern Highlands Club in Canberra. They and a number of other clubs get together and have a 4wd show in Queanbeyan I think every 2 yrs.
They have a try out track - similar to Perth. They also have trade particitpation. The reason it is every 2 yrs is the amount of work involved to get it up and running.
You will also need a decent catchment area (lots of people) before too many trades will attend. It sounds like a good idea especially as no one knows what will happen after this year with the new owners of the Perth 4x4 show. The people who had the BullsBrook weekend in Sept. were also looking at going into the country maybe/possibly so get in touch with them and see if they are to be in your area (ps what area are you looking at?). Also don't forget to contat the WA4WDAssoc as they may be able to assist.
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Reply By: Arkay - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 16:40

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 16:40
A suggestion
I am involved in the horse business (saddlery etc.) Here in SA there are regular country "Field Days" , mainly in the Winter months, Lucindale, Karoonda, Paskeville, etc. and over the border into NSW (Broken Hill) and VIC (Swan Hill) which I have attended. At these field days you will find Agricultural Products, Camping, Clothing, Tools, Water Tanks, Pumps, Tyres, Sheep Dog Trials and all manner of things. THEY organise the shows and as an "exhibitor" you pay for a "site". There is no reason why a 4WD orientated club/group/supplier would not be very succesful amongst an already captive audience. People come from miles around, in force. They are well known, well advertised locally and run for 2 or 3 days. I have often lameted the lack of a 4WD bias at these country shows. You could run 1/2 day courses as well as show/sell the 4WD gear. Would be surprised if WA does not have something similar. Saves YOU all the hard Yakka.
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Reply By: Big Red - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 17:35

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 17:35
You need to be able show and tell what you country folk expect from us townies/city slickers when we are in your backyard.

Show what is really required in 4wdriving and camping - do we really need all this glamour puss stuff that we get brainwashed into must have.
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Reply By: Member - Melissa - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 18:20

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 18:20
Trouble with the 4WD show is that when you've been a couple of years in a row, it gets very same old, same old. Same exihibitors, same stuff, make believe show "discounts", same guest speakers (ie. the Leylands...its a 4WD show, can't we at least get someone who talks about 4WDriving not towing a caravan around on the blacktop). Frankly I'd like to see more demo's and more alternative product from the small, local businesses rather than continuing to have only products and limited choices from the likes of ARB, TJM etc rammed down our throats.

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://www.users.bigpond.com/flatdog
AnswerID: 37042

Follow Up By: Member -BJ (Sydney) - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 18:38

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 18:38
Here here MelissaRegards Bob
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Follow Up By: bruce.h (WA) - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 22:08

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 22:08
Gday all
I sort of agree, after 12 years of driving around in circles on the test track listening to the same questions from people who after the fist ten minutes all begin to look & sound the same, it does get a bit monotinouse ( god wished i could spell). as to discounts from display people , i have a bit of an insite into what they think as i work for a great meny of them ,the reason you dont get huge discounts is the fact that the outlay to attend the show against the number of sales needed to pay for going,makes it hard to give big discounts , you have to remeber that the vast majority who go to these shows are nothing but wheel kickers.
So if you want to attract, both sellers & buyers to a country show you will need it to be vastly differant to the current show, you will need to be prepared for an up hill battle to make it pay to cover insurance ,ground hire, advertising ect. not an easy ask in anybody 's speak

But hay that dont mean it can't be done , i might even have a few sujestions to help if you decide to go ahead & give it a go
Regards Bruce
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Follow Up By: Member -BJ (Sydney) - Thursday, Nov 13, 2003 at 16:55

Thursday, Nov 13, 2003 at 16:55
Just do as i do & ask wife or kids if you are'nt shoure ( see there not home )Regards Bob
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 20:13

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 20:13
Look at the Landrover Owners Club of Vic, they run the Wandin Field day.

There is everythign from live displays, to manufacturers selling stuff, ARB TJM Offroadshop etc etc....

Thats what you want, the 4wd show in Melbourne is dead, I dont know much good said about it at all...

Specially the thefts guy in our club had his Troopy stolen....
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Follow Up By: maverick - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 20:57

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 20:57
Good idea. Peter, what about the Dowerin Field Day? Getting bigger every year.
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Reply By: ross - Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 22:08

Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 at 22:08
I can never understand why potential customers have to pay to look at goods which are free to look at any other time.The upcoming 4wd and camping show want $12 for adults and $5 for kids to go and look at products that distributors want us to purchase.That works out at $39 for a family of 5.
I know insurance, the park and amenities have to be paid for but surely that only accounts for a small proportion of the entrance fee.
The 4x4 gymkana nth of Perth this year was much better value.I got 2 days of watching vehicles and drivers pushed to the limit and saw a heap of offroad products in one spot for the bargain rate of $25 (I think) per carload.
I might stay home this year and just go look at the merchandise for free in an airconditioned showroom at my own leisure.
AnswerID: 37083

Reply By: Les N - Thursday, Nov 13, 2003 at 00:08

Thursday, Nov 13, 2003 at 00:08
Hi,

I think it would be fantastic if the public could see demonstrations on such things as 4x4 safety, recovery techniques etc. These country shows could pherhaps be incorporated into current annual evewnts like the Dowerin Fields Days (3 day event) and the Newdegate Field Day (2 days) just as an example. That way a good crowd is assured. Also to be really beneficial if we see 4x 4 retailers present and representation from local WA 4x4 Clubs then i'm sure it would be succussful.

Les
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Reply By: Mark from Getaway Portable Refrigerator Hire - Thursday, Nov 13, 2003 at 19:43

Thursday, Nov 13, 2003 at 19:43
Hello Peter,
There are a few "shows" around such as Pingelly (1 day) or Kukerin (2 days) that would jump at the chance to expand via a 4x4 show in conjunction. Kukerin now has utes,burnouts and creekbed racing but is a bit far out of town. York would be an ideal location and as you would know, already has a number of events. It would be great to get some "new faces" there as far as suppliers go. As previously mentioned the 4x4 show in Perth is same old same old BUT still gets the crowds.

Regards

Mark
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Reply By: Diane - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 16:34

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 16:34
I'm fairly new to all this, but it seems to me the biggest problem with 4x4/camping/fishing/caravan shows is they aim the marketing stratagies at the general public who like to view to buy.
The real 4x4/camper/fisherman etc is very much a 'hands on' type of person who likes to touch, feel and try rather than just look. So I would say look at what you customer needs and give it to him.

Discounts are great too.

AnswerID: 37315

Reply By: Member - Peter (WA) - Saturday, Nov 15, 2003 at 16:04

Saturday, Nov 15, 2003 at 16:04
Thanks for all your input and ideas , im at the moment looking at a option where as a promenant sports club will be under writing the whole thing so fingers crossed ,if all goes well you will here it on this site first ,I am really hopping to base it far more on info and demos than sales for the big 4 or 5 in the industry , thanks againBorn to drive a 4x4 , not a keyboard
Peter York 4x4
AnswerID: 37422

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