Tonkin Wand wrote: ↑Mon Oct 17, 2022 4:27 pm
Always look forward to Romsey with great anticipation and the last one did not disappoint. I noted that there was a pronounced increase in very modern tackle is creeping in. Even non fishing tackle related items being on display.When the theme of the show becomes fudged the attraction goes for me!!!!
I remember when I first went some 12 years ago now, there were hundreds of modern carbon rods from China that had lost their way, some tatty, some really rather well made. As the Maggot Boy said there are only a few factories in China making rods and the unit cost doesn't vary much...just the retail price.
In those days the Fair was in two halls and with the right products on his table a seller could do well. But I do recall a few tables that had no tackle at all, just antiques.
Guessing what people will want in the future is no easy task and I would make my best choice and spend the next 6 months acquiring and restoring my 'best guess' . In those day I might take £900, the last I took £30, so not covering my petrol and table fees, let alone 6 months 'work'. Perhaps I just lost the knack of guessing correctly?
When you can't sell a popular rod, well restored, I think it means everyone who wants one has got it already. So I went over to Mitchell reels, but the price went right up and I couldn't restore them and sell them on at a profit.
I'm not moaning about the change, just observing that it has happened.
I can understand how you feel and I have seen changes myself over the last few years. There is no doubt a market still exists for vintage fishing tackle and associated items, but selling them at a profit has certainly become more difficult! Thankfully, I do not keep a large stock of such items, generally adding enough items between fairs to justify having a table. As long as I can more than cover my costs (which I have done up to now) I will continue to search for items to re-sell, as I really enjoy it! 
