[Billfish715]

One thing to remember (or maybe a couple) about the show, is that it's a show. It's not a flea market. Company representatives are there to show, promote, demonstrate and explain their products. They don't sell their wares. That's why the independent distributors are there. They do the selling. Some of them have special deals on certain products while their other products have been priced to reflect market prices. Some dealers, deal on certain products but not on others. It's retailing.

You, as a consumer, do get to see what's out there by perusing the manufacturer's inventory. You then decide if there's something in which you are interested. After that, it's up to you to look around for a price that you are comfortable to spend. You can see things online but you can't hold them or touch them or try them. At the show, you can. Where or how you purchase the products is strictly up to you. Online purchases are convenient but also come with the dreaded "on back order" notices.

Catalogues from the two major national outdoor shows, have pictures and descriptions of some of the products in their inventory; but they don't show all of the colors and models of what the manufacturers distribute. I saw things on some of the display boards and racks at the manufacturers' booths that I never saw in a catalogue or on online.

It's up to the consumers to request their local tackle dealers to carry what you saw and liked at the shows. Believe it or not, you and I do have a lot to say about pricing, and styles and colors and personal preferences that affect the buying habits of the retailers but also the product development by the manufacturers. The dealers and representatives, do listen and they do share your concerns with their bosses.

Markups are not very much on rods and reels and so the market is very competitive. Many consumers will only shop by price and not by quality. Others shop by their own methods and for their particular needs. Manufacturers want your business so they can keep theirs. Shop around and ask for what you see and want. That's the beauty of the "shows". It's good for business and it's good for the consumers.

Again, if you are looking for garage sale and flea market prices, go to a flea market or garage sale. If you have no interest in buying a new outfit, but want to see what's out there, go to the show. It's an event. You're out of the house and you're that much closer to wetting a line. Or, you can sit at home and listen to your wife or girlfriend talk about all of the things she would like you to do. Enjoy the Expo. You can still make it if you leave now.