I have been going to HMGS conventions here on the east coast since 1993 or so...for a long time it was Cold Wars, then Historicon, and finally Fall In! Early on I discovered that, to fund my new projects, the best thing was to take old projects to the con and sell in the flea market. I'd dig around for an army that hadn't seen action in a few years, or a project that never got completed, or just whatever gaming odds and ends were laying around collecting dust, and pack them off to the con to convert to cash. Some cash would make it back to the bank, and some would conveniently fund the next army. It's the Circle of Life in the gaming world!
My new wife, Linda, has heard me talk about working the flea market for a while now, and though I had to skip it last year I was able to make this year's Historicon and do two sessions of the flea market. Linda thought it would be a good idea to take some photos during it, since she very lovingly offered to assist me with it. It was so nice having her there, mainly so she could see the emotional ride it is but also to help me. So, without further ado, the photos!
I've had this collection of 10mm Napoleonics...literally thousands of figures in Russian, Prussian, and French/French Allies armies. I've probably had them for 10 years...and they've been on the table exactly twice. With all the stuff going on, they fell into the category of "excess to the needs."
I always have a great time socializing in the flea market. I know so many guys just from the conventions; we see each other once, twice, maybe three times a year and exchange some great talk and good memories, then move on.
Steve wound up picking up quite a few of my 10mm Naps. He is very big into that scale, and has a pretty interesting blog called Sound Officers Call! Very nice guy and a new addition to my "see you at the next con" friends.
I've always been told I have great stuff and very good prices, and this con was no exception. I like to get a fair price on stuff, and I always round down in favor of the buyer. I'd rather someone take figures home to game with them and enjoy than to pack them away in my basement for another year.
Post-script...August 7th, 2016: Since coming home from the convention I have been so swamped working on the basement and my game room that I completely forgot that I had this blog post going. Although it's been a few weeks, I still wanted to share my thoughts and feelings about the con and the flea market. While it's always nice to come back with some money in my pocket, and usually some new toys that the flea helped pay for, the social time of the flea market is the key to my continuing to do it. I know I could use the Internet to sell throughout the year, and I do a little, but the flea market at the convention is so much more fun...and that's why I enjoy this hobby!
Great meeting you at Historicon, Rob! Love your minis. They have found a nice home in my gaming stables -Steve
ReplyDeleteWow, that's good looking load of 'out to pasture' minis you have there, Rob. Nothing I love more than a flea market at a con - not that we have many here! I agree, it's all about the deal - get something back for minis that are gathering dust and make the buyers day with a good deal. Win-win. I'm totally impressed that Linda will run the tables with you! You guys are a dynamite team!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alan! I am very lucky indeed; I have been blessed with building a nice collection of miniatures, and now I've been blessed with a partner who actively supports my hobby. A very nice way to spend the second half of my life!
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