Southampton Boat Show

[Tim_Bennett]

I am visiting the UK for the Boat Show 10-19 Sep. I know it's a long way in the future but arranging travel dates from my current location is a logistical night-mare! My main objective is to pick up bargains for for my ever increasing shopping list (clothing, electronics, general chandlery) Any advice on when is the best time to visit - at the beginning to snap up bargains 'while stocks last ', or at the end when dealers are trying to shift stuff rather than pack it up.
Cheers Y'all

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[Evadne]

How can you be thinking about the end of the summer already? The answer is both, of course.
I've not noticed a difference in general stock levels through the life of the show, but on day 1 everyone is jolly and enthusiastic and it's often less crowded. By day 8 they are all jaded and half asleep. Opening or closing day bargains and other specials are usually clothing and such, which will run out; electronics bits, rope and general chandlery are usually the same price and availability throughout the show.
Big places (like Shamrock Quay and Aladdins cave in the Southampton area) can have discounted clothing throughout the autumn and winter, after the boat show, so they do take it home with them.

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[milltech]

Actually I think the pricing issue is slightly different. In my experience prices tumble (if they're going to) after the first weekend once the spying and competitive juices have started to flow. I would say that Tuesday or Wednesday have the balance right for good pricing and not too many visitors.

There are bargains on the last day, but they never seem good enough for the bargain hunters, ticketed at say £99.99, last day sale £79.99, "You take twenty five quid for that mate"? They're the things that have been in stock too long already so it's unlikely that you want them too. Of course there are the legendary stories where a rare piece of expensive kit finds its rare buyer at a bargain price, but you'll be lucky if it's you after a lifetime of show visits.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Evadne]

I expect you're right, probably having spent more time at the show than I. On reflection I'd agree that a weekday is better than a weekend: a dearth of kiddies and pushchairs for a start.

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[William_H]

Hello Tim my impression is that prices for anything boating in UK is horendous. Have a look at
www.whitworths.com.au for mail order to Saudi. The $Aus is worth about UK41 pence. Take off 10% for GST tax. Sorry to all UK friends and I may well be wrong however....... regards ole will

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