Starving Vendors Introduction

                                                                           The Voice - Speaking Out

I created this page to express myself on various issues dealing with shows and other none-related issues. In other words, things that bug the heck out of me.

There's a lot of promoters AND Chambers of Commerce that rip you off in one way or another. I have a number of things to say about a good number of shows. Rip off ratings: $$$$$ a total ripoff-we are talking about 'take the money and run' kind of stuff here; $$$$ pretty bad, $$$ your average run-of-the mill typical overcharging $$ not too slick $ enough to just piss you off

IMPORTANT: Please read this about the energy efficient light bulbs. They contain mercury and if one of them happens to break near you, it's gonna be sad news!!! Beware. The goverment doesn't tell you this. The store where you bought it at didn't tell you. The scout troop that gave me a free one (nice gesture and they are involved in another worthwhile project) never told me.

                                                       So, is this what they call "CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'?

$$$$ I hadn't done the Ripon Almond Blossom Festival in a number of years and I feel that charging vendors $385 is a bit excessive for this time of year, when the weather is so questionable. Also, charging vendors $100 for insurance AND charging vendor $65+ for electricity. Most of all, I do not consider this a quality event. Very shady promoters and I would stay the heck away from them.

$$$$$   Now, I thought that the $385 was a high price to pay for shows....maybe not (ha ha ha)... Recently I was strongly consider doing the Lancaster Poppy Festival (CA) and was told the fee was $600. Excuse me.....hellloooooo. Isn't that a bit excessive? Are we talking about US of A kind of dollars or Pesos? I'd like to hear from somebody that does this show (April 19-20). There are a load of us that are unable to do those higher-priced events as it does take a large number of sales to even reach the fee paid. For instance, if you have good sellers going for $30 and up, it doesn't take long to catch the fee.

                                                                                  OFF TOPIC

Now, there are number of things that I really wonder about. Actually, a few more things than that. Occasionally, I am going to place issues of concern to me and people should really think about what I am saying.

1. I've been a member of COSTCO for over 20 years now. Nice place to shop...especially if you want 240 rolls of toilet paper, 256oz boxes of cereal, etc. Just kidding. These yearly membership fees that these stores have is pretty much uncalled for. I pay $100 per year and I am wondering why do I have to pay these people all that money just for the so-called 'privilege' of shopping in their store. Seriously, it's just not worth it and I am not going to renew my membership when it comes up in June. I'm retired and I just can't see forking over $100 anymore. So people, think about it. If a good share of their members protested these fees, I am sure that things would change. Did I say 'protest?' I must be from the 60's and 70's, huh? You bet.

2. Home Town Buffet. Been eating there for years and awhile back I asked about discounts for serior citizens. They told me that they have a 10 percent discount, BUT YOU HAVE TO PURCHASE A SPECIAL CARD FROM THEM. Wow. Ain't that the SHITZ. We have quite a few people 62 and over out there and they are sticking it to them. It isn't cheap to eat there and their food can not compare to a lot of other buffets. I just feel that they should give out at least a 20 percent discount to our elder people. Think about that too!!!!

3. Camping World and their discount cards. IF you want to join the Presiden't Club, where you get certain discounts, you are required by them to pay a fee. You have to actually purchase a card (and it ain't cheap either) in order to get something like a 10 percent discount. Senior citizens are a group of people that purchase quite a number of items from Camping World and need to stretch their dollars. They should be getting these cards for free or the 10% discount automatically upon proof of age.

4. So People, how often to you go to Walgreens, Longs or some other drug store? These are drug stores. People who are sick come in here for medication, aspirin, ointments, etc. Where is all this stuff located. Always toward the back of the store. So, if you are ill, etc., you are forced to walk all the way to the far end of the store. Now, what do you see up front? Personal items..batteries, candy. soda, food, candy, magazines, candy, etc. I guess that's for people who aren't sick?