Whats the best day to go to show.Would think smaller crowds Fri.Looking to pickup a couple bigger ticket items.Whats the best day for deals but not soldout?Would like to deer hunt Friday so Sat.would be my best day.I know Sat of three day show can be a zoo.Sun.Inventory can get thin.
as a past vendor there fri is the best day to find what you want
as for special deals there is a show the next weekend in madison wi that most of the guys go to also so its not like
they cant sell it there also
the best thing is ask if they have any show specials some will offer a better deal sometimes if not look around and come back if you dont find a better deal elaewhere 
Has the dates been set yet?
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Has the dates been set yet?
I believe the first weekend in December.
FDR
Big ticket items (ice houses, augers) can be had for 20% – 30% off on Sunday as the companies don’t want to pack of the stuff. I used to work for Jiffy at the stores (Reeds, Thorne, etc) and they would let things go on Sunday AM, early!
I agree with Sunday… The dealers always have amazing deals on the last day. That said, you run the risk of it not being there too. I always do my shopping around on Friday then go back if there’s something I cant live without on Sunday and see if its still there. the other option is mention IDO and see what they’ll do for you, They’ve always treated me right and it lets them know that the money spent as site sponsors is worth it.
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Has the dates been set yet?
Dec 2-4.The last 5 years anyway it’s the weekend after Thanksgiving weekend.It’s My second shotgun season every year thurs thru sun.Would like to hunt Fri but thats 2 1/2 hours south and show is 6 north.Not a after the hunt drive.Maybe I’ll have a productive first season.Would love to see the complete inventory.And Fri is usually easier to get around and ask questions.Thanks for the input guys.Charge and check your electronics.Good time to send in if you have a problem.Bring on the ice!
Go Friday. Stock is excellent and good deals to be had! I work the show every year and the guys that come Sunday looking for that super deal, often find the items sold out they wanted.
Great input! I plan on attending, for the first time, this year. My neighbors tell me that the sale to bibs and jackets are excellent and usually there is a waiting line to try on for sizes. Any words of wisdom about/to purchasing bibs and jackets? That’s what I am in the market for. Thanks.
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I agree with Sunday… The dealers always have amazing deals on the last day. That said, you run the risk of it not being there too. I always do my shopping around on Friday then go back if there’s something I cant live without on Sunday and see if its still there. the other option is mention IDO and see what they’ll do for you, They’ve always treated me right and it lets them know that the money spent as site sponsors is worth it.
This is some great info! Who doesn’t like to save a buck? Thanks to those who’ve been vendors and/or have attended before for offering their insights.
Like others, I’ve worked it for the past 7 or so years, and have learned alot. While few things remain the same from year to year exactly, there are some general trends to pay attention to. First off, when the show started, there was a strong tendency for folks to price haggle from place to place, and it worked. “Joe’s has it for $100, will you do $85?” However, retailers often realize that these days, it’s bloodletting, and it isn’t worth their time. Not that you shouldn’t shop around! When you do so however, think about after the sale; advice, returns if it’s not what you want (i.e. local retailer like Thorne Bros.), support, additional sizing, purchasing out of stock items for in-store pickup (Thorne again).
A far better strategy is to bundle. Have friends that need ice gear? Bring them all, and bundle into a single purchase from a single retailer. You’ll work far less to gain far greater in terms of discounts. That’s at least been my experience. The more you’re willing to spend, the more you’ll save.
Another thing to note is that there’s no such thing as “no-tax.” Tax has to be paid, so the savings is just being offered to you in a discount. If you’ve gone as far as the retailer is willing to go in terms of discount, don’t expect them to be able to charge “no-tax” on top of it.
In terms of the least crowds, that’s usually early Friday. Everybody has full stock, and you’ll still get your discounts if you shop wisely.
And one last thing…..with so much gear, from so many retailers, in such a small area, don’t haggle yourself out of what you want/need. So many times I’ve seen people get so caught up in the “art of the deal” that they play hardball, lose, and do without another year….typically for the large sum of $10-20. In particular, I remember a certain elderly gentleman that’s come to visit me at the Marcum booth for about the last five years or so. The first few, he went up and down the aisles, knowing exactly what he wanted, why, and having a genuine need for a flasher. He wanted an LX-5 in the worst way, but unless someone was going to give it away, gift-wrap it, and load it in his truck he would have none of it. Well, two years ago he broke down, and last year, when I saw him shopping for some ice rods, he just shook his head and said, “shoulda bought that contraption the first year here!”
Just talking about it gets me excited. Looking forward to it again this year!
Joel
I agree Joel.I’ve owned a repair business for 35 years dealing mostly with insurance companies.I get kicked in the teeth every day.Not looking for something for nothing.Couple thing I want are over $500.So some discount would help.Still don’t think my dad understood the day I told him.I want people I do business with to make money so they are there when I need them.He had got a deal at wally world on a reel.Not like I’m going to drive 700 miles,stay one or two night in a hotel and “save money”.
Lots of great information on this thread. Lord knows every want that “GOOD DEAL”. The St.Paul Ice Fishing Show marks the beginning of a new year on the hardwater for many anglers including myself. The mass gathering of retailers and ice fishing companies in one shared arena provides the end consumer quite a great weekend of learning beyond the purchasing of product. Talk with fellow anglers, sit through a seminar, try one on, start one up…. Last year I worked multiple retail booths, and of course as a company representative we don’t haggle. Thank Goodness for that……..I want everyone to get a GREAT DEAL!! 
Individual retail stores of course are in charge of their own pricing. I found prices were very competitive up and down the board. Still beyond the initial pricing for me; I really enjoy viewing the massive amount of product which can be viewed in one common location. I love meeting fellow “Iceheads”. I also find great value while talking with company leaders who are eager to share their knowledge of what a product can do for me. My mind is often on information overload as I quickly start thinking how this can make this part of my fishing more efficient, or how this could save me time, and of course how this will surely help me land that lunker that eluded me last season.
I believe value and longterm satisfaction may be the most important thing I look for when I purchase product these days. I believe there is a time and place for shaving a dollar, but for me personally I believe the overall cost of an item is seldom realized on the initial purchase. Rather the performance of the product, service, warranty and individual retail stores willingness to make me satisfied will be how I determine my cost for the item. So for me…..I know I’m probably different than some, but if TB or whomever is a store that takes very good care of me I buy from them every time.
Good stuff Chris!
Case in point – I’m currently on a 6 week wait for a trail camera that went down which is no longer in stock, the company has no idea when it will be in stock, and they won’t fix the camera I sent in. So here we are with the rut setting in, and I’m a camera down, with no replacement to be had in the forseeable future.
I passed over a few trusted names to get this one at a closeout price, and now I’m closed-out alright.
Joel
We’ve ALL been there Joel!! I remember a few years back talking with Dave Marquart at the SBC. I said my NUMBER 1 priority is that he CARES that I’m on the water, and has my back if something goes down. I CAN’T stand having equipment down or someone not caring enough to fix it quickly. Hey let’s face it truth of the matter is NOTHING will last forever we all know that. A product is only as good longterm as the companies that represent it and stand by your side. So together I guess we’ve come to the same conclusion Joel. The initial cheapest price seldom ends up being the longterm BEST deal. Each year our world is more and more hectic; I see this firsthand with our customer base. Free time to enjoy in the woods or on the water are fare more precious than when we all worked 40 hours and had every weekend off to enjoy with our family. Opening morning of Gun Season or your first tip toe on the hardwater simply demands the gear you deem will give you the edge for the most enjoyment on your trip working and in hand. That my friend is often……..PRICELESS!! 
i was wondering if guys are working booths if they know which ones they are working and what days yet? or is that not figured out for a while?
thanks
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i was wondering if guys are working booths if they know which ones they are working and what days yet? or is that not figured out for a while?
thanks
I’m sure there will be some familiar faces there at the show, and we’ll do a roll call as the date approaches. Don’t be shy, come up and say hello!
Joel
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