[thewaystation]

So there's a big record fair in my part of the world this weekend. I was offered 'floor right' - a new term for me which I take to mean I'd be allowed entry at the same time as the sellers, for early grabs and some haggling before the crowds hit the stalls (which would be two hours later).

I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with this? The extra charge wouldn't be outrageous and I would be curious to observe communication between the sellers and to see if the selection is significantly better in the pre-hours. Then again, I won't be able to throw stacks of cash at super rare stuff anyway, and I wouldn't want to annoy the sellers while they're getting set up etc. Maybe some seasoned collectors / sellers could chime in? First world problems, obviously, but your input would be greatly appreciated.

[Little Walter]

As a record convention frequenter and seller, I can tell you that you won't miss much just holding off until the doors open. Sellers are generally just setting up anyway during that time and probably aren't hoping to be bothered or are looking through other sellers' bins. If you had a specific rare record you were looking for and just needed, then maybe, but the best deals are never at the beginning; they're at the end, when dealers are looking at their stock and thinking, "I don't want to drag this shit back to the truck," and are hoping to get a last decent sale even if they have to knock down the price.

[texasvinyl]

I will say, for the Austin one get there and set up early. I did the highest gross on Friday, 2nd was Saturday. And Sunday was like "what the fuck just happened, where is everyone" even though I went half off on a bunch of stuff including new releases. Most of my early bird buyers were shop owners and other dealers cherry picking

[monsterworship]

I typically will pay up for this, its less crowded for browsing.
Don't expect any deals, just paying for room to breathe and early looks.

[thewaystation]

Thank you, all! The picture is still not quite clear on this one :) While everyone concurs that late is best for deals, the Austin experience suggests that selection will be much better in the early stages. This particular fair is in Stockholm, all I can say from my previous visits is that things indeed slow down enormously in the afternoon. There's one Japanese seller that packs up around noon, hours before the convention closes. Then again, Walter paints a very convincing, and slightly awkward, picture. Will probably give it a go anyway then, but not too early, for the experience (and to avoid the crowds).

Out of curiosity: Do you usually buy (or trade?) a lot when you're there as a seller?

[Little Walter]

I've yet to have a successful trade with another seller. Generally, I just make friends with those near me by talking up certain records of theirs I really like (or just want to have to sell), and then by the end they tend to offer them to me for half or less. Building stock is more important to me than circulation, but I'm running a business unlike others who are respectfully there for the love of it.

[Mateo Sanboval]

Li'l Walt is a cold blooded killer.

[thewaystation]

It's been ages since I asked about the floor right and I have been meaning to report for quite some time.

I did end up going early, after all. Officially doors would open at 10, I was there at around 8.30 - way later than I could have gone but I guess the timing was about right. Most sellers had set up their stalls already and indeed the place was full of people. At a cursory glance one might have thought it was already open to the public. I certainly didn't feel as if I was getting on anyone's nerves by going through the racks and crates too early. It's what many others did as well.

I did enjoy having more space and I ended up spending much more time at the fair than I had on all my previous visits, presumably because the whole experience was nicer. Will certainly go early again next time.

Pick-ups included ye olde Vangelis cheapo but also some early Amon Düül and Lee Hazelwood. It's amazing how one can spend hours going through records, from some serious sellers, and not even see a single Morricone lp - just using the Maestro as an obvious example. Could have picked up a couple of interesting originals (like Vampires of Dartmore, Assagai lp) but I'm still hesitant to pull the trigger on the more expensive stuff.

Anyway, thanks again for your stories and advice!