[olug] "Millard" PC fair

[Timothy G. O'Brien]

[from OLUG digest, Vol 1 #81 - 12 msgs]
>--__--__--
>
>Message: 11
>Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 09:41:25 -0500
>From: "Craig Wolf" <CJWolf at mpsomaha.org>
>To: <olug at olug.org>
>Subject: Re: [olug] "Millard" PC fair
>Reply-To: olug at olug.org
>
>Nuts, I was looking forward to that but I leave town for Houston @ Noon.
> Next month Irirsh!  Keep us posted...
>
>Craig Wolf
>Linux Web Server Support
>Backup Supervisor
>Desktop/Network Specialist
>402-894-6283
>
<<snip>>
>
>Message: 12
>From: "Jacobs, Robert A." <RAJACOBS at northropgrumman.com>
>To: olug at olug.org
>Subject: RE: [olug] "Millard" PC fair
>Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 08:05:17 -0700
>Reply-To: olug at olug.org
>
>Recommendations on vendors to avoid? (along with reason/experience as to why
>we should avoid them?)
<<snip>>

A few of the vendors go to Junkway's warehouse up in Sioux City and purchase their excess/surplus/junk/broken/etc inventory and then resell the items. With my experience with Junkway equipment I would steer clear...

Reason/experience as to why to avoid some vendors: selling junk, crap that does not work, overpriced, there to make a quick buck, poor customer treatment, etc.

It is hard to identify the vendors to avoid, since a few of them are nameless. Sure, I can say to avoid the big fat guy that smells bad who has had tables since Radial Fair days – but there are only going to be a few individuals on the OLUG list who would know who I am talking about. Additionally, there are some vendors that show up every month, and others that show up sporadicly. It is sometimes hard to know who will show up each month. 

I would recommend the smaller vendors or individuals who have their own tables. Quick Nickel is a vendor up from KS that has treated me well. The hosts of the event (Computer Express) have been all right with my dealings with them, and allowed me to distro fliers for our install fests at their event. Friends of mine Dennis & Alan are normally there and are great to deal with. ComCor Enterprises has been great for me and where I work, getting different adapters and parts.

Some notes: 

- Some stuff is tested & “certified” to work, some is not, some says it is. Be sure before you purchase – and is there a return policy? Does the vendor show up every month? Do they have a local shop, or come through town on a regular basis?

- Most vendors are not *nux savvy. Asking them if the wireless PC card is Linux compatible will normally give you a blank stare... So you need to know what you are looking for, doing your shopping & price comparisons before you go.

- Since the other PC fair's demise, a few of the out of state vendors we used to have access to on a monthly basis we unfortunately no longer see. The number and quality of vendors at the fairs has been getting better as the vendors of the other fair find out about this one.

- In the spirit of open source: I used to have a table at both of these fairs at one time or another. Being a collector and computer hobbyist my apartment fills up quick with stuff & unfinished projects. It has been about eight months since I have done a fair, due to other obligations, eBay, and not having a suitable vehicle. With that being said I normally still go every month just to see if there is anything I “need.” Of course If & when I get a table again I would recommend myself as a good vendor... ;)

- Visit the web site for the $1.00 off coupon for the door charge. Save a buck!


I am planning on going to the fair on my way into work, wanting to get there about 10:30 to 11 am. If anyone is interested in joining me, I would be more than willing to help out fellow OLUGers regarding which vendors and such. Shoot me an email if you are interested or have any questions – I am more than willing to help out fellow OLUGers (and you folks from Lincoln & parts unknown as well :).

And what the hell is a Irirsh Craig???? You better be bringing me back something from Houston for that one! :p


-- 
Timothy "Irish" O'Brien


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