The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Jerry is right, altogether I had 17 machines delivered to me at Union, some from him. In the months leading up to June, a lot of eBay sellers offer free delivery to Union. It's a great central hub for all.

Just be careful that the Donleys don't think you are dealing out of your vehicle in the parking lot! That happened to me once when all I was doing was delivering a pre-sold machine.

John is right about being careful in the parking lot. Union was so much fun on the Thursday before the Friday load in. The parking lot was just a big free for all phono sale. We'd probably still have it that way but there were more than a few sellers that would open up the backs of their vehicle and sell like mad all day Thursday and into Friday and then go home. The Donleys saw no income from those sellers. Phono people started showing up on Wednesday and I've been told even Tuesday. Imagine the terror caused by some bug eyed phono nerd as he approached a lady that opened her trunk of her car to get out her material for the local Wednesday Union Quilting Club meeting. You get the idea.
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Actually the Donleys have done a good job making the Thursday prior to the Friday early entry very nice. Starting about noon they have an open house for dealers and collectors. Very tasty finger foods and beverages are provided and the event lasts until 3 pm. Everyone has an opportunity to visit and collectors have an opportunity to buy their early badges. The cost is free to dealers and a very modest amount is charges to collectors. Dealers have a one hour opportunity to bring their items into their booths but set up is discouraged and selling is prohibited. For the most part those rules are respected.

Jerry Blais