First visit to orchid show - what to expect?

[Dimples]

Hi all,
The San Diego County Orchid Society spring show is next month, and I plan to go. Partly to learn more about orchids, see plants in person, and also to buy a few things if the opportunity arises.

I've never been to a show before and wanted to know what suggestions more experienced members have on topics like:

Multi-day shows - what day is "best" to go and why?
I can imagine the days have different vibes. Maybe all of the super-serious collectors go on the first day to score the pick of the litter plants, middle days are general audiences, and bargain hunters show up on the last day? What have you noticed?

Show etiquette - anything newbies need to know aside from the obvious of look with your eyes (unless you plan to buy something), you break it, you buy it, and the like?
Will vendors be upset if you carefully pop a plant out of the pot to check the roots? Should you ask them to do it for you? What about haggling/price negotiating? Is it an accepted practice, or is it frowned upon? Anything specific to orchid shows that would be helpful for new people to know in advance?

Logistical tactics - what's your method for visiting a show?
Do you scope out all the vendors/displays first before buying anything, or are you a buy it when you see it type of shopper? How do you carry/transport purchases while still at the show (is there a lounge/waiting area for all of the SOs that get dragged along to babysit the plant purchases while we run back in for more? haha)? Bags? Trays? Do you run each purchase out to the climate-controlled cooler you have waiting in your car?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, even if it's as simple as "go when it's convenient and enjoy yourself," but any insights would be very appreciated.

Thanks!

[fishmom]

OOOh, you're going to have fun! Most shows have an orchid 'Hotel" so that for a small donation, you can park your purchased orchids there and pick up at the end of the show. This allows you to shop unencumbered.

I like to have a few potential purchases in mind, and if I see something I like particularly well, I buy it right away so that it isn't gone when I come back later. Yes, you get a better selection early in the show, but there may be bargains in the later hours as vendors try to clear out their stock. Have fun trying to decide what to buy!

[estación seca]

This is from years of being an alpha plant hunter and spotter.

First, set a firm budget, both in dollar terms and number of plants. It's OK to tell yourself you can go hog wild if that's really the case, but remember others in your household may have other opinions. At most orchid shows you can get a lot of nice plants for not much money, and you can get just a few plants for a staggering amount of money.

Bring cash! Many, especially international, vendors will greatly prefer this. Some vendors may not be able to take credit card or other electronic payments.

Be polite. Don't push and don't fight. Don't interrupt other people's questions and answers unless you want a point clarified on the very plant they're discussing. The vendors do want to and will answer all your questions. But don't monopolize their time for a $3 plant.

The first day is usually a maelstrom. I wouldn't go the first day unless I were desperate for something I knew would be there and I thought it would sell out, or there were a particular talk I wanted to see.

Bargaining is always fine but prices may not come down until the last day. If you do want to bargain, go in the last few hours of the show.

I would always ask permission before unpotting a plant. It's OK to pick them up unless you look like you can't afford that one.

Bring your own boxes if they let you. The vendors are unlikely to have many or any. Plastic or fabric shopping bags are great for carrying bare-root plants sold with moss and some plastic wrap around their roots, like the international vendors often sell. Bring boxes of a size you can lift when full of plants, and sturdy shopping bags. Boxes around 6"-8" deep are better than deep ones, but not shallower, unless you're only buying very small pots. Bring more boxes than you think you will need.

Most shows have a plant holding area. Take advantage of it. There may be a loading zone near the holding area; if not, consider bringing a small wheeled luggage rack or wagon with you for later.

The judged show isn't going anywhere, so I look at that last. I walk fast through the entire sales area making mental notes of what interests me. I don't stop anywhere on the first lap unless I see only one or a few of something I really want.

Then I return to the things I really want. After that I browse everything slowly.

Always get a business card or contact information from the vendors, if it's not on their plant tags. They are usually happy to answer questions via E-mail. They want your plants to grow and they want you coming back. It's fine to take a card even if you don't buy anything.

Afterward reward lavishly the non-orchid people who tagged along and put up with you.

[Roberta]

ES has summed it up well. A few differences in my experience... a lot of vendors don't want to bargain, and resent it if you do, It may work better with some of the international vendors, in other parts of the world it's expected. I know some of the local, established vendors hate it when people try... if you get a cold shoulder when you suggest a lower price, back off. (I know one who raises the price in response to each "lower" offer.)The end of the last day there may be bargains, but things will also be pretty picked over. The best compromise between good selection and avoiding the inevitable zoo at opening time, is the afternoon of the first day (a few hours after opening) My experience with shows (having run them for about 25 years) is that the first few hours of opening day are insane, then it mellows out. Saturday morning is also insane, afternoon mellower.
Cash is always welcome - it also doesn't have fees that the vendor has to pay. But some who resisted plastic for years now accept it. So it is even easier to blow your budget. I totally agree, do your shopping first. Park your purchases at the plant hotel, then visit the display area. (You'll have to.. purchased plants can't be brought into the display area, but that's fine, you don't want to be carrying extra stuff anyway) Photos in the display area are fine. (For personal use only) Given that Friday is a short time (opening at 3) if I were going Friday I'd get there around 5. Or Saturday around 11 AM-noon or a bit later. There's a discount coupon on the website.

Specific to the San Diego show, pay particular attention to the member sales table and also the Conservation Committee that has a separate sales area. You can find some real treasures, often for excellent prices, that people have donated. The San Diego membership includes some outstanding growers who donate their extra divisions and surplus plants. The earlier you can get to these the better, lots of one-of-a-kind plants.

Have fun!

[Optimist]

Expect to want to buy it all! Don't do it!

[Dimples]

THANK YOU!! Your tips and experiences are invaluable!

I was planning on going Saturday, no earlier than noon-ish. I live at the north end of SD county and DO NOT want to deal with traffic down to the show on Friday afternoon.

Budget - good point about the total number of plants!!
Cash - check.
Boxes - check.
Be polite and courteous - check.
Don't dress like a ragamuffin - check. LOL
Lavish praise for my SO - double check!

I'm going to try and stay relaxed this time. I can join the plant hunters next time!

I'll be on the lookout for a few plant genera: phals, a miltoniopsis, an oncidium, or two. I'm primarily looking for things that will do well in 65-85F with 1,000-4,000 footcandles of light, good air movement, 40-60%RH, and that I like the look of the foliage.

Again, thank you all!!

[Roberta]

Personally, I have never had a need to bring boxes... vendors typically have plastic bags for most plants, may come up with boxes for the larger ones. (The less you have to carry coming in, the better) I have found it handy to have a few in the car, so that things can be kept upright better on the way home.

[Dimples]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I have found it handy to have a few in the car

That was my plan. I think my cap on the total number of plants is going to be somewhere around five. A nice manageable number that still elicits the kid in a candy store feeling. I have an order in with Hausermann's that's been on hold until their weather allows for shipping, so I have to plan for those plants too.

Thanks for the tips about the SD "special collection" sections. I always enjoy seeing what other locals are growing and picking up a treasure is especially fun.

[Roberta]

Just in case you have not completely blown your budget at the show, Andy's Orchids is also having an Open House the same weekend. But that's another adventure entirely.

[estación seca]

I live at the north end of SD county and DO NOT want to deal with traffic down to the show on Friday afternoon.

You could always drive down extra early Friday morning and visit Balboa Park. There is a big lathhouse with orchids adjacent to the lotus pond. I bet it looks good now. The museum on the right as you face the lathhouse contains some stunning paintings.