"Should I save my money for Salute?" Topic

Greetings, all. I have wanted to go to Historicon and Salute forever, but have either not had the money or not had the vacation time; I'm in Southern California. This year, as it happens, I will be in the U.K. when Salute takes place. My wife said I should definitely go (she supports my hobby, but then I heard her singing something about "Oxford Street" and "purses"). Anyway, I've heard that many distributors and manufacturers have displays set up at Salute. Is this the case? Do they offer convention deals? Should I hold off buying anything until the show? Thoughts? Thanks for any tips.

There tend to be a lot of first time demonstration games and lots of participation games at Salute. Also, the vendors attending should be more than willing to do you a very good show deal if you spend a wedge with them. I attended for the first time last year and was amazed, bought loads on a very good deal and had a great time with my mate who was also a first timer. Well worth saving those cents for Salute in my humble opinion.

Pre-ordering also tends to encourage sellers to do you a deal at a show – that way they know they are taking stock that is going to sell !!!

Only issue you may have is that of VAT – a sale at a UK show may not be easily exempted. Best to check with the retailer beforehand.

Some traders do a pre-order discount. I guess you have looked the Salute 2017 site? That will show you all traders coming.

Since you'll be here in London I'd say definitely go – you'll kick yourself if you don't I expect. It's the best single show in the UK for shopping. Save your money for the day.

If you want anything from Eureka you need to order by 19th March.

As noted above if you definitely want to buy anything in particular order it prior to the show for collection. Not all vendors can bring all or masses of stock and things can and do sell out.

On the day wear the most comfortable pair of shoes or walking boots you have, the concrete floor is a killer.

Go to it. Yes, save your $$/££…..

If you are already here you should definitely go.

By all means pre-order stuff you know you want, but you will also see stuff that you probably didn't know existed and want as well! There is usually a fair amount of new releases for sale at Salute as well.

Participation games are not pre-booked, so wandering up to the table at the right time is called for! If this is your kind of thing though, remember the show is only on for a few hours!

And yes, wear comfortable footwear….

On the VAT, you'll have to pay it when you make the purchase but keep your receipts and keep the toys, as much as possible, in your carry on because you can claim back the VAT you have paid – some small traders may not be registered for VAT – as you leave the UK at the airport (at Terminal 5 you can do this after checking in but before going through security).

Ask for a VAT receipt/form and addition to your normal receipt from anyone you buy from as it saves on the form filling at the airport and makes showing the VAT paid easier. Large retailers, especially around London, will be familiar with this but some traders may not be.

This is true of anything on which VAT is payable including anything your wife may buy on Oxford Street but not books.

The VAT refund is subject to an admin charge but it is better than a poke in the eye with the proverbial burnt stick.

Just be aware that Salute is not like a US convention. There is no game registration, participation is mostly being at the table at the right time or asking earlier. As far as shopping is concerned it is the place to be. Not only do you get the major UK traders but others from around the world too – Eureka always take my money. If there are particular things you want pre order them, especially if the manufacturer is grovelling. With regard to claiming VAT back I suggest you check the HMRC website and look for information on the retail export scheme. That will explain exactly what you need to have to evidence any claim.

Thank you to all. It's exactly what I (not my wallet) wanted to hear.

I'll be at my first Salute as well Tacitus. Travelling from Australia. I'm buying a ton of stuff.

You could not be visiting at a better time, the pound dollar exchange rate is really good for America and cost of products not increased (yet).

So your dollars will go further than this time last year, around 20% further…

Myself and 2 friends are coming from America for our first Salute as well. Looking forward to it very much.

On the day wear the most comfortable pair of shoes or walking boots you have, the concrete floor is a killer.

This is a most important piece of advice – do not ignore it.

The floor of the venue is built to stand eighteen wheelers making direct deliveries, with a car park void underneath.

If you have never spent time in such an area you cannot comprehend how hard, hard is! ;o)

I second what Trajanus is saying about the footwear and the floor , also usually not so many breakout areas within the convention area to sit and take the weight off your feet.

We will be there doing a fun renaissance game" The Von Trinkenessen Chronicles – The great trayne robbery" more Da'Vinci's Demons than George Gush, your'll welcome to sit in for a bit if it takes you fancy.
See you there
Guy T

Also be prepared to be fleeced for food and drink. Bring your own if you are price and choice sensitive.

The lack of seat's usually means you sit on floor when taking a break for food.

Regarding the price of food and drink…it's an event venue and its London. Of course the prices are going to be ridiculous!

To get some lunch, you are best off going out into the main concourse (get the back of your hand stamped on pass out so you can get back in again!). There are loads of food concessions out there and loads of seats. If the seating areas seem full, there are little balcony things that are usually much emptier. I think a lot of people don't realise they exist!