My Pre-BreyerFest Post!

I got tons of questions regarding BreyerFest, so here are my answers!

SPECIAL RUNS:

-What do you do when you’re called up for your special run?

You can only go through the line when your time is called. The time is located right on your ticket. Go 10-15 minutes BEFORE that time. A Breyer rep. will call a random number, this is the starting number. Say the number was 250. The person with the number 250 on their ticket is first in line, followed by 251, then 252, and so on. Number 249 is absolute last in line. There will be people holding signs throughout the line to make finding your place easier. You can always ask people around you what their number is to get a better idea of where to go. Then, you wait in line  until you are allowed to enter the store. That's it! It's pretty easy and everyone is willing to help if you get lost.

-How long do the Special Run lines take?

That depends on where you are in line. If you are first, maybe 15 minutes. If you are last, the entire hour. I usually spend about 40 minutes in line.

-Do you have to pay for special runs separately or does the ticket mean you’ve already paid?

YES! Buying a three-day ticket and receiving a SR ticket does not mean you can just get 'em and go. You DO have to pay for the special run(s) you want. The prices are posted on the program, located on the Breyer site.

CLARION:

-What is the Clarion like?

The Clarion, to me, is the best part of the entire event. There is ALWAYS something going on whether it be room sales, the Artisan's Gallery, Swap Meet, or people just milling about. It can, and does, get a bit hectic Friday and Saturday night between 6 and 10. If you are staying at the Clarion and want to go out to dinner, have fun. You will NOT get a parking space (most likely) if you return during these times and the Clarion folks don't give a damn, even if you are staying there. Been there, done that. They really outta start giving out parking passes so those staying can actually park...if you're not staying there and want to shop, hitch a ride with friends or walk from the neighboring hotels. You really do make life harder by bringing a car - and you don't usually make friends.

-Which hotel is best?

The Clarion is by far the most active, and the only hotel I've stayed at. 

-When do you book to get the hotel?

You will not get a room at the Clarion without making a reservation, usually a  year or more in advance. Those who stay there have the option to re-book the same room for next year, meaning most of the rooms are already taken before BF is even over. There is a rather long wait list that you can be put on to be notified of an open room. Last I heard, my friend couldn't get a room for 6 YEARS. You need to be proactive about it and call frequently and early on the reservation day set-up by the Clarion.

-Is parking always crowded, at the park and hotel?

Yep. Especially Friday and Saturday night. Traffic too. BE AWARE: There is ALWAYS traffic getting in and out of the park during popular times (8-10AM and 4-6PM I find).

MONEY:

-How do you balance out your money?

I don't really "balance" my money. I have a mental list of items I want, and then I just save up for them. I spend most of it early, usually Wednesday and Thursday.

-What is to be expected, price wise?

I occasionally find great deals, but nothing super spectacular. The prices are usually market-value. Look up the models on eBay and MH$P throughout the year to see what they are going for and expect to pay around that amount. If it's a popular model, add a bit. Everyone wants more money to spend, including those selling from rooms.

-How should you spend your money through the 3 days?

I spend it early to find good deals and get the items I am looking for. I hardly ever spend money on Sunday. I spend the majority Thursday and Friday.

-How much money should be brought?

It depends on what you want. Make a list of the models you will be looking to buy and find how much they are going for. Add up your list, add a bit of "cushioning" and that's a good goal.

-Are the prices better at BF than other events?

Not really. There are a few great deals to be found, but they go fast. I've found they are average market-value. 

-How to talk a seller into a lower price?

Don't be rude. Seriously. Don't low-ball them, they will take you for a kid and decide not to sell to you. Do your research and know how much the model is worth/currently going for. Offer that amount - if there is damage, rubs, scratches, etc. point it out nicely and adjust your offer accordingly. If they decline, you can always ask what the lowest amount they'd take is. If their lowest is still unfair or too high, decline and buy from someone else who actually wants to make a sale. My view: it's better to sell for a bit lower than expected than not make a sale at all. If the seller is EVER rude or condescending, just walk away. I look young, event though I am a legal adult and have had sellers treat me as if I know nothing. Walk away, do not buy ANYTHING from them. No need to support the rotten apples.

MODELS:

-Are Breyer’s cheaper at BreyerFest than in shop?

It really depends on what you are looking for. Regular runs are about the same as market value, which is what most shops sell, so no they are not particularly cheaper.

-What is sold at BF, are there retired Breyers?

There is EVERYTHING! Regular runs, special runs, vintage models, OOAK Breyers, Breyer animals, resins, artist resins, chinas, Stones, and many other brands.

NPOD:

-Have I ever been to the NPOD?

No.

-Would I recommend going to the NPOD?

Not really. There are usually only a handful of "good" models that you won't find elsewhere for the original price. And, you never know what will be there for certain. 

-What is it like?

Hectic I hear, dramatic, kinda silly. 

-What can you find in the NPOD?

Old BreyerFest SRs, artist proofs of regular runs (nothing really collectible or special about them), and maybe an event model or two. Nothing exceptionally rare usually.

OTHER:

-Where is the Breyer Store?

It is located on the map. It is in the covered arena. Ask anyone and they can point you to it.

-How early should I get there?

If you have the first SR time, probably about 8AM. If you don't need to be there any particular time, 10AM.

-What models would I recommend?

Whatever you like. There are literally thousands of models to pick from.

***What are some recommendations for newbies?

It's honestly not as big of a deal as people say. It's not super crazy or super dramatic unless you've never left your home. Then it might be a bit active. Otherwise, you'll be fine. Wear comfortable shoes, eat breakfast at the hotel, bring water or drinks as they always run out. Snacks are a good idea. TALK TO PEOPLE! Make friends! One of the things I wish I'd done my first year. Makes the entire trip more fun.

***What is something I wish I’d done differently?

I wish I had talked to more people in line and done more workshops.

***What was my first BreyerFest like?

It was fun but quite. Being shy at BF will almost ensure you won't get the full experience.

***Personal experience buying at BreyerFest/Clarion.

Simple. Cash mostly, a few take cards via Square or similar devices but very few.

***Am I going this year?

Yep!

-Where do I pick up my celebration model?

After entering, go to the big ramp and there is a window on the right. There are almost always orange cones off to that side to separate the line from those going into the arena.

-Best way to go to BF?

Drive! Better adventure and it allows you more freedom.

-Is tack sold at BreyerFest? Home made, bought, etc?

Everything is sold at BF. Models, tack, props, real horse stuff, jewelry, leather wares, pottery, you name it.

******What are the must sees/dos at BF?

The Clarion for sure. It's always nice to see some of the real horses too. Walk around, have a fun time!