A thought

**chip anderson** · 07-03-2007, 11:43 AM

I was just going through the Hilco catalogue today to re-stock on various and sundry items. I found as always there were tools, gadgets, and stuff that I would like to have but couldn't quite convince myself that I could fit them in my budget. I'm sure we all do.
Many of us with our own stores have this problem, many of us that work for others find that the boss isn't willing to indulge our every whim in this direction. Why do I bring this up, you ask?
I have attended many state, local, U.S. etc, meetings where we had door prizes, raffels, etc. The coolers and chairs, T.V.'s and stuff are nice. But we are all in the optical business. We aren't all into the outdoors or golf.
These "prizes" are ususally sponsored by frame, lens, accessory, manufacturers and salespeople from the optical industry.
Why not have the door prizes be gift certifercates from Hilco, Western Optical and others? Then we could get that set of compression mount pliers or whatever we have always lusted after, we might even remember the sponsor who donated it when we use it.

Chip

**optical24/7** · 07-03-2007, 12:23 PM

I agree it would make more scenes to give out things related to our field, but the majority of attendees at these functions are employees, not owners. And most employees would rather get a TV than a new gee-wizz plyer.

On a side note, I have seen lens and frame makers give out their wares for prizes.

**gemstone** · 07-03-2007, 01:58 PM

Even as an owner, you'd rather win your golf shirt. It gets very tricky listing golf shirts as a business expense.

**For-Life** · 07-03-2007, 02:58 PM

It is a good idea. Only thing some business may think Hilco "cheaped out."

**mlm** · 07-03-2007, 10:07 PM

We recently had a silent auction to raise money for Third World Eye Care Society (attended primarily by the 3 Os). While many companies donated stuff like spa gift certificates, golf clubs or MP3 players, a couple of companies donated industry stuff (a corneal topographer, a $2000 gift certificate towards an exam instrument, 5 locking frame bars, Rodenstock frame with Rodenstock lenses). The first 3 didn't get as many bids because people weren't prepared to spend the $$$$ that evening. (Our clinic got the topographer for a steal!) I know this is a completely different situation than an industry meeting, but I think a lot of people don't think of practicality when they see "door prize" or "raffle prize".

**For-Life** · 07-04-2007, 07:57 AM

People also do not want to mix work and pleasure.

**orangezero** · 07-04-2007, 02:11 PM

I think this would be a great idea. Although, honestly I'd rather have a plasma TV than a set of pliers... :)

**Chris Ryser** · 07-04-2007, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by orangezero

I think this would be a great idea. Although, honestly I'd rather have a plasma TV than a set of pliers... :)

What a great idea........................one problem though.....................which supplier could afford such A GOODIE ?????????????

i could only think of Essiluxor :D

**chip anderson** · 07-04-2007, 04:49 PM

Suppliers can afford large color TV's we all have one anyway. The same money could be a gift certifercate (admittely these are usually for Best Buy and in $25-$50 amounts) but even small amounts could be applied to anything from a pair of pliers to an autorefractor.

Chip