In the world of stationery enthusiasts and pen lovers, there exists a realm that is both enchanting and exhilarating – the pen show. A place where ink flows freely, nibs dance across paper, and conversations weave tales of craftsmanship and creativity. As I ventured into my very first pen show, I embarked on a journey that would forever change the way I perceived pens, paper, and the vibrant community that brings them to life. Going to your first pen show is both really exciting and really terrifying. There are so many emotions to feel when you go to your first show. I wanted to make this post because there is a ton of content on what you can expect at your first show and how to navigate it but a lot of it is still missing some important aspects that I wish someone had covered before going. In this post, I aim to share with you the invaluable lessons I learned – the ones that could have saved me from a few novice missteps and amplified the joys of my inaugural pen show experience. From the art of budgeting wisely to the magic of forging connections, these insights are designed to provide you with a compass to navigate the exhilarating world of pen shows. So, join me on this voyage as we delve into the eight things I wish I had known before embarking on my first pen show adventure.
1. You WILL experience sensory Overload.
You are going to experience sensory overload, there’s nothing you can do about it. The amount of people, the amount of pens, the amount of the tables, the size of the space all become pretty overwhelming if you’re not used to being in an environment like this. It’s going to be a lot to take in. My advice to you is to go on a trader’s day if it something you can afford. It’s going to be a better and more intimate experience for you if it’s something you can do. On the trader days, there’s all the fun of the pens without all the pain of the crowds. The D.C show can get especially crowded (being the biggest fountain pen show in the world and stuff, you know the deal) and it’s not something everyone can handle. Youll be running into people constantly and rubbing shoulders just to fight for some space to see the pens at the table.
2. Do your research and make a plan.
I don’t think people stress this enough when talking about your pen show expectations. You don’t know what you DON’T know when you start collecting fountain pens. You don’t know which brands you like or what pens you think you will enjoy. You don’t know what type of writing experience you’re looking for and how it differs pen to pen. I get it. BUT you will have a significantly better experience if you make on a plan on what you want to see, what you want to do and who you want to talk to. This can be pretty difficult when you’re new to collecting fountain pens but do your research. Look up some youtube videos or blogs on some pens you think you might be interested in. Don’t be lazy and go there with the expectation that things will just work itself out and end up walking around aimlessly around the show. It’s going to be a rough time and was true for me when I went to my first pen show.
3. Don’t expect cheaper prices at pen shows.
This is not a flea market. Before going to my first show, I was under the assumption that the pen show would be a place where id be able to grab a few pens at incredible prices that I wouldn’t be able to find online. Why or how did I form that assumption? Im not sure but I had it. You will not find newer pens here at any type of discounted rates. A lot of the pen vendors here are ACTUAL brands and pen manufacturers.
The good thing about this though is that you wont be seeing an kind of pen show markup either. For the most part, you can expect to find most pens being sold at market price.
Now if you know ANYTHING about vintage pens, this might be a GREAT place to get a good deal on a pen. When I first started collecting and even now, I barely knew anything about vintage pens. I didn’t know what to look for in a vintage pen or how to tell if it was worth the money which meant I couldn’t enjoy a big portion of the show. This leads me to my next point.
4. There are going to be a ton of vintage pens.
A large portion of these pen shows are going to have pen sellers who aren’t affiliated with any brand or company. They’re people selling pens from their personal collection. If you’re not familiar with vintage pens at all, it could potentially be a really big portion of the show you could miss out on. If you’re able to familiarize yourself to any capacity with some vintage brands and pens, I’m sure you can find some beautiful pens at some incredible prices.
5. Think of a pen show as a mini museum.
You’re going to see thousands of pens at these shows. Thousands of high quality and expensive writing instruments that, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t have access to. Handle them and play with them as much as possible. This is your opportunity to try out all the pens you have saved on your Goulet Favorites list. Try them out and see if you like how they write. Learn how they post and how the cap comes off. Feel the weight of it in your hands and get an idea of the size. The best thing you could is make a list of pens you were thinking of buying and making it a point to handle them while at the show. Obviously, it’s not ACTUALLY a museum. These people are here to sell pens above all else but don’t be afraid to ask them to handle the pens. and PLEASE make sure to ask before you touch or grab anything. I usually make it a point to ask how the cap comes off so I don’t risk breaking anything.
6. You will become desensitized to pens.
It’s not a matter of “if” but “when”. You will become desensitized to pens. No matter what you do. Eventually, everything is going to become a blur. Pens will all begin to mesh together and eventually you’re just not going to care. You don’t need to absorb everything on your first way around. You need to take breaks as often as you can. I usually make three to four rounds per show making sure to take a break in between every round. Usually around the half way point of the show, ill make sure to take a longer break and go out to get something to eat and some fresh air. Take breaks.
7. Make a budget – Bring Cash
I know people talk about this often when talking about tips but I need to really make this a point. Make a realistic budget for yourself and take that money out in cash. Leave the cards at home or in your car. When you’re at the show, you will EASILY be able to convince yourself to spend more money than you have. Prices seem reasonable within the context of the show but outside, you’ll probably beat yourself up if you end up spending your gas money to get home. Bring it in cash so when the cash runs out, youre done. You reached youre limit and it’s time to call it a day. Everyone’s budget is different. For my first show, I ended up bringing about $300. That’s what I could afford at the time. There were pens there that were obviously outside of my budget but seeing it all in cash really helps you put things into perspective. Do I really want to spend ALL my budget money on a SINGLE pen or do I want to really stretch it out and buy one or two mid tier pens with some inks and notebooks thrown in there.
8. Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome is something people experience quite often in different hobbies and careers. It was something I felt a ton of when I went to my first show. Like I didn’t deserve to be there because I didn’t know as much about pens as the people who were there. It was intimidating. I didn’t know what to ask or what I was looking for. I didn’t know how to explain my likes and dislikes when buying a pen. I just didn’t know. A lot of the time I didn’t even ask questions because I didn’t want to seem like I didn’t know what I was doing. Like I didn’t belong. Don’t be like me. Ask your questions. We’re fortunate enough to be a part of an incredibly welcoming hobby and community. A lot of the veterans LOVE talking to people who are new to pen collecting. They’ll use any reason possible to talk about pens haha. People are helpful in this community though.
As you conclude your journey through the insights I wish I had possessed before embarking on my first pen show experience, it’s heartening to know that the world of stationery and penmanship holds its own universe of wonders. Through this exploration, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and camaraderie that define these events.
The lessons shared here are meant to illuminate your path, transforming your initial foray into a pen show into a well-guided journey of inspiration and discovery. Each pen show is a canvas of creativity, an arena of learning, and a symposium of shared passions. So, step forward with confidence, curiosity, and an eagerness to embrace the diverse world of pens and stationery. Let the lessons you’ve absorbed here serve as your companions, guiding you toward an unforgettable pen show experience that leaves you enriched, enlightened, and eager for more.
