I joined the Missouri Mountain Men Trappers Association this spring as a Life Member. I will be attending my first convention this fall in Macon.

I have a list of supplies I am going to purchase this fall getting ready for this season. Is sales tax charged if purchased at the convention? Are prices basically the same as what you see online? I have already lined up a couple of bulk purchases that I will be meeting folks. Just curious to what I should expect and how much money to bring.

I do alotta purchases at the conventions. Cash and some really good deals to be had. But the only ones I’ve been to are Minnesotas and the last 2 NTA nationals, both are pretty big.

I think the vendors at conventions factor in sales tax on the price of their products. 

We are going to the Missouri convention in Macon too. The MTA is a great association and puts on a top-notch convention.

For the most part, sales tax is charged by any vendor with a tax number. To make things easier, vendors may roll the tax into a rounded off price to make handling money easier.

Private sales between individuals are typically tax free.

As for prices, vendors don't often change their prices from their catalog/website. That said, many vendors do offer special convention sale pricing on given items. In general, purchasing supplies at a convention saves the cost of shipping, which gets to be expensive from what I've seen.

You might contact a couple of major vendors that will be at that convention and maybe work out a pre order package deal. That way you know they will have the items you need. It isn’t possible for vendors to bring their entire store and this way you won’t be disappointed.

Write down the prices you’d pay from a few retailers and keep it on a list. I have to factor in the exchange rate, but for me the US conventions are unbeatable. No shippings a big saver too, especially heavy or big items.

Thanks everyone. Missouri doesn’t charge sales tax on internet orders if the company doesn’t reside in Missouri. I have an order of about $1500. If I use FnT, they charge sales tax (not sure why) but PCS doesn’t. Both have flat rate shipping so I don’t want to get to the convention and have to pay sales tax if I can avoid it.

I want to support the vendors that show, but pay enough tax that if I can avoid I want to.

When I get to go to a convention, I try to by at least 1 thing from each vendor. Even if it's just a bottle of lure, it helps them defrey the costs of being there. Maybe they will keep coming back.

There was over 70 at Sioux Falls. Not sure about Missouri, but Minnesotas is probably not far off from that number.
And if you see something you want, buy it. Don’t wait until the last day, it might be sold or the vender moved on. Happened twice to me…lol.

Crappie, Minnesota Trapline will be the largest vendor there, but they can’t bring everything. Place a preorder with them beforehand.
Don’t forget the tailgaters. Lots of money can be saved dealing with them if they have what you’re looking for.

Send Wheelers a PM before hand and he can bring anything MTP has in Catalog.

I would bring about 2-3k over what you plan to spend. Many times you will see something that you know the value of and it is an excellent deal. If it were me - I would wait until after the convention before placing an order. Missouri usually has at least 5-6 bigger dealers show up and almost always have everything you need.
I am sure Clay will be there with a milk crate or 2 or 300 of traps.....personally I focus on the tailgaters and then if they dont have what I need - I utilize dealers. Many times tailgaters will show up with something not on your list that you decide you need that moment - hence why its good to have a load of spare change.

Crappie killer do you have a list of vendors and the convention dates ?

This is all I have.



Wheelers is already bringing me a couple gallon of Hiawatha Valley bait.

I’m looking forward to meeting Clay