[ Eric Stelter wrote in 130201 MMDigest:

> Does anyone have experience renting band organs or calliopes
> for special events or occasions?  How do you get started?

I've been trying to make a "business" out of band organ rental for
two years now.  I've had it out at numerous events free of charge,
mostly for fun but also for advertising it for rental.  It has been
viewed by tens of thousands of people at this point along with a small
framed sign on the trailer advertising that it is available for rent.
It's been in two major parades and on the bottom of a banner that goes
on each side of my truck it mentions that it is "available for hire,
all occasions", with a phone number.

I have also put up a web page here: www.wurlitzerbandorgan.com
According to my Go-Daddy server account it has had a few thousand hits
but I haven't had a single inquiry.  There is also a QR code on the
trailer to take you to the web page when scanned with a smart phone.
I have given out hundreds of bi-fold brochures, business cards, and
personally greeted people who have asked "is it available for rent",
but then no follow-up.

In spite of my extensive efforts, so far it has not been working.
I'm not sure what else can be done at this point but I'm open to
suggestions.  I know the rental prices listed on my web page are very
reasonable, in fact maybe even a little low.  I was hoping from the
beginning that I would be able to get at least a dozen or so paying
gigs each year to help with expenses.  I even had a fantasy that it
would evolve into a major source of income.

Part of the problem may be the economy -- people just don't have
a lot of disposable income right now.  Most of it, however, is probably
just a sign of the times.  Given the electronic media alternatives and
radical changes in musical tastes, the appeal just doesn't seem to be
there.  If someone knows the secret I would be very interested in
hearing about it.

Rob Goodale
Las Vegas, Nevada