Jonny started this topic @ 09:16 on 25/01/2005
We have our first big trade show coming up in a couple of weeks.
It's a surf/skate/snow industry show - we have a small stand and we're hoping to sell surf accessories and skateboard decks to the visiting shop owners and buyers.
We have a slatboard wall arranged along with all the hooks to display our surf accessories, we have a table and chairs. I've alsoe got our trade prices printed out on double sided A4 and a load of new biz cards on the way.
What else do I need to think about?
What's the best way to take orders? Should I take a laptop? Or just a plain and simple duplicate order taking pad?
How do you hold people to their orders too?
Any tips from more experienced exhibitors would be great!
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RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Jonny | 25/01/2005 10:57 AM
yeah - that's the one.
have you been to it before?
Jonny
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RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Mungo | 25/01/2005 11:08 AM
Yeah, i went last September and the the year before. I wasn't an exhibitor, just went along as a shop owner, to check out what new stuff is available.
I will be going along to the one in a couple of weeks, so will make sure i find your stand. What stand number are you?
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Sandskater">href="http://www.sandskater.co.uk">Sandskater - UK Skimboarding Specialists - 0845 203 SKIM
RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Jonny | 25/01/2005 11:29 AM
Excellent!
We're stand P1 - right next to the door as you come in.
We're a pretty small stand though so you may miss us ha ha!
how is the show - is it any good? Looks pretty good on their website and all their blurb.
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RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Mungo | 25/01/2005 11:45 AM
Yeah its a good show and has always been busy. Everything related to the surf industry is there, surf jewellry, kite surfing, body boards, sun cream, skateboards and even point of sale systems for shops, everthing seems to be covered. Speaking to a couple of my suppliers, they have done some good business from the Surf Expo's.
Its the first time it has been in February, so it will be interesting to see how busy it is compared to September.
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Sandskater">href="http://www.sandskater.co.uk">Sandskater - UK Skimboarding Specialists - 0845 203 SKIM
RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Mattley23 | 25/01/2005 11:54 AM
Hi Jonny,
Sorry havent got any duirect advice about exhibitions as we are show virgins too but just wanted to say good luck wit it all, hope it goes well for you.
Matt
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Matt Giles
Shropshire Garage Conversions
UK DIY Forum
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'Garage conversion specialists'
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RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Jonny | 25/01/2005 11:58 AM
cheers matt - much appreciated!
I'll have to give you the low-down when we get back!
Could be your sort of thing for the next one??
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RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Clementine | 25/01/2005 01:20 PM
OK a few pointers for you:
1) Think of how many business cards you might need - AND THEN DOUBLE IT
2) Wear comfy shoes. Those are long days manning a stand
3) Make sure you have plenty of water and refreshments. you will be (should be) talking all day so water is a great refresher
4) Take orders on a pre-designed order pad. You won't have time to input orders on the laptop without losing potential customers
There's a few for you.
Clem.
RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Jonny | 25/01/2005 01:24 PM
That's super-cool!
Thanks Clem!!
Really appreciate it!
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RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
James Smith | 25/01/2005 03:31 PM
Other tips if there is a lot of joe public around:
Get some nice postcards printed up with product on the front and your details on the back. These make great fliers and won’t get dropped on the floor like paper a5 fliers will. And as above get loads of them these will go fast.
If you are allowed, get a pal (or two) to come with you who can talk a little about the products and at least say "the other guy is the boss" if you are talking to someone else. That way you reduce the chance of missing 'the big client'. It also helps as you can then take a break and eat something/pee rather than stand talking for 8 hours on the trot.
And dont forget to SMILE , and say "hi" to everyone who walks past if its a bit quiet.
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James Smith
Chartered Accountant
www.jamesesmith.co.uk
01235 536 773
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Your indispensable guide to Small Business Bookkeeping, Self-Assessment & VAT
RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Jonny | 25/01/2005 04:00 PM
great stuff - I love the "the other guy's the boss" tactic!!!
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RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Mattley23 | 27/01/2005 09:00 PM
Yeah ghive us the lowdown Jonny that would be good. We're looking to do our first shows early next year so would be cool to get some first hand advice.
Good luck mate.
Matt
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Matt Giles
Shropshire Garage Conversions
UK DIY Forum
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'Garage conversion specialists'
W: UK DIY Forum
Home Improvement & DIY Forum
RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Sherry | 27/01/2005 09:44 PM
Jonny on a different note. Who made your banner i like it. it looks cool
RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Jonny | 28/01/2005 08:01 AM
Thanks Sherry! - (which banner?)
The one on our site?
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RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Sherry | 28/01/2005 04:26 PM
The one you use here on the forum. i need to have mine done and i do like your
RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Jonny | 28/01/2005 04:31 PM
do you have a logo already Sherry?
ping it over to me and I'll play around with it for you.
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RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
KayZee | 28/01/2005 07:16 PM
Hi
I have clocked few hours in number of trade shows with my employers. Among the few things I learned in the process, most important item is planning your follow-ups.
- Create some sort of way to record your visitors. Not just collecting visiting cards make sure you add a note to that so you know who that is. One trick I can suggest is use a note book. When you get a good potential customer, Staple his card to the note book and put down the notes in the note book.
- Make sure you arrange some sort of future contacts with potential customers, For example schedule the next phone call or meeting when ever possible. (And write it down in the note book). Or tell them that you will give them a call within next 2 weeks.
- Screen the customers. Make sure you don’t enter the details of each and every visitor to your notebook. Serious Customers Only
- Go around the show and talk to people in other stands (especially with products that compliment yours) tell them what you have on your stand, if possible drop a broacher or two. They will send some good quality traffic towards your stand.
The Final and the Golden Rule is...
FOLLOW-UP, FOLLOW-UP and FOLLOW-UP
Hope this would give you some food for thoughts
Cheers
K.C
RE: RE: Our first trade show - any tips??
Jonny | 29/01/2005 11:20 AM
That's quality advice.
Thanks KC!
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