Guest Author - Yvonne Russell

Another business trip. More business travel. Another trade show. As a buyer, are you ready? Whether you’ve traveled from across the country for your own business or your boss has sent you, the basic ground rules are the same. You’re on your way to a marathon!! These top tips for trade show buyers will give you a head start.

Trade Show Buyer Tip 1
Pre register.. This saves time at the trade show. Also, you will usually also be sent an exhibitor list or catalog. If you do decide to register as a buyer on the day, make sure you have all the necessary ID the organisers require. Don’t risk being refused entry to the trade show.

Trade Show Buyer Tip 2
Trade Show Seminars and workshops.. Book for seminars or workshops of interest. Will you still have time to do justice as a buyer, to what you need to see at the Trade Show?

Trade Show Buyer Tip 3
Do some research.. Study the catalog, to see which companies have the type of products you need. Talk to your regular suppliers beforehand. Mark the trade show exhibitors you’d particularly like to check out on the map.

Trade Show Buyer Tip 4
Appointments. Some companies will only see trade show buyers with a pre arranged appointment.

Trade Show Buyer Tip 5
Have a Plan.. Trade Shows can be huge, huge, huge. You are less likely to be overwhelmed, if you have a clear idea of what you want to get out of the Trade Show. What are your priorities?

Trade Show Buyer Tip 6
How much time do you have? Will you do a reconnaissance of the Trade Show on Day 1 and come back to order on Day 2, or will you order as you go? Be realistic and be prepared to be flexible.

Trade Show Buyer Tip 7
Are you going with someone else? Discuss how to get the most out of the Trade Show. Would you be better to split up, and then show each other the “must sees”? Would it be better to stick together?

Trade Show Buyer Tip 8
Bits and Pieces. Work out what you need to take. A notebook, pen, pencil, highlighter pen, business cards and post it notes (for catalogs) are a start. A mini stapler is invaluable. This saves trying to work out which business card goes with which catalog when you get back to home base.

Trade Show Buyer Tip 9
Have A Budget.. Allocate your budget, not only as a total but in specific departments. This is absolutely CRUCIAL. It is only too easy for trade show buyers to overspend.

Trade Show Buyer Tip 10
Heed the Trade Show mantra – Be realistic. Be prepared to be flexible. Be kind to yourself.