Guest Author - Yvonne Russell

You’re at the trade show as a buyer. You’ve done your trade show planning. Now it’s time to make it count. Go for Gold!

Trade Show Buyers Tips – Ready To Roll.
Use the exhibitor map. It is very easy to get disoriented at a large trade show. Getting lost can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you have limited time. Pace yourself and be realistic. Keep your plan and priorities in mind. Be prepared to be flexible.

Trade Show Buyers Tips – Stay Comfortable
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Take note. You’re on a marathon here. Wear the right shoes.

Wear a light backpack or shoulder bag. Keep your hands free for writing and browsing at the trade show.

Wear layers. If you don’t know the venue, you may get too cold or too hot. Five or six hours of walking around is a long time to feel “too” anything.

Trade Show Buyers Tips - Keep Your Energy Up
Bring some snacks and a small water bottle. You can usually refill the water bottle. Snacks give you an energy boost, and save you time lining up at the venue food outlets.

Avoid the Lunch Time Crowds. Try to steer clear of the peak lunch times at the restaurant. Queuing can often take a long time. There are less people at the exhibits during lunch periods. Venue meals can be very pricey, so decide if you want to carry your own around, or whether it’s easier to pay.

Trade Show Buyers Tips – Be Aware and Focused
Stay focused. If you’re at a gift fair to buy toys, don’t get too distracted by the homewares and the latest gourmet food items. That is easier said than done. So much to see – so little time!!

Be aware of your belongings. You can’t afford to be lax (unfortunately). This awareness gives new meaning to the term “Buyer Beware”.

Take a break. If you can’t think straight and you’re exhausted, you won’t make good buying decisions. Sit down at a table and rest your feet and your mind. Make some notes if you need to. Stop for lunch. Work out where you’re heading next. Be kind to yourself.

Trade Show Buyers Tips – Stick To the Game Plan
Take notes. Don’t assume that you’ll remember the descriptions, the people or even which companies displayed certain items. Take notes and highlight. If you have to report to someone else at home base, before ordering, this is even more important.

Don’t get caught up in the hype. What do you really need/want? Decide whether you want to order at the fair or when you get back. Don’t be pushed into trade fair specials deals, unless you’re sure. Remember that budget!

Stick to the budget. It’s very easy to overspend. Keep checking what you’ve spent so far. Cancelling orders when you get back doesn’t make for good relations with your suppliers.

The Trade Show mantra – Be realistic. Be prepared to be flexible. Be kind to yourself.
Go for it!