Our little town is putting together a trade show this weekend. All the booths are sold out, and they've had terrific response.
I've constructed a couple of peg board displays. I plan on displaying samples of handpainted signs, sandblasted, gemini letters, etc. I will also display logo's I've designed and samples of pinstriping packages.
I have business cards ready, work orders, and my portfolio. I plan on having a smaller table with a couple of chairs so I can sit down and discuss things with possible clients. If the weather cooperates, I may stripe a car at the show.
I had hoped to make some items to sell directly at the show to help cover the costs of the display. I didn't get time to make up some small antique signs (they have been a huge hit around here!) and I thought about cutting some vinyl "stickers" for vehicles.
Any advice for me? Anything I've forgotten?
Thanks,
Suelynn
-------------------- "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot
Suelynn Sedor Sedor Signs Carnduff, SK Canada Posts: 2863 | From: Carnduff, SK Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Yes, don't forget to wear your bikini. Nothing attracts attention like a car getting pinstriped by someone in a bikini. Ask Joey.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2689 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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I just finished a trade show "Spring fair". I got a great response from the Items I displayed. There was a lot if interest in the airbrushing. I didn't get any orders at the show however, people still want to get other bids. But I beleive the exposure was well worth the money. Good luck!
-------------------- Glen Lemmon Visucom Art & Signs Pocatello, ID visucom@hotmail.com www.visucomsigns.com Posts: 35 | From: Pocatello, ID | Registered: Mar 2002
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give yourself more time to pack the truck the night before then you think you will need. show up as early as you are allowed to, & get set up way early. have helpers (if not full time, at least popping in to give you bathroom breaks) If you make stickers for sale (I've done this at booths often) have a display of designs like a banner. Don't have the stacks of product sitting out. kids will think (or pretend to think) that they are free, like so much stuff is at some shows. Also you can easily get groups of kids looking at stickers contemplating at length the possibility of giving you $5 while big corporate accounts that would have loved to consult at the table are lost in the process, so the sticker banner could show all designs & your prices so you don't waste too much time repetitively doing that.
I know most of my comments are obvious (allow extra time, need breaks)but I figure no matter to what degree you have taken this into account already, I'm saying it again for emphasis. (I've often wished someone pushed me harder on those obvious considerations)
Oh yeah one more, (from experience)don't get so many brilliant last minute ideas that you stay up all night the night before.
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Hi Suelynn, you'll be doing great. The exposure will be well worth the expense. A lot of folks will ask questions about pricing. I have often considered making one of those three tier ( or four or five tier) price lists, one for every category of signage. It might help "sorting out" customers, before someone talks to you half an hour about a sign that's out of their budget anyway. Have fun!
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To add to what Doug said....Get there REALLY early...as early as they will allow you. The reason being that at least a few of the other exhibitors will have forgotten some kind of sign, or will think of a really great new idea for a sign while they are setting up. If you are there with cutter, coroplast and paintbrushes you can pick up some quick and easy money from them!
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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Hiya Suelynn, Hopefully I'm not too late, but, here's my suggestions. Get there early and be prepared - a lot of your perspective clients are already at the show too. They'll more than likely see your space while going to theirs. Once the show starts, you loose that audience. At the end of the show, everyone wants to get the heck outta there. Create a "sell sheet"- just a 1 page discription of the products & services you offer. Don't bother trying to sell anything at the show, it limits your exposure to your audience. Just get contact information and follow up after the show. If you have a helper, take a break during the show & see what others have to offer. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself. Put a bowl of candy or mints on your table Offer a raffle of some sort. Put your card into the fish bowl to enter for a chance at a free pair of magnetic signs, design consultation, etc. Interactive games are always a big hit but try to keep it simple. Drink lots of water and keep smiling After the show, make sure you follow up with the contacts that you made.
Havin' fun, Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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I could use your energy for my expo on May 3! Seriously though, your best interest is drawn from other exibitors. Don't under estimate the potential there.
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3503 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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I have had a booth at many an apartment association trade show. The first show we did, I thought we had barely sold enough to cover the booth cost. However, throughout the following year, we got calls from people who had been by our booth. It dawned on me the trade show booth is not about sales, it is about marketing--getting your name and workmanship known. Now, I consider any sales directly related to the show as gravy.
We have a drawing for a freebie, we have candy and I have a pile of cards and brochures. I also keep a small spiral notebook and a stapler to staple the card and some notes about people who come by our booth who seem particularly interested in what we have to offer. Comfortable shoes and a chair are a must. If the floor is concrete, carpeting is really nice as well.
Do not leave anything overnight at your booth that you really want to see again. Two years ago, our chairs wandered off from the convention center, headed for parts unknown. We checked every one else's booth the next morning. Our chairs were long gone, which made for a long day for us.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5107 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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You will almost never make money at a small town expo. Basically your job there is to shake hands, and kiss babies, pass out cards, pens, or candy, and get yourself noticed.
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3503 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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Just popped in this morning to say eveything is great so far. The booth is set up and already people where saying "I didn't know you could do that". Keep in mind, I live in a very small town, and many people just don't know what all I can do.
If anything, it should be great exposure. I'll post some pics and results when it is all over with.
A little sidenote: My hubby was helping me build the pegboard displays and commenting on my usual fussiness. At one point he said one of his common sayings..."You're not takin it to the exhibition"! Then he saw "that look"....yes, honey, this time I am
Thank again guys....I'm excited!
Suelynn
-------------------- "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot
Suelynn Sedor Sedor Signs Carnduff, SK Canada Posts: 2863 | From: Carnduff, SK Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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two words... Ferrero Rochet People are crazy about these chocolates. We just got back from the Architects of Alberta show at Banff. People are attracted to this stuff like crazy. Then just reel 'em in. Larry Whan from the Banff Sign Company had a booth there too. It was great to see him again and swap a few stories! The signage of Banff continues to reflect his skill and attention to detail and is a must see for any of you travelling out that way. Some people think the scenery is okay to Larry tells me that the Banff sign bylaw prohibits the use of plywood in any form including MDO...interesting concept. Hope you had as good a show as us Linnie.
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