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We are now 6-months into 2021. Much of 2020 is put behind us. We have somewhat retrieved back to a routine. Some are still doing the same and many have opted to make some major changes in their lives.
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It’s evident by the conversations on social media, we are ready and very excited about the up-coming trade shows.
We are eager to see our fellow piers, learn new and exciting tips & tricks, meet new people and shop, shop, shop!
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I’m not bragging when I tell you I have some experience at trade shows. Since 1987 I have either been at a trade show for my Business and/or worked a trade show for a Mfg. and still working the trade shows for Centre For Beauty.
If you think they are all glam and glitz….well, think again.
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From a Vendor standpoint….they are grueling.
Don’t get me wrong. I love seeing my clients, meeting new people and seeing my friends across the board with various different Mfg’s. I love the excitement in the air, the teaching moments….I love it all. The set-up and tear-down, the preparation….not so much!
From an attendee standpoint, it can be quite overwhelming.
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I would like to offer my advice, share with you aspects from many different perspectives and help you realize, although trade shows may appear to be a social event….they are a lot of work, cost a lot of money and can be very stressful for many.
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- Give everyone a fair chance. Including yourself!
- I think the most respective thing I’ve learned over the years, is to visit every Vendor showcasing. Every booth has something of value to offer. Not just product, they have knowledge.
- Know what you are looking for!
- I know I am not the only one who has said this, know your prices….have your list. Of course, you have to account for the “wow”, gotta have THAT product. However, be aware not all show “deals” are actually show deals.
- Be prepared!
- Be prepared as to how you will get your products back home. Will you be driving? Will you be flying? As a Vendor of our trade shows, we really do prefer you take the products with you. This is what trade shows are for….cash & carry.
- An idea would be to ask a Vendor for a box or two large enough to fit what you want and ship your products back through the local shipping offices.
- Bring an extra suitcase. Sometimes it’s less expensive to pay for an extra suitcase than it is to have products shipped via post office or UPS.
- Be prepared as to how you will get your products back home. Will you be driving? Will you be flying? As a Vendor of our trade shows, we really do prefer you take the products with you. This is what trade shows are for….cash & carry.
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What about new products, or changing brands?
This is a very good question and can be quite confusing at times. My first answer on this question is “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”
If what you are using in your service provides you and your customers what you are looking for…..why stray? I would still visit competitive product booths and soak up as much knowledge as you can. Learning should always be your number 1 priority. Many vendors may consider this a waste of time. I look at it as an opportunity to pass forward what myself and my team know. I look at these opportunities as huge teaching moments.
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If you are looking to change brands…..#1 advice do your research, ask the right questions.
Speaking foot care alone, there are a lot more Vendors of foot care at our shows this year than ever before.
Some brands have been “re-invented”, some are your ole true and blue.
My suggestion for you is;
- Know your needs
- Know your client base
- Know where your pricing needs to be
- Does the brand offer education
- Will you have continued support
- Product availability
- What type of service will you be offering
- Do you want variety
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When I owned by Salon, there was only one reason I would change a brand
Lack of availability
In fact, when we were looking to add a service, or a new product line, my simple criteria was this:
- Available education – will my team be trained
- Product availability – easy ordering, in stock
- Pricing – I knew what my bottom line cost needed to be
- Technician support – if your Technicians aren’t happy with the brand-it’ll be a fight till the end.
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Centre For Beauty is off to Gatlinburg for the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies – July 11th.
It’s a 6 day journey for us as I’ve opted to bring our Contego Spa chair to perform demo’s. (we have to drive) We have two of our amazing educators flying in from Texas and Florida. We are offering a toenail restoration class on Saturday and a 1hr demo class on Sunday. Monday we turn around (early) and bring our team back to the airport and we will continue on for our 10 hour drive home.
I’m not bashful, please come by our booth. Ask questions, get a demo and meet our amazing team. We may or may not have what it is you are looking for. Yet, I guarantee you, we will have knowledge to share.
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It is absolutely a “Love/Hate relationship”. Only seeing it from the consumer end, it is nice to step back for a view from the other side. Thank you. For me, I have to take notes in everything, because of info overload. (Not as young, memory not as sharp). Then all these different things and products that seem like, you just have to have! You get home, and think “what was this for?” Then you have to try it out on friends and family, because your clients are paying NOT to be your test subject. Your family starts to catch on, “have you been to a nail show…? They can tell if you try to fib! You come down from the show “high”, and find out you are mostly just broke with a few precious nuggets, that you happened to take notes of. So, add to your Have a plan, and take notes!!! 😎
LOL…you are so funny yet spot on. And trust me….notes are my friends. Even with that, I misplace the notes so there ya have it. 🙂
I’m signed up for your toe nail restoration class, looking forward to it.
It was so nice to meet you. I hope the show was a good one for you and your travels back home were uneventful. Please be sure to reach out with any questions.