10 Tips for Going to Your First Market
I recently had a Member ask this question in the Live Q&A. Since it’s such a popular question, I thought I’d share my tips here with you.
I’m Going to HighPoint Market for the first time. What rookie mistakes should I avoid? I have no idea what to expect, except to be totally overwhelmed!? What is the one thing you wished you knew before going to a market? Thanks!
Several times a year, there are interior design markets you can attend. Here are 7 reasons you should go to market and make it a regular part of your business plan.
Expand your product knowledge
Get a first look at new product launches
Find new lines and vendors to carry
Touch, feel, and experience products in real life (Get a better sense of scale, quality, and a closer look at all the details!)
Meet your reps
Meet other designers
Positions you as an expert to your existing and future clients!
It’s an incredibly educational and inspiring experience but also…can be totally overwhelming if you go in unprepared. Today, I’ll share a few tips to help you navigate the market like a pro.
There are two (2) major markets in the US. (There are others, but these are the biggies)
Highpoint Market in North Carolina - Every Spring (usually April) and Fall (October)
Vegas Market - Summer (July) and Winter (January)
Image - Thibaut Showroom via Highpoint Market Instagram
10 Tips for heading to your first (or any) market!
#1 APPLY FOR A TOUR
These are guided tours that often include lunch and drinks. Highpoint has the Insider's Tour and Hot Spot Tours. TIP! If you missed the deadline to apply this time, set a reminder on your calendar to apply in 6 months.
#2 MAKE A PLAN
Both Highpoint and Vegas Markets have Trip planning tools you can use to map out the showrooms you want to visit. Make a plan but hold it loosely. Allow yourself to explore and get lost in the experience.
Highpoint - My Market Planning Tool
Las Vegas - Market Planner
#3 DOWNLOAD THE APP
Get the most out of your Market experience when you download the app. You can find maps, floorplans, locate exhibitors, find events, and access shuttle info.
#4 EXPLORE THE WEBSITE
Markets know it’s a lot to take in so they have provided extremely valuable information on their websites from videos to checklists. After all, it's in their best interest you have a great experience. Take advantage of all the resources available to you.
Highpoint - Plan your Trip Page
Las Vegas - Market Pros
#5 CREATE YOUR BUSINESS ONE-SHEET
A one-sheet is a printable PDF you can give to reps you meet (Although some may prefer you email it). This includes the following: Your Logo, Company name, Address, Phone, Social media, website, EIN, Years in business, copy of your resale license. You can get a template here in the Trade Account Action Plan
#6 TAKE A PHOTO OF THE SHOWROOM SIGNAGE BEFORE YOU ENTER
This is a big one! You’re going to take 100’s if not 1000’s of photos. When you take a photo of the signage you will know where you were when you took the photo. This is the best way to make sense of them after the market. I still refer back to photos from years ago! Create an album so you can easily refer back to the market photos.
#7 BRING A BACKPACK - CROSSBODY BAGS WILL WREAK HAVOC ON YOUR SHOULDERS. A STYLISH BACKPACK CAN CARRY YOUR ESSENTIALS IN STYLE & COMFORT. I LOVE THIS BACKPACK (AFFILIATE) WITH A BUILT-IN USB CHARGING PORT.
#9 DRESS FOR COMFORT - YOU DON’T HAVE TO SACRIFICE STYLE FOR COMFORT. YOU WILL BE WALKING A LOT AND NOTHING WILL SLOW YOU DOWN FASTER THAN BAD SHOES. DRESS UP STYLISH SNEAKERS WITH A SKIRT (WITH POCKETS!) AND A CLASSIC OXFORD.
Image via Bows & Sequins
#10 SHUTTLE VS. UBER/LYFT WILL SAVE YOU $ - PRICES FOR LYFT & UBER FLUCTUATE BASED ON DEMAND AND DEMAND WILL BE VERY HIGH DURING THE MARKET. THERE ARE MANY SHUTTLE OPTIONS (START BY CHECKING WITH YOUR HOTEL) THAT WILL BE FREE OR LOW COST SAVING YOU $100’S IN TRAVEL EXPENSES IF YOU JUST DO A LITTLE PLANNING.
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