The Wholesale Forums

[James2011]

Hey,

I would like to hear from anyone who has been to a trade show. I have a few questions, and would appreciate any advice.

How did you find the expirience?
Can you recommend any trade shows to attend?
Where can i book a place for a trade show?
Do i need to have a business to attend a Trade Show?

I am interested in selling electrical/electronic goods, or accessories maybe for iPods, PSP, mobile phones. {Basically anything that would make a profit however large/small on ebay}

I would appreciate any advice you can give.

[Pete]

How did you find the expirience?

Better than a flat tire, not as good as a week in Bermuda. See below.

Can you recommend any trade shows to attend?

For your interests, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas - and it's a business expense!

Where can i book a place for a trade show?

As a buyer or as a seller?

Do i need to have a business to attend a Trade Show?

Most do require a business license and/or tax account, as well as some additional proof you are really in business, like checks with the business name, letterhear or business cards, etc.

I attended one trade show in Las Vegas and thought I had reservations at the Tropicana. When my wife and I arrived around midnight, we were told we did not have reservations and since they had a large prize fight that night, there were no rooms. But they did give me the phone number for the MGM Grand, accross the street.

So, since we had let the taxi go, we ended up pulling our luggage across the street to the MGM. When I called they said they would hold a double for me, but when I got therre 10 minutes later the lady at the desk was downfallen. They had no doulbes, BUT if it was all right with me they would give me a sute at the doubles price.

I held out my right arm and told her to twist it, that would be the only way I would allow them to upgrade me in that manner. So, we got a small suite for $ 85 a night. But wait, it doesn't end there.

About 4 AM I got up to pee and there was a couple of inches of water in the bathroom. And there was water coming through the seam of the ceiling, right down the center of the bed, between my wife and I. I called the desk and they sent up a crew. Seems like someone fell asleep in the Jacuzzi in the room above. They said it happened all the time, that sometime people drowned.

So, they said they would move us to another suite. Except, they didn't have one. Then they said they'd move us to the Jungle Room. What a place. Top floor. 7 phones, a full kitchen, with a table that seats 6 or 8. 4 TV's, plus one in the bathroom that shows porn all day across from the 6 person Jacuzzi. Gold fixtures, robes, slippers, totally POSH.

Price on the door card said $ 1600 a day. We were there 4 days at $ 85 a day.

So, that was a good experience. The trade show wasn't much, but the accomodations were great.

[canada]

List of UK trade shows at http://www.exhibitions.co.uk

Scott

[greedyboy]

The main electronics fair is held in Hong Kong twice yearly. The next one is in October, which I shall be attending again. If anyone else is attending send me a PM.

[anotheruser]

Thanks, greedyboy. I'll see how it's going by spring '08 or, at worst, October '08.

Are there any electronics goods trade shows in the UK worth going to for new traders?

I've been to loads in the past, both as visitor and exhibitor, but none in electronics. To answer at least a couple of your questions, James2011, your feet will ache at the end of each day. Not nearly as much as the feet of the stallholders, but they'll still ache. There's one heck of a lot to see. If you do it wrong, your arms will stretch 'til your knuckles graze the floor. Every first-timer picks up all the brochures and souvenirs - there are always tons of freebies like pens, mugs, all sorts - on the way round instead of listing or noting the things they really want then going round and picking them up in the last hour.

Whether it's worthwhile depends upon how well you do your research to ensure the stuff you want to see will be there. If you live far away, the outing is a nice compensation anyway.

For booking, almost every exhibition in every industry has a dedicated web site. You can almost certainly book online. At the same time, make sure you book - and get confirmed - your accommodation and, if possible so far in advance, travel.

<edit>Thanks, Anthony. I'd intended to come back in and take that bit out but it slipped my mind 'til now.</edit>

[anotheruser]

Oh, and thanks for raising the topic, James2011. I'm really looking forward to see what others think and what they've experienced.

[greedyboy]

Well to be honest and in my experience, a trade show is one big p*ss up with your suppliers. Most of the business/contacts established is done in the evening while you are out and about with suppliers and their clients.

[redsky]

Originally Posted by greedyboy

Well to be honest and in my experience, a trade show is one big p*ss up with your suppliers. Most of the business/contacts established is done in the evening while you are out and about with suppliers and their clients.

China/Hong kong they certainly do like to entertain you ! If you are in the uk and Just starting up james2011 i would recomend the kenfair exhibitions.Asia expo is usually the start of febuary at earls court london.You can register online and well worth the trip with suppliers from mainly china and other asian countries.

[BillyA]

I love trade shows for one reason. You can instantly build a relationship with a potential supplier, see the some of the merchandise, find most if not all of the companies that sell what you are looking for, and size up what kind of company you'll be dealing with.

Okay, four reasons.

Its an invaluable experience.

[darkzx]

Hi, i would also like to participate in tradeshows. However, i do not own a business of any sort can i still attend any? If so,
Does any one know any trade shows in london for clothing/electronics/ipods/consoles etc?