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Trade Shows

by txphi592
10 replies
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I'm in the research phase of starting up an e-commerce site and I've read many times that the most effective way to find good US suppliers is to attend the B2B trade shows. I've never seen anyone explain where they find these trade shows and what type of trade shows, specifically, they attend.

Would anyone be so kind as to share their thoughts on this? A link to a real and relevant trade show would be helpful as well to show me what I'm looking for locally.

Thanks!
#shows #trade
  • Profile picture of the author kjamesnv
    Usually (but not always) trade shows are focused on a specific industry. For example there are trade shows for computers, fashion, sporting goods, electronics, adult products, furniture, car accessories and so on.

    If you google this you can find tons of shows. For electronics google CES and for car accessories google SEMA.
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  • Profile picture of the author Importexport
    Originally Posted by txphi592 View Post

    I'm in the research phase of starting up an e-commerce site and I've read many times that the most effective way to find good US suppliers is to attend the B2B trade shows. I've never seen anyone explain where they find these trade shows and what type of trade shows, specifically, they attend.
    Would anyone be so kind as to share their thoughts on this? A link to a real and relevant trade show would be helpful as well to show me what I'm looking for locally.
    Thanks!
    There are things you need to do before you go to a trade show, whether overseas or in the US. I will go into that detail later.

    First, if you want to find any trade show in the US or even overseas, here is the link you need: TSNN Trade Show News

    Once on the home page you have two options when searching for a show that might be of interest. You scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on either: Events A-Z or Trade Show Event. I would choose the latter because it lists product categories.

    I have no doubt that you will find shows that offer the type of product you want, but in some industries you will find yourself among the big boys who don't want to be bothered by small fry.

    In any case, preparation before you go is essential. Look up the list of exhibitors and research the ones that look suitable. Check out the exhibition floor plan so you know where to find them.

    When you get there, go first to your chosen exhibitors otherwise, if you just wander aimlessly, you could waste a lot of time. Have discussions with them but don't let them think you are a newbie or a single person operator if you can avoid it.

    After you have visited your first choice exhibitors you may have time to browse. Who knows what you might find.

    Don't rush into a decision.
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    Use emotions and perceptions to build a great brand. Ask me about my book LabelsThatExploit. For safe sourcing and easy importing from 41 countries globally, see https://provenglobalsourcing.com
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    • Profile picture of the author txphi592
      Originally Posted by Importexport View Post

      There are things you need to do before you go to a trade show, whether overseas or in the US. I will go into that detail later.

      First, if you want to find any trade show in the US or even overseas, here is the link you need: TSNN Trade Show News

      Once on the home page you have two options when searching for a show that might be of interest. You scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on either: Events A-Z or Trade Show Event. I would choose the latter because it lists product categories.

      I have no doubt that you will find shows that offer the type of product you want, but in some industries you will find yourself among the big boys who don't want to be bothered by small fry.

      In any case, preparation before you go is essential. Look up the list of exhibitors and research the ones that look suitable. Check out the exhibition floor plan so you know where to find them.

      When you get there, go first to your chosen exhibitors otherwise, if you just wander aimlessly, you could waste a lot of time. Have discussions with them but don't let them think you are a newbie or a single person operator if you can avoid it.

      After you have visited your first choice exhibitors you may have time to browse. Who knows what you might find.

      Don't rush into a decision.
      Import, thank you so much. Please check your PM
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  • Profile picture of the author wmrwl
    Trade shows are an EXCELLENT way of finding new suppliers. I would suggest checking your closest local exhibition center in your area to see if they have any upcoming events related to your industry.

    Otherwise there may be an annual trade show for a particular industry that requires you to travel. Going to trade shows are the easiest way to setup new accounts because you have automatic credibility. Make sure to bring business cards and get a bag to carry brochures and business cards that you will collect from each booth. You can then follow up with an email or phone call with the suppliers to let them know you met with them at the trade show and are interested in setting up an account with them.

    Even when I had over 300 suppliers, I still attended the trade shows looking for a "golden nugget" such as a new supplier who just entered the market.
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  • Profile picture of the author amcg
    Trade shows are still relevant for sure but equally, Google is probably your best friend today i.e search for companies and contact them.
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  • Profile picture of the author WilliamVillagran
    Yes trade shows are were you can make lots of business connections with wholesalers. My favorite one to go to is the ASD tradeshow in las vegas. You may want to check that one out. It happens 2 times a year in Las Vegas.
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    • Profile picture of the author Importexport
      Originally Posted by WilliamVillagran View Post

      Yes trade shows are were you can make lots of business connections with wholesalers. My favorite one to go to is the ASD tradeshow in las vegas. You may want to check that one out. It happens 2 times a year in Las Vegas.
      Try to make connections with manufacturers rather than wholesalers.

      Wholesalers buy from manufacturers and add their margin before selling to you, so the difference in profit margins can be astronomical.
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      Use emotions and perceptions to build a great brand. Ask me about my book LabelsThatExploit. For safe sourcing and easy importing from 41 countries globally, see https://provenglobalsourcing.com
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      • Profile picture of the author thriftgirl62
        Go directly to The Thomas Register aka The Big Green Books.
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        I retired in 2005 at 43 and now I give away websites like these for FREE [hosting excluded]

        When you make at least $100+ per month, we split the profit 80/20 and YOU get the 80% Until then, you keep 100% and I'll help you drive traffic, get backlinks and put the domain in your name too!
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  • Profile picture of the author loprox
    Trade shows general hundreds of leads in a small amount of time. Most of the work and the payoff occurs AFTER you attend the trade show.

    Be ready to have a sale process to make full use of all the opportunities you'll get at the trade shows you go to. I've seen people fail because they couldn't keep up with following up on 50 opportunities.

    LeadsCon, AdTech, those are pretty good shows I've been to. Even if you don't exhibit, there's tremendous value to be had in going to one.
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