Whether you’re new to the retailing industry or a seasoned buyer, you will need to take care of some housekeeping items before you go to the show. Here are some tips to make your show an efficient and successful one:

1) One of the first and most important rules is to shop in comfort. Make it as easy as possible on yourself.

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Also, bring more than one pair of shoes. Even the most comfortable shoes become painful after 10 hours on your feet.

• Carry a LIGHT bag and leave anything unnecessary at home.

• Remember to take a break. A few minutes of food and rest can revitalize you in a hurry. Good decisions cannot be made when you are hungry or tired.

2) Be sure to register for the Show. Save time and money with advance registration.

3) Make the most of your show. Attend the seminars. Just like the New Buyer Orientation, they can be wonderful educational tools. Talk to other buyers and exchange ideas. Make a list of all the show activities, seminars, workshops, etc. that you wish to attend on a day by day basis (Form A).

4) Determine how long you can spend at the show and which vendors and/ or product categories you want to find. You should phone ahead and make appointments, if possible (Form A). Consider, if you have ordered before, who delivers on time and who is always back-ordered.

5) Make your travel plans well in advance. Hotels often book up months before for a large show. Make sure you call the travel agent for the Show you wish to attend to assist you with obtaining the best and lowest hotel rates and air fares.

1) Collect information on new products, trends and vendors you may want to visit once you’re at the show. The trade publications are an excellent resource for this type of information. Create information sheets or notecards on each vendor containing background information such as contact names, address, phone number, etc...(Form B) This will save you time at the show, as you will already have the basic information gathered.

2) Plan your future buying needs based on what you have sold in the past, together with some new products for the future. Your customers can be a great source for this information – ask them what they would like to see in your store? The basics should be ordered ahead of time.

3) Focus on the big picture when merchandising. What merchandise will look good with other types and what will you need to help carry-over merchandise sell better?

4) Decide what displays you will have in the coming year and plan what you will need to look for at the show to fulfill your ideas. Sketch these ideas.

1) Prepare your credit information. Establishing your credit with new vendors is an important step to broadening your purchasing base. You should have the following information at your disposal.

a) Credit Application Form (Form C): containing the following:

• Store name, address, zip
• Telephone and fax numbers - store, office, bookkeeper, buyer, etc.
• Authorized buyer’s name(s).
• Type of business - corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc
• Date business opened - list all branch offices/stores
• Bank name, address, phone, account number, contact person
• List at least three accounts you have dealt with for over 6 months who have extended net/30 terms

- Give your account number with these vendors if applicable

- Be sure to include addresses/phone numbers

- Verify ahead of time that they do give phone or written credit references

b) Bank Recommendation/References

2) Make a list of essentials (materials to bring to the show). You should bring all of the above and some other items such as:

• Plenty of business cards

These should have your store name, address, zip code, telephone and fax numbers, buyer’s name and store manager’s name on them. Vendors use business cards not only to make sure you are a valid buyer and to send you information, but also to give to their sales reps as a lead. If you do not want to be called on by a sales rep, indicate this on your business card.

• Copy of resale license
• Calculator
• Paper clips
• Stapler & staples
• Envelopes / Large and business size
• File folders
• Stamps
• Business checkbook and credit card
• Pens & pencils
• Hole punch
• Lodging Confirmations and Badge (if you pre-registered)
• Color swatches and target colors

Determine how much you may spend. You should calculate a total figure as well as determine how much of the budget should be allocated to each merchandise category.