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Going to Market Trade Shows to find Wholesale Partners?
 

Well, Have any of you ever been to local trade/market shows who offer wholesale partners?

Do any of you have any reviews of these types of shows?

Thanks

I generally don't, but many people have found good wholesale suppliers doing that.

There are 1000s of trade shows all over the US from permanent to temporary shows.

I owned my own manufacturing business for many years and had sales reps sell my products at most of the larger trade shows.

So yes, you can find more products then you can ever imagine by attending one.

The job is sorting out the good from the bad, the flooded market from the non flooded and that one or two items that comes out new and you are selling before everyone else jumps on the band wagon.

I went to a recent trade show in Montreal after being invited by a consultation client. As Sandy stated, there is a LOT of crap and non-viable business/products to sort through....havent to avoid buying into the hype. Research is key

Provided you do in-depth research you could have a lot of luck by attending these shows.

Always operate on the premise of buyer beware.

Avoid being pressured into anything as well. Don't let the hype distract you.

Good Luck.
:ranger:

Another trade show coming up in one of the States in July...might go depends on if my invitation gets paid for...always a fun time even though lot of the items are hit-and-miss.

hmm trade shows are good to give you an idea of whats new on the market, but id much prefer to then that product and then find a cheaper chinese/far-eastern supplier for it

Have to make sure it isnt just knock-offs and f*kes you are buying into

I agree with Sandy D. The ones I have been to there are lots of vendors. I was lucky if 3-5% of the vendors had something worth my time.

If you are selling on solely on the internet it is harder to move lots of the generic items and lesser known branded items.

You can definitely find some good contacts. I personally have never hit a home run at one of these things but I have got some contacts that I buy from to add inventory and I make a small profit on.

Really have to go to a few yourself and then you can decide what is best for you. We all sell different items, have expertise in different areas. What I see as junk at these shows somebody else might be able to sell all day.

Might as well check out dollar shops too and compare/contrast