Build your business with a trade fair stand….

During August and September I had the chance to take a stand at two exhibitions; The Black Hair and Beauty Fair in Birmingham and the Wedding Exhibition at the Brentwood Centre in Essex.  On both occasions I was approached and ask if I would like to take part, although if you know an expo is taking place you can approach the organizers.  I agreed to both but had no idea what to expect.  I imagined they would be like the nail and beauty shows we go to, companies selling their products, doing demo’s etc.  You pay for your stand and do your stuff, whatever you like, use the space to sell your self and get your name known.

Both shows were very different and you have to cater for your audience.  The hair and beauty show catered for a young crowd looking to buy. We stocked nail jewellery and basic nail art equipment and it flew out the door.  From the moment the show opened I did nails and airbrushing constantly while Mark (my other half) used his gift of the gab and sold products and advised on nail art.   It was two full days of bedlem.  We came home totally exhausted and voiceless!

The wedding show was an entirely different experience.  While the hair and beauty show was dedicated to just that, the wedding show catered for everything, flowers, cars, dresses etc.   This time we focused mainly on natural nails and sold products to care and enhance naturals.  Visitors were mainly there to collect information to take home until nearer the time.   We did a few nail demos to show the quality of the nail extensions for those thinking about having nails.   We also sold products like rhinestones and jewellery for the brides who wanted to do their own nail art.  For this show I had help from Laura Whiley, another Creative master technician, it was vital we knew exactly what we were talking about when explaining how the bride can have beautiful, natural looking nails from extensions.

Whether you are looking to expand your clientele or are aiming to become known taking a stand at an exhibition is well worth it.  Visitors to the show will become aware of who and where you are but there are also a lot of industry bodies out there seeing who’s who, looking around and definitely taking notes.  After the beauty show I received calls from model agencies enquiring about services for their models. 

Also, take into account your money situation.  Are you looking to make money on the day or are you prepared to wait to make back your money? Think who your visitors will be, are they looking to spend money on the day, in which case you’ll more than likely make your money back instantly or are they looking to buy in the future, as with wedding expo’s, in this case your money may be tied up for a number of months until the bookings come in.  If you have money to spare this will be ideal.  If you are worried about buying stock you wouldn’t normally buy approach you nail suppliers, most of them will consider sale or return orders on a one off basis.  You will need to make your case, tell them what you are doing and how you will be promoting their product line. J

 

Melle