| Well, it's that time of year again, the wholesale jewelry | | | | buyers' guide and visit the websites of suppliers you |
| and gift shows for 2009 are underway! Is it just me or | | | | are interested in. You can find out about their products |
| did 2008 go by exceptionally fast? It seems as though | | | | and services, minimum orders, shipping costs, etc. |
| we just started preparing for the new season and | | | | without walking that extra mile to see their booth. |
| now it's here. Our wholesale show preparations are | | | | 6. Make a list of questions for suppliers. During the |
| finished, new handmade earrings and bracelets are | | | | hustle and bustle of shows important questions |
| ready to go! | | | | sometimes get overlooked. |
| For Buyers the preparations are just beginning. Here | | | | 7. Take advantage of "Show Specials". Many suppliers |
| are some tips for getting the most out of your buying | | | | will offer free shipping or free point of purchase |
| season: | | | | displays. Displays, especially for handmade jewelry, will |
| 1. Review your sales records for last year. This will | | | | greatly increase your sales. Most of our customers |
| give you a good idea of what sells and what hasn't | | | | who have taken advantage of our jewelry display |
| sold well in your area. Sometimes this review will | | | | packages have seen significant increases in sales of |
| surprise you. | | | | our handcrafted jewelry, some 200-300% increases. |
| 2. Eliminate slow sellers, discount them and sell through | | | | 8. Make sure to offer your customers a variety of |
| remaining stock to make room for new products. | | | | unique gift ideas. Focus on your best selling price |
| 3. Go through the buyers guides for the wholesale | | | | points, but also offer some high-end as well as |
| jewelry and gift shows that you will be attending. Mark | | | | low-end alternatives. |
| your suppliers booths on the show map to ensure you | | | | 9. Keep in mind your customers! If you are a local |
| place your orders with your existing suppliers. Some | | | | retailer you will want to freshen up your existing lines |
| shows have expanded recently, the CGTA show in | | | | for your existing customer base. If you are in a resort |
| Toronto for example, alot of your suppliers have | | | | or tourist centre you can stick will proven sellers as |
| moved into larger booths because of the expansion of | | | | your customers are always changing. |
| the Toronto Congress Centre, make sure you know | | | | 10. Wear comfortable shoes! |
| where they are so you don't miss out on seeing their | | | | Making the right preparations will ensure your buying |
| new products for 2009. | | | | success. Research is key, these days everyone is |
| 4. Make a budget and stick to it! Make allowances for | | | | online and trying to provide you all the information you |
| new products from existing suppliers and well as new | | | | need to make the correct buying decisions for your |
| suppliers' minimum order requirements. Leave yourself | | | | stores. We hope these tips will help you with your |
| room for some last minute additions. | | | | Wholesale Jewelry and Gift Show preparations. |
| 5. Research new products online. Go through the | | | | |