Did you know that Nina Designs sells jewelry supplies at almost 20 tradeshows a year? About five of these tradeshows are retail and open to the public, and the rest are wholesale, requiring a resale license to attend. We are often asked, “Why shop at a tradeshow when I can order from your website?”
Our reply is that nothing beats seeing our items in person! Artists are sensory – we like to see and touch our materials. To be able to pick up our mermaid pendant, to feel its heft and admire the intricate details on both the front and back; to unhook the safety catch on a box clasp, open and close it and hear the satisfying “click” when it snaps securely shut; to try on a stack of bangle bracelets and decide that four is the perfect number for a fulfilling cluster; to admire the intricate lines and painterly details in the gold batik pendants; these are just a few of the reasons to visit our tradeshow booth.
Additionally, the variety of different styles and items visible on our table often sparks new ideas and fresh combinations for your jewelry creations. This type of inspiration from juxtaposition is a unique aspect of the tradeshow layout.
Pricing and discounts at tradeshows are the same as on our website. However, at tradeshows, we have no order minimum, so it’s a good way to sample just three or four things for your next collection.
If that’s not enough, come to our shows to talk with our helpful and knowledgeable staff! Our tradeshow manager, Clara, is happy to make suggestions and brainstorm solutions to your design challenges (when she’s not too busy invoicing orders, of course). Come to our next tradeshow and introduce yourself – we love meeting our customers in person!
Juanita brainstorming at our Tucson show.
These fabulous earrings are an example of inspiration by juxtaposition. Yolanda made them during a slow tradeshow moment.
I have been to more than a hundred beadshows as the tradeshow manager at Nina Designs and I have collected amazing jewelry findings and beads in my travels. The ladies in the office always ask me where and how I find my goodies, so I have decided to share some tips to finding unexpected delights.
- Scan every booth as you walk up and down the aisles. There are hundreds of new products at every show, so give each booth a good look before passing it by. Ask the vendors about new products or which products have been popular. Nina Designs isn’t the only company that realizes having new designs is important to customers who want to stay on top of the trends.
- Ask vendors for their recommendations. If you like their product, it probably means you trust their taste. I am always happy to recommend my favorite vendors.
- As you scan the booths, also pay attention to your experiences with the vendors. I prefer to develop relationships with vendors who are friendly and knowledgeable about their products. Having a relationship with your vendors can be really beneficial. Not only will they be helpful and courteous, but they will listen to your suggestions, bring special products just for you, and possibly even give you better discounts – this is especially true if you are buying stones.
An Awesome Street Vendor in Tucson
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Shopping for silver beads and gemstones in Tucson is an experience like no other and it helps to be prepared. This will be my 7th trip to Tucson and after years of learning the hard way, I have compiled some tips to make your trip more productive and fun.
- I highly recommend you check out my earlier blog post titled Bead Show Survival Guide. Make sure you pay special attention to tips # 1, 3, and 5. Having your documents in order, your feet cozy and your energy levels stable will definitely make your shopping days more pleasant.
- Plan for all kinds of weather in Tucson. It is usually chilly, but there often are days with full sun and days that are blustery and rainy. Pack an umbrella, a waterproof tote, and a raincoat.
- You will need good shoes. I cannot emphasize this enough. I have ruined at least 3 pairs over the years walking through muddy gravel to get from the parking lots to the main entrance of the shows. If your weatherproof shoes aren’t very comfy, bring an extra pair to change into once you get inside.
We Love Dansko Shoes
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It is time to get ready for the busy fall and holiday seasons by stocking up on jewelry supplies at your local bead show. Since I spend about a third of my year at bead shows I thought I would put together a survival guide to help you navigate your way through those long hard shopping days.
1. Wear comfy shoes – the floors are usually cement and being on your feet all day is hard. I like to have a second pair with me to change into half way through the day, or for your ride home. You would be surprised at how much this helps.
2. Layer your clothes. It can start out chilly in the morning, but by the time the afternoon rolls around and the lights have been on all day, most busy shoppers are breaking a sweat.
3. Food and water – Show food is terrible. Sure a hot dog will seem like a good idea when you have been shopping for 5 hours, but if you just plan ahead and bring a sandwich, some nuts and dried fruit, and a bottle of water, you will be much happier. I always go to the grocery store in the morning to stock up on pre-made sandwiches and snacks and plenty of water.
Nina Designs in Tucson 2008
To read the rest of our handy bead shopping tips, click below.
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