big baby shows etc at NEC, Harrogate etc

[helen.broadhead]

am wondering if these are worth doing for rewardboards with regards to wholesale selling etc?
Are they really expensive to do? and also can you share stalls to make it cheaper?

I really think this is the forward to market the site but Im worrid about it as
1- ive never done one and never even visited one (Ive been to the autumn and spring fair at NEC and found those stalls to be extremely professional looking which looked very expenaive and I dont think I could achieve this)
2- The cost of both the stall and 'doing the stall up'
3- just because Im nervous and very scred of it!

Anyone any advice? Does anyone on here do them reglarly and have any advice what maybe suitable for me?

Thanks in advance

Helen x

[Tanya]

when is it Helen, I'm doing one next weekend at Northampton and I can tell you a bit about it, but I didn't set it up so have no idea how much and never been before so don't know what to expect. I'm nervous too

HTH

[Chell]

The one Tanya mentioned has a website, I have a feeling the fees were on it. There was quite a few different types of stalls ranging from very basic to super dooper ones.

[willowcat]

I've done some before and they do work out very expensive.It's very hit & miss and depends on how much it's been promoted ,the weather etc;

I've gone to some where it's been great but also done some where it's been soul destroying !

Sharon x

[Chell]

sorry to pinch your thread Helen, Tanya is there an entry fee for visitors at Northampton? It doesn't say on the site.

[trogette]

I'm doing Little Ones Fair at Haydock Park in a few weeks and it's cheaper there for a 4 sq metre stand than for 1 square metre at the NEC or the London baby show. The show that was earlier in the year in Harrogate was comparable to LOF iirc but I don't know if they're running another.

It is going to cost me a lot, for the stand, transport, possibly accommodation, (no idea where I'm keeping the stock!) insurance, buying more stock in, a banner and a display thingy, leaflets, order forms, sorting out a credit card machine... Just hope I sell enough to justify it!!

[Tanya]

sorry to pinch your thread Helen, Tanya is there an entry fee for visitors at Northampton? It doesn't say on the site.

I don't know what the fees are, the company I work for set it all up I just have to turn up on the day

[Chell]

Tanya, if its free then I might come over for a nosey. Thats if I can persuade my Mum to tag along. I wouldn't come with DD/DS on my own.

[Tanya]

Ill have to find out and let you know about any entry fees, do you live close to me then I can't remember

[Chell]

No, other end of the county, in Corby.

[patriciauk]

The Baby Show at the NEC is v. expensive, and if you don't have a fancy stand you can get a bit lost among the very professional ones that you might find there. You're also in danger of being sidelined to an area of the show that's not very prominent.

I'm also doing the Little Ones Fair in October and will report back.

[feistygal]

If you're talking about doing trade shows - Harrogate and the Baby and Child fair at the NEC next month are the biggest two for this area.

I would say that it would be a good idea to try the Harrogate trade show first as it seems really friendly. The Baby and Child one is much more corporate.

I've been to Harrogate as a buyer and will be going to Baby and Child as well and intend to do both each year along with the Toy Fair. It's the best way to source new product lines and I prefer seeing the products before placing an order.

Reward charts are still popular with parents because of the likes of Super Nanny and similar programes so it makes sense to capitalise on that by supplying wholesale/trade.

[Tanya]

am wondering if these are worth doing for rewardboards with regards to wholesale selling etc?
Are they really expensive to do? and also can you share stalls to make it cheaper?

I really think this is the forward to market the site but Im worrid about it as
1- ive never done one and never even visited one (Ive been to the autumn and spring fair at NEC and found those stalls to be extremely professional looking which looked very expenaive and I dont think I could achieve this)
2- The cost of both the stall and 'doing the stall up'
3- just because Im nervous and very scred of it!

Anyone any advice? Does anyone on here do them reglarly and have any advice what maybe suitable for me?

Thanks in advance

Helen x

the standard basic stall at the baby show in Northampton is 4 square metres and it is £200 + VAT. I went over tonight to set up and it's not a very big show and everyone has a basic stand, there are no fancy professional ones there so that's good.

Entry for visitors is £3.50 for adults and children between 0-16 yrs old are FREE

[judithbl]

I've never done a show - I wonder if it might be a good idea?
x