I can't even imagine the incredible expense it would be for us to travel to Japan to try to find the right people to talk with. Some retailers come here ready to buy. If you've done your homework and have the right incentives and have the product ready, you'll get orders. I wouldn't sell any less if I didn't go to shows, but I wouldn't save that much money, either. I had a guy from Sears here this morning who spent 20 minutes with me.
Trade shows are a great equalizer for a small business.
Even a tiny home-based business can look as important and make as powerful impression as an enormous corporation. It's here that you make a statement of who your company is, and that you're able to show your commitment to the game. If someone's throwing a party, we've got to go. Exhibitors can ask retailers about planned products, pricing, promotions, and other matters of interest to them. While trade shows are closed to the public, they are usually open to the media, who are invited to tour the exhibits.and to attend multiple press conferences to hear about industry trends and new products.