Yay! You’re headed to market. Are you excited? Or maybe your anxious? Its normal to feel both and I think its good thing! Because when your excited and aware, you make good choices, and excitement is contagious so your customers will buy into it! 😜
What is market? Well a lot of us buyers use the word market or trade show, but it’s where we go to do the buying for our boutiques. We see samples and network with brands and reps to prepare for the upcoming season. Its a lot of fun and A LOT of work. I know some ladies that follow me have never been to market so I filmed a vlog all about WWD Magic and I’m going to list some of my tips below!
Tips! Okay I’m not a professional, but I have leaned a few things on my recent trips and i’ll share them all here. Im not one of those girls at market wearing red bottoms and Gucci, I rock sneakers. Im there for work, and comfort helps me get work done!
#1 Comfy shoes. I generally will pack sneakers (black because it looks more chic and matches everything) and go for some type of athleisure outfit. Cute leggings a comfy graphic tee and sneakers. I always pack a pair if flip flops or sandals in my backpack. I do this so I can swap my shoes mid day if my feet get tired. It tricks your brain and keeps you going.
#2 Water. Seriously idk if its the travel or the stress but make sure you’re drinking water. When we go to Vegas, I swear I am in a constant state of THIRSTY. A lot of vendors will give you drinks and water while you browse their collections. I 100% suggest taking them because who the hell wants to pay $5 on bottles water at a kiosk…take advantage of the free mimosas too!
#3 Business Cards. Okay this should be obvious, but make sure you have enough. You’re going to need them when you place orders but also, a lot of vendors and brands will want your cards to follow up with you. Even if you don’t place an order with them, it’s nice to make that connection.
#4 Seminars. Speaking of making connections, I recommend looking at the market’s website and seeing if there are any networking events or seminars you can attended. WWD Magic has a TON of little events that go on all day, everyday. Take the time out of your day to recharge and visit some of these. Sometimes after a long day in the LVCC everything starts to look the same. This is a sign you need a break!
#5 Food. Maybe this isn’t a tip but if you’re anxious like me, I suggest eating a hearty breakfast before going into the convention center. These days are LONG and sometimes there are a lot of cocktails 🙈 but starting your day with fuel in your tank is important! Even if you’re anxious, just get something in your stomach. If you’re taking a bag, I suggest a few power bars or little snacks. Sometimes you don’t get time for lunch and you don’t wanna have a migraine at 2pm and have to leave early. You spent a lot of money and time to get to market, be smart!
#6 External Charger. Alright this is important, between snapping pics and updating your customers on your trip, you’re gonna need to charge your phone! You can sit and charge, take a second to gather your thought BUT this can slow you down. I have an external charger I got from Amazon for $10. It’ll fully charge my phone 3 times before it dies, so its perfect. Toss this in your backpack in the AM and head out the door.
#7 Legal Papers. Okay, if you cannot tell, I am anxious and a paranoid 24/7. I personally have never had an issue at market, but I always travel with extra copies of my sales tax certificate and my IRS EIN. I do this just incase there is an issue at check in, I can use this to validate my business.
#8 Swag. A lot of vendors are generous and they give out all sorts of free swag. Koozies, bags, water bottles, fanny packs, t shirts and more. This seems really great but remember, you’re there for 3 days so all of that “free swag” adds up and you have to tote it home at the end of the day. I only take bags that I REALLY like, so many 1-2 a day. I also suggest you limit the line sheets and cards you take. When I first started going to market, I would pick up every card out there. Guess what? When I returned home, they went in a box and I never looked at them again. If its not “on brand” for your store, don’t take it!
#9 Backpacks. You’re gonna see a lot of girls with their huge Louis bags running around, not me. I love my Louis but I’m not carrying that heavy tote on my shoulder all day. I take a cute backpack form TJ Maxx and I’m on the go all day. It fits my invoices and all of those free waters 😜
Are you excited now? I am so hype for this. If your run into me, say hi! Lets network and mingle
💕Collette
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