Do Stationery vendors typically exhibit or host at bridal shows?

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Permalink Reply by Emma Muir on December 3, 2009 at 1:12pm

Hi there. I regulary exhibit in UK show's and normally see the same faces of competitors at these shows... I don't know if it's the same there as it is here, but the profit margins of stationers don't tend to be as high as that of Photographers and Bridal gown suppliers etc... and therefore the cost to exhibit is simply too high for some stationery vendors.
I dare say that any show you choose to exhit at you will find they are able to accomodate you... but photographers, florists and cake makers (being the 3 highest exhibitors) find it a problem getting into a show they have not exhibited at before and often end up on a registration list.

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Permalink Reply by NeotericExpressions Invitations on December 3, 2009 at 2:52pm

Thanks for the insight into the UK market, I think it is safe to assume that we are experiencing that here too. I started looking into the pricing, and of course I have eyes of "grandeur" - I know I'm going to be rich! So I'm thinking I'm going to be one of those vendors too - but I was surprised at my research, showing more vendors out here than who presents at these shows.

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Permalink Reply by Emma Muir on December 3, 2009 at 4:34pm

I find that the shows are the best form of advertising though, advertising in a magazine here is roughlly the same price... I'm far more likely to win clients when they can physically see my work and I have the opportunity to form a relationship with them in person.
Good luck
x

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Permalink Reply by 3 Bees Paperie on December 6, 2009 at 2:33pm

Agreed with the above posters. Booths are often expensive (sometimes over $1000) and most likely you won't be making any sales at the event itself, just passing out business cards and displaying samples.

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Permalink Reply by NeotericExpressions Invitations on December 6, 2009 at 4:20pm

Thanks for the reply. That paints a nice picture of what the stationery vendors typical role is at a show.

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Permalink Reply by Fannie Street Stationery on January 10, 2010 at 11:12am

As a stationery vendor, I've done a couple of wedding shows. Typically you won't get sales at these shows - but will receive plenty of leads. You will need to weigh the cost of exhibiting vs. what your actual show goal is.

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Permalink Reply by Glen Shevlin on January 14, 2010 at 10:03am

Good Morning, we do several shows a year mainly Welcome Wagon sponsored shows. They are reasonably priced and they only allow 1 vendor from each catagory. The down side is they are typically smaller shows which gives you more time with each prospective customer, now that I think about it.

A promotion of some description ( we use a draw with a discount as the prize) is handy for weeding out the tire kickers and the ones that have already arranged their invitations.

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Permalink Reply by Taylor Made Invites on January 18, 2010 at 12:02pm

Check the bridal shows past - how many brides actually attended, what type of crowd? Those things will play a major part. I provide custom stationery and participate in local shows throughout the year. If the show has a lot of traffic, I usually secure at least 5 weddings which is worth my participation. Even brides that have already gotten their invitations contact me for other wedding stationery.
So, yes - I definitely think it is worthwhile, but choose wisely.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Matthews on January 23, 2010 at 1:24am

anyone still doing these, and how are the results these days? I am about to sign for one in February, i just hope I am not wasting my money. I always attend the shows, but not as a vendor. I go to network with photographers and venues, pay my $10 or $20 bucks to get in and set up some meetings to show my work. There are always planners/venues looking for new connections. Networking is by far the best way to get leads in this biz IMHO.


Techstore are specialists in a range of Wedding Stationery Services.

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Permalink Reply by Glen Shevlin on January 23, 2010 at 10:12am

we have reasonably good results at shows. The keys are

1) pick your show carefully make sure the show has brides who are looking for help with their wedding plans, some shows are entirly tire kickers .I don't know your local area but back check the show and check out how many vendors are repeats, if their are very few repeats it will probably mean that the show is marginal.

2) Set up some sort of attraction for your booth/area. We use a prize draw to separate the people who are looking for our products and services. It will also help separate you from the other vendors in your service area if their are any.

Hope this helps

Glen

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