So... blade show

[Joseph Bandeko]

Did a QR years ago, in fact I did two, one for Instagram and other for my website, both were dismissed by most of the people, even after telling them to scan to have my contact data...

Pablo

That photo reminds me, should I bring a table cloth? Or is what they have going to be good?

 

[DanF]

PEU’s table looks good. clean, neat and professional looking.
I’ve seen some pretty slipshod tables, you don’t want that (first impressions and all). The skirt in the front give you a place to stack things out of view and looks better.
Clear containers with bunches of crap thrown in on top of a table does not look good.
Bob Loveless could get away with a bare topped table but how many Bob’s are there and why take the chance? Represent you as best you can. Good luck!

 

[PEU]

That photo reminds me, should I bring a table cloth? Or is what they have going to be good?

The show only provides you with 2 chairs and a bare table, bring everything else.
What works great for me is making a check list, and when I remember something to bring to the show, note it there. Then when you prepare everything you can check and not forget something crucial, yes, even the most basic stuff goes there: IE: wiping cloth, wd40, pen, paper, cards, passport, reservations, etc

Pablo

PEU’s table looks good. clean, neat and professional looking.
I’ve seen some pretty slipshod tables, you don’t want that (first impressions and all). The skirt in the front give you a place to stack things out of view and looks better.
Clear containers with bunches of crap thrown in on top of a table does not look good.
Bob Loveless could get away with a bare topped table but how many Bob’s are there and why take the chance? Represent you as best you can. Good luck!

Thanks!
The provided table has a skirt, but a proper table cloth is far nicer. All knives have a card with its details and price.

Pablo

 

[godogs57]

Speak to everyone who approaches your table…with a smile. Every Blade Show there are guys that just sit there, knives displayed, and they are doing nothing but surfing the internet on their phone and don’t even look up at you….

 

[Joseph Bandeko]

Every Blade Show there are guys that just sit there, knives displayed, and they are doing nothing but surfing the internet on their phone and don’t even look up at you….

There will be none of that. I’m there for the people and knives!

 

[12345678910]

“Who stand instead of sit” I take it you haven’t had a knee replacement yet. I bring my own folding chair with arm rests. Easier to get in and out of.

I'm sure I'll be in the knee replacement situation someday.

I use a stool, it's higher, it puts me in the eyeline of the customer while still being comfortable to me.

Eye contact, perceived respect.

I hate fake salesmanship tactics, but some are important.


Same as mentioned above, good to have helpers.
Leave the table to eat.

 

[12345678910]

Did a QR years ago, in fact I did two, one for Instagram and other for my website, both were dismissed by most of the people, even after telling them to scan to have my contact data...

Pablo

Some will, some won't, I like cards. Give them all the options.

 

[ISKski]

My advice would be try not to get overwhelmed - there are lots of people - more knife stuff one room than you've seen in your life - you will end up having to answer the same questions over and over //

there might also be moments where your table feels empty and you'll see other people with a mob of hungry fans..

I saw people trying to sell the same pieces at the show 4/5 years in a row, but they always had a smile on their face and were happy to chat - so don't get discouraged!!

*** FYI "the pit" is in the Waverly Renaissance hotel lobby/bar that is attached to the Cobb Galleria

go somewhere else for dinner (DM me for recs) get some fresh air and return to the pit around 9

talk to everybody - everyone is showing off the stuff they bought that day, you'll get to handle a lot of cool pieces and talk to some of the best in the business - its almost better than going down the aisles!

 

[J. Hoffman]

This is the actual checklist I use when going to any show. Some things are obvious, others are not. Some won't apply to you.
Check all your knives to make sure they are sharpened( it sucks having to go to the Burr King booth to borrow a grinder because you forget to sharpen one) A folding cart makes moving all your stuff easier. Any questions, please let me know. I'll be at table 2DD. Also, don't pack up until the show closes. I sold 3 knives in the last hour last year, and one of the customers has bought several since.
[ ] Change
[ ] Sharpen
[ ] Table cover
[ ] Chair
[ ] Knives
[ ] Card reader
[ ] Receipt book
[ ] Knife cards
[ ] Business cards
[ ] Soda
[ ] Snacks
[ ] Oils/towels/ETOH
[ ] Badge
[ ] Tool kit
[ ] Cash
[ ] Chargers
[ ] Cart

 

[tito]

Only thing I could add would be to not have so many knives on your table that they become a blur to those passing by. It can be hard to find the balance between too many and not enough showing on your table. There is plenty of room under those tables to store more knives.

I got this advice also, years ago at a USN show. An attendee advised me to just have a few out, and also that I should double or triple my prices lol. I could hardly bring myself to do either, but when I finally did price things more in line with comparable work I began selling more than I could realistically keep up with part time. FWIW.

 

[J. Hoffman]

I got this advice also, years ago at a USN show. An attendee advised me to just have a few out, and also that I should double or triple my prices lol. I could hardly bring myself to do either, but when I finally did price things more in line with comparable work I began selling more than I could realistically keep up with part time. FWIW.

I'm told I'm too cheap also. I can't bring myself to raise prices though.

 

[J. Hoffman]

“Who stand instead of sit” I take it you haven’t had a knee replacement yet. I bring my own folding chair with arm rests. Easier to get in and out of.

I purchased a folding barstool on the web. It keeps me at eye level with the customers, and keeps my bad back in check.

 

[tiguy7]

I purchased a folding barstool on the web. It keeps me at eye level with the customers, and keeps my bad back in check.

I neglected to mention, in addition to knee replacements, hip replacements and bad backs.