6 Important Things to Know Before Attending Market
Jan 24, 2021
Discover 6 things that will make your product sourcing trip to Market more productive and less overwhelming.
As a subscription box owner, one of your most important tasks is making sure you have products for your boxes each month. And not just any products. High-quality products your subscribers will love. Products that reflect your brand and provide the experience your subscribers deserve.
One of the best places to source products, gather inspiration, and make valuable connections is at Market. Markets are scheduled events that happen across the country where hundreds or thousands of vendors come to connect with buyers. You can walk through all their booths, see their products in person, meet with vendors, and place orders.
You read that right – I said hundreds or even thousands of vendors. Whether it’s your first time going to Market or you’ve been in the past, it can be overwhelming and even intimidating.
That’s why I put together some tips and strategies to help you navigate Market and get the most out of your time there without overwhelm.
1. Pre-Register for Markets You Plan to Attend
Pre-register for any Market you would like to attend. Even if you’re not sure you can go. Simply go to the website for the specific Market you’re interested in and register there.
Pre-registering means easy access to credentials when you go. You’ll be able to print out electronic badges if needed and you’ll get updated Market information – super important!
2. Take a Rolling Bag to Market
Yes, there will be tons of bags given out at Market. But, a rolling bag will save your shoulders and your back!
Trust me on this one.
You’ll want to pick up catalogs and booklets from your favorite vendors to look through later. Those catalogs and booklets get HEAVY fast!
Make sure you pack some essentials in your rolling bag, too. A refillable water bottle, snacks, business cards, notebook & pen, a phone charger, extra pair of shoes, and your wallet.
3. Make a Plan before You Arrive at Market
Planning is the best antidote to overwhelm!
Going into Market with no plan and no real idea of what you want to buy causes instant overwhelm. Everything starts to look the same and you find yourself unable to make decisions. A few hours in finds you realizing you wasted a LOT of time because you didn’t know what you were looking for.
Instead, go armed with a plan. Even if you don’t know exactly what you want, create some themes or color palettes for your boxes ahead of time to guide your decisions.
Think about the next 6-12 months in your business. What items do you want for your shop? What items do you want to put in your subscription boxes?
Having a plan and working that plan will save SO much time – and more than a little sanity,too!
For more on sourcing products for your subscription box, listen to episode 167 of the Launch Your Box Podcast.
4. Open Accounts with Vendors at Market
One of your top priorities when attending Market is connecting with vendors. It’s so much easier to open accounts with companies when you’re able to meet with them in person instead of applying after the fact.
Realize that most vendors have an “opening order amount.” This is the minimum amount you need to purchase when placing your first order. Minimum re-order quantities are usually smaller.
5. Build Relationships with Representatives
Treat Market like a huge networking event. Make connections and start building relationships.
Seek out company representatives when possible. It’s important to know that when visiting large showrooms, many of the people writing orders work for the showroom, not the vendor itself. When possible, try to speak with someone from the actual company you want to order from.
6. Follow Up with Connections You Made at Market
There’s still more to do after you leave Market! Make the most of the time you spent networking and making connections.
Send simple emails thanking people for their time, following up on future orders, or simply reminding them you met and starting a conversation.
I know you’re tired after a long day on your feet looking at all the things. But get those emails out right away. The quicker you do, the greater the chance they’ll remember you and be open to continuing to build a relationship with you and your business.
Markets are a great way to discover upcoming trends, find inspiration, and discover vendors and products perfect for your shop and subscription boxes. Following are links to some of the major Markets in the U.S.
If you are looking for more tips on product sourcing, check out my blog all about how I find niche-specific products.
Learn from me:
- Subscription Box Blueprint eBook: This $10 ebook covers logistics from product selection to packaging to shipping. Plus a 90-day launch plan and bonus ‘Instant Scripts’ for your social media.
- Launch Your Box: My complete training program that walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business.
- Launch Your Box Podcast: I share tons of practical tips and strategies to help you start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. You’ll also hear from industry experts and current Launch Your Box members who are crushing it - get ready to get inspired!
- One Box at a Time: Inside my book One Box at a Time, I show you the steps you need to follow to start and launch your subscription box. To turn your dream into reality. This book is filled with proven teachings, valuable resources, best practices, and action steps for you to take.
Find me on social:
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Facebook: @SubBoxwithSarah
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Instagram: @howtostartasubbox
- YouTube: @sarahwilliams5836
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