#5 – Use committed people to staff your booth.Įven though you should carry the bulk of the hours, you will need breaks. Send an email, send a postcard, and ping them on social media the day the show starts. Re-contact all the buyers on your list and let them know where you will be. #4 – Once you sign your deal and have your booth number, use every outlet available to you to let the world know where you will be. Haggling is one of fashion’s finest traditions. If you register with other designers, you may be able to get a group discount. You want to be near the door or the food, but not at the end of a row. You have to fight for the best deal and the best location you can get. Remember, you are saying to the buyer, “I believe I can make you money.” subscribe to American Fashion Podcast on iTunes, we talk about this stuff all the time #3 – You don’t have to accept the first rate and location the trade show organizers give you. Don’t be annoying, but do be honest and direct. Do this by comparing price points and finding similar brands to zero in on places where you believe your work will sell. Use email, social media, store visits, cookies, whatever you can.
Identify the top 40 boutiques that you want to see your designs in. #2 – Start reaching out to boutiques several months in advance. Buyers don’t spend a lot of time browsing during Market Week. Simply taking a trade show booth is highly unlikely to result in sales. Whether you’re showing at Designers and Agents, Capsule, FFANY, Coterie, MAGIC, or anywhere else, if you are a fashion designer who wants to sell products at wholesale to retailers, here is a solid list of things to keep in mind.īy Seth Friedermann and Charles Beckwith #1 – Don’t expect buyers to show up without an appointment.