[Jewelry making - Article 00142] - Re: [Orchid] Keystone and net - wholesale show newbie!

[LSHancock]

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>     Can anyone give me some pointers so I can feel more comfortable
>     when I attend 

    Elle, I sell mostly at retail craft shows but before that I worked in
    jewelry stores and every year I went to the JA show in NYC twice a
    year.  There is an air of exclusivity and security there, that for
    several reasons, can cause a person to be intimidated.  But, if you
    have a legitimate reason for attending the show don't be
    intimidated.  There are companies there (mostly designers) that want
    and need exclusivity and have high requirements for orders, but many
    of the others are happy to fill orders as small as one item.  You
    have to take the time to ask what the terms are, that's all.  If you
    don't like them go to the next company. 

    While most of the vendors are there to take orders from established
    clients, they are all looking for new clients and send their best
    and most charming salespeople.  They may get a little tired and
    stressed from having to work at such difficult shows but they'll be
    professional and polite.  

    Even though they are in the wholesale business, many try to sell in
    terms that retailers are familiar with, and many retailers think in
    terms of how much they will have to sell an item for, not just how
    much it will cost them. Though this is not the way you think, it is
    something that you'll just have to put up with.  It is true that
    there are many things you can get a better deal on if you buy in
    bulk, not every company has such price breaks, but you should always
    ask.  

    It's better for me right now to use companies that offer something
    like one stop shopping.  So I try to find companies that can offer
    me selection.  I like to buy chains from Herco in San Francisco, CA
    because they have so many great contemporary chains styles in 18k
    and pt, my two favorite metals.  I have an excellent diamond
    supplier but I am still looking for companies that sell colored
    stones.  As soon as I have more time to devote to my line I will
    start looking for more companies that specialize in individual
    areas.  That is when I will start to go back to wholesale shows. 
    But for now the only wholesale show I will attend this year is
    Tucson.  Another really great show is the MJSA show in NYC.  There
    are lots of companies there who specialize in selling to other
    wholesalers, designers and manufacturers as well as to retailers. 

Hope this helps
Larry

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