Page 210 - 597 Business Ideas You can Start from Home - doing what you LOVE! (Beginner Internet Marketing Series)

Step 1 0. Prep for the Trade Show 203

The Difference Between Cash-and-Carry vs.
Order-Only Shows

It's important to note how you'll be selling products at your show.
Some shows are called cash and carry, which means that attendees
can buy products at the show (for cash or credit card) and carry the
goods out with them (rather than writing orders that would ship
later). As an exhibitor, you can sell as much product as you can
realistically bring to the show. The show is usually still a wholesale
"for trade only" show, but your prospective clients can buy a sample
or as many samples as they want at these type of shows without
having to meet your typical order minimums.

While it is nice to physically sell products at a show, it is also
costly to ship the product to the show and back home if some units
don't sell. it is also difficult to calculate how much product to bring
to a cash-and-carry show. There is no formula. An overestimation
could be very costly. It's better to err on the side of shipping less
(especially if your product is heavy). if you sell out, offer to ship the
product for free for show-goers when you get home.

Other shows are "order taking only" or "writing only." No form
of currency is exchanged at the show; you cannot purchase product
and leave with it in hand. The order-writing-only shows are usu­
ally more professional or corporate. That is, you are more likely to
get lasting accounts because the show is made up of established
stores.

Bring someone with you when you exhibit at a cash-and­
show. You have to display a lot of product and if you

to the restroom, a less-than-honest show-goer could
steal something. You need coverage in the booth at all times.