Email
Julie or click here
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return to my main homepage.These tips are compiled from various sources. Many ideas have been submitted by the members of the big RS mailing list and used with their permission.
Get a list of companies that are going and use one of the
great stamping magazines like Rubber stampmadness or Vamp Stamp
News to research what kind of images each company has. Try to
find out what their regular prices are like if you can.
Try to have an idea before hand what you're looking for and what
kind of stamps/supplies you prefer.
Decide on a budget and try to stay with it. Most vendors will
take checks or credit cards. Some people advise leaving
checkbooks and credit cards home so you won't overspend and
others say to bring them so you won't worry about running out.
Know your prices, if more than one booth is offering the same
items do some comparing. Also keep in mind the prices at your
local stamp store and favorite mail order companies, don't pay
more than you have to just because it's a convention.
Make a list of your markers, ink pads, embossing powders, and
etc.. List both what you have and what you'd like to buy. This
way if you see a good buy you can stock up with out duplicating
what you already have.
If the show goes more than one day try to go to both days. You
might pick up bargains near the end of the last day. This will
also give you a chance to attend more workshops and classes.
If friends are going with you try to get a list of workshops or
classes and divide them up. If each of you attend just one or two
classes you can show the others what you have learned later and
all of you will have more time to shop.
Don't forget to make a few pins to trade with others. Some people
put their name and address on the back so they can make new
friends. Pins don't have to be elaborate, just one image stamped
and colored can make a nice pin. Some people use double-sided
carpet tape instead of pins on the back. Pins are usually
laminated, but hey don’t have to be.
Sometimes vendors will need people to work in their booths for
them. If you have a relationship with a vendor see if you can
work for them. Most vendors will pay in product only and you will
usually get in free.
Bring/wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Bring a knapsack or large shoulder bag so your hands will be
free. You'll need something to carry all those goodies in. Some
people really like those small rolling luggage cases.
Bring your own lunch or something to snack on, also a water
bottle helps too, less time and money spent on standing in line
buying food and more for the rubber!
If you are interested in unmounted stamps bring a small mirror.
Holding the stamp up to the mirror allows you to get an idea of
what the image is.
Also if you buy unmounteds make sure to bring/buy enough mounting
supplies for them and mount them asap.
Bring a camera so you can take photos of all the examples. Even
if you don't buy that company's stamps you may get ideas from the
examples. Always ask before taking photos of the examples, there
may be copyright issues.
If you're staying over night bring a few basic stamp supplies
with you since you will want to use your toys right away.
Try to leave non-stamping companions (husbands, wives, kids,
parent etc.) home. Unless they are very patient you may feel
rushed as you try to look over the items. Popular booths may
become crowded and an extra person or two may hinder you. Some
conventions have a waiting area for companions.
Go around once and look at everything before you buy, especially
if you're on a tight budget or you may end up spending all your
$$ at the first booth you see and miss out on some great stuff.
Remember, compare prices, since many companies have similar
images and carry similar accessories you may find something
cheaper just a booth or two away.
Some vendors maybe offering specials don't be afraid to ask them.
Stop at the front entrance and see if you can get a map of who's
where. Take a few minutes to stop and see where the vendors that
are the most important to you are located.
When you first enter the selling area go to the left if possible.
Human nature leads us to the right so if you go left you will be
ahead of the crowd. Unless you get there late and the left side
is already crowded.(GRIN)
Also try heading directly to the booths in the rear of the
building. It will take awhile for the general crowd to reach that
part, so you'll be ahead of them.
Be polite, don't push, shove or snatch things, smile and say
Please and Thank you. Last of all HAVE FUN!
Email
Julie or click hereto
return to my main homepage.