Are you planning to purchase merchandise to resell at your new business location? But aren't sure where to find vendors whose merchandise you see in boutiques and big box stores? Not to worry, finding great selling merchandise is much easier than you imagine.

The best way to find them is to attend any one of the large "gift shows" that take place throughout the U.S., Asia, Italy, Canada, Germany and other European and Pacific Rim countries, at various times throughout the year. When attending these functions, you must a plan. Otherwise they're so large, often spreading to venues blocks away from each other, you'll wind up lost and unfocused. The trip a loss.

Before we talk about just when and where these functions are, here are some tips to help you prepare for the shows:

Show Registration and Travel Arrangements:

If you're new to the retail and wholesale world, call or get online and request companies hosting these events send show info to you. These shows are for "credentialed buyers only". No visitors, friends or people without actual, verifiable businesses are allowed. And ask what credentials are required. Usually a combination of any of the following: business or resale license, U.S. Federal or state tax I.D., business cards, copies of bills from vendors. Verifiable business address and phone number.

Once you receive the info, go online and check out hotel and travel arrangements that particular show is offering. They usually provide a list of hotels to choose from, at a reduced rate for show attendees. And info about parking and local places of interest.

It's an absolute must to pre-register online. When you do, a pre-printed show badge, along with other show info, will be mailed to you. You'll simply present your show badge at the show entrance and walk in.

6 Important Tips for Making the Show Successful:

Have a budget in mind and a list of merchandise you plan to buy. If you're new, and you don't, you'll wind up wasting time and money on merchandise you may never sell. Before leaving for the show, create your plan, list items to buy by category, sub-categories, color and season.

Starting a new business? Have a delivery schedule in mind so your orders are delivered in time to allow proper set up and display of your business.

In your registration packed you'll usually receive a booklet listing names of all show vendors along with descriptions of what they sell. If you know which products you want, to save time call and schedule appointments with show reps.

Organize "One sheet of business info". Including personal or business financial info, credit info and other information a vendor would need to extend you credit. Also, have a copy of your re-sale license (if your state has one) and other necessary identification vendors will need when you order.

Arrive at the show with a shoulder bag, or lightweight carryall, large enough for a calculator, business and financial paperwork, personal items, a notebooks, business cards and bottled water. Make sure it's large enough to hold any catalogs or other paperwork vendors hand you. Wear comfortable shoes.

Gift Show Hosts:

Western Exhibitors, Inc.

2181 Greenwich St.

San Francisco, Ca 94123

(415) 346-6666 FAX (415) 346-4965

Email: showinfo@weshows.com

Shows include: Portland, Or. Gift and Accessories Show; Seattle Gift Show, San Francisco Gift Fair.

George Little Management

Ten Bank St.

White Plains, N.Y. 10606

(914) 421-3246 FAX (914) 948-6289

Show website -- www.dmgworldmedia.com

Shows include: New York Gift and Cash and Carry Show; Extracts Show; Alberta, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, B.C.; Boston; California; Orlando; Washington State; Las Vegas Gourmet Show; N.Y. Home Textile Show; National Stationery Show; Home Show -- Sydney, Australia; Kingdom of Bahrain, Bahrain; various antique shows in the U.S. and U.K.

Kenfair International, Ltd

28F, Tower 6

The Gateway

Canton Rd

Tsim Sha Tsui

Kowloon, Hong Kong

(852) 3106 3480 FAX (852) 3101 9823

Email: info@kenfair.com

Shows include: Kenfair International Gift Show, Hong Kong

Grupo Salpro

Reynosa 15 Col. Condesa C.P. 06100 Mexico City, Mexico

(52 55) 5276 6380

FAX: (52 55) 5273 1456

website: www.espaciosalpro.com

Shows include: Espacio Mexican Gift Show

Denver Merchandise Mart,

Denver, Colorado

(800) 289-6278

website: www.denvermart.com

Show includes: Permanent showrooms and semi-annual Gift, Jewelry and Resort Shows

California Gift and Home Market

California Market Center

100 Ea. Ninth St.

Los Angeles, Calif 90079

(800) 225-6278

website: www.californiamarketcenter.com

Several floors of permanent showrooms, with semi-annual shows with additional vendors attending.

Dallas Market Center

Dallas, Texas

(214) 655-6100

website: www.dallasmarketcenter.com

Several floors of permanent showrooms and semi annual shows with additional vendors attending.

AmericasMart

Atlanta, Georga

(800) 241-6405

website: www.americasmart.com

Many floors and several buildings of permanent showrooms. Also semi annual shows with additional vendors.

Chicago Gift & Home Marketplace

The Merchandise Mart

Chicago, Ill.

(800) 677-6278 FAX (312) 527-7694

website: www.giftandhome.com

New York International Gift Fair

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Terminal Piers 90, 92, 94

New York, N.Y.

(800) 272-SHOW

website: www.nyigf.com

Market Square Fort Washington / Gallery of American Craftsman / The Jewelry & Accessories Market

Fort Washington Expo Center

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

(717) 796-2377

website: www.marketsquareshows.com

International Christian Retail Show

Colorado Convention Center

Denver, Colorado

(800) 252-1950

Montreal Gift Show

Place Bonaventure

Montreal, Quebec

Canada

(866) 721-4403

email: anitaschachter@dmgworld.com

website: www.montrealgiftshow.com

Jean L. Serio, Copyright 2006. Are you one of the 1.2 million women tired of working the 9-5 grind, sick of worrying about making ends meet? As you know starting your own business still remains one of the best strategies for providing you financial freedom. Discover how to start up your own business, today, with your own step-by-step Action Plan. Plus, to ensure you receive all the details FREE, and learn how you can harness the power and resources you need to start, first sign up for your Free Newsletter "Start Up a Business Today" and receive your Bonus Report "5 Mistakes Women Make When Starting Up a Biz". Go to: www.womensmarketingandbusinessnetwork.com "We help you make it happen!"

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