Why Trade shows are great for every Salon

We have attended Professional Beauty North for quite some years now and it’s always a pleasure to return to Manchester Central to meet new people. As a business, whether you are just there to visit or if you are exhibiting, it is a great place to network and find out about the latest products and treatments. Especially for salon owners, trade shows are great opportunities to purchase new equipment and gather inspiration for the salon. However, if you have ever attended a show you know how busy these can get. Businesses try to talk to you about their products and services and try to offer you the latest deals. It is easy to lose focus on what exactly you need and why you came to the show in the first place.

One of the best pieces of advice we can give you is: come prepared!

Download the event show guide or go on the events website. There you can look at the list of exhibitors and work out which stands you want to visit prior to the event. There is nothing worse than turning up to a busy event hall, with no idea where companies are located within the exhibition and then running around frantically to find them! Many companies also offer appointments you can take advantage of. So if you are interested in a new machine or product try get in contact with the business before the event to schedule a session with them. This will help with the buying decision and gives you an opportunity to ask all your questions.

'Shows are great for discounts and testers. Take advantage of any discount and exclusive offers!'

If you own a business, are about to open one or even if you have a favourite brand to stock up on, then these places are perfect for you. Why? Because often at trade shows you have the advantage to get discounted rates on most items. Especially if you’re on the lookout for new products, equipment or anything else. Now will be the perfect time to get them. Most products and businesses at trade shows offer VAT free items and services, meaning you already save 20% on your overall purchase. On top of that are most exhibitors willing to negotiate little extras on top of that. All you have to do is ask. 

It is therefore important to know what you want.

Most people come to a trade show roughly knowing what they want. Before signing up to an event, it is useful to go through your salon with an action plan in mind. Are there things that need to be replaced? Would you like to learn about a new treatment and sign staff member up for courses? No matter what it is, take some time aside to think about your business and if there is anything to improve that you can potentially get at the trade show. Exhibitors are experts in their field and it’s a great way to get more info, test products without committing to them straight away.

As visitors, you can easily get overwhelmed with all the stands at the show, so make sure you get out the events brochure for a better overview. We have said it before that the best thing prior to a trade show is preparation and it’s true, otherwise you might waste your money on products you don’t really need just because the sales person talked you into it. Therefore, collect all relevant information whilst you are there. Take brochures, business cards and goody bags that will help you to gather information. Don’t get pressured to make a decision straight away. To companies you are a potential customer and they will be happy to wait a few days for you to decide if it will guarantee them a sale.

Grow your network!

As much as you visit a trade show to find resources that will be beneficial to your brand, don’t forget that this is a perfect opportunity to target vendors that may be interested in your company too! All people that attend beauty trade shows are interested in the sector and there is no better way than to hand out your own business cards and build a relationship with potential prospects. Trade shows are such sociable events that you should be prepared to do a bit of brand-promoting whilst you’re there.

Overall, trade shows are a great annual event you should visit to invest in your business and to work on your salon goals. It can be easy to lose focus and business goals when bombarded with information that does not even seem relevant to you. The trick is, no matter if you are a visitor or an exhibitor to keep a clear head and to know exactly what you are trying to achieve from the show. If you are attending this year, why not pop by and say hello. We are located at stand E84 From Sunday to Monday, 9-5pm. 

If you’re still thinking about it but haven’t signed up, click on the link to register for tickets. https://registration.n200.com/survey/364r05ev8wm44?actioncode=NTWO000123RTD&partner-contact=2qth72wjsj7nu

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