Handcraftsbyjen

Does anyone have any tips or advice for someone going to Quilt Market for the first time? (or should I say....how to benefit the most from it?)

sandraa

Be sure you have all your paperwork so you can sign up with the vendors. Choice Fabrics is great to deal with. Good luck and I hope you find some great buys.

Holice

Lots of business cards and make appointments with those vendors you want to buy from especially if it looks like they are busy.
comfortable shoes
tote bag with water and some snacks as the food line may be long. bottle of energy drink - Boost or similar is always good in place of taking time to eat. When I was vending at Quilt Market I heard over and over "I just ran out of business cards or I just gave away my last copy of my business liscense.......
And be sure and mark your program for those vendors you want to go back to later. Very easy to forget where they are because the place is so large.

Handcraftsbyjen

Thanks for the tips. I hadn't thought about bringing copies of my business license.

QKO

I wouldn't worry too much about taking copies of your business license. First, you needed to present it to get credentialed at the show, and all the vendors know that.

If you are establishing accounts with new vendors while you're at the show, I've never run into one that wouldn't allow you to send it retroactively. I make up a .pdf file with my BL and tax ID form, have it available to email from my smartphone instantly if needed.

Besides being prepared for a long day on your feet, make appointments in advance with the vendors you normally do business with. Don't make too many appointments in a day, and don't make back-to-back appointments, as appointments tend to get off-schedule easily.

Don't buy any big-ticket items or make any big service commitments at the show unless you've thoroughly researched these in advance. (Things like a new POS system for your store, or a new website vendor agreement or somesuch).

Have an open-to-buy list with you, or some other method of determining in advance how much you are spending and what you want to spend it on. It's too easy to get caught up in the excitement and over-commit.

Get plenty of rest, don't overindulge in food or drink or partying in the evenings.

Pack a lunch and get in line early for Sample Spree, if you're attending.

Have fun, and spend some time networking with other shop owners.

maryb119

Don't miss sample spree! It is an amazing experience. Take the classes at school house. Take paper and pen to collect ideas and jot down who is offering what if you want ot go back a second time to look at something again. Wear comfortable shoes!!!! Market is a wonderful experience!

Handcraftsbyjen

Thanks everyone! I hope to have a lot of fun and learn a lot.