Twenty Ways to Thrive at a Bead Show

Follow these tips to feel less overwhelmed and have more fun attending bead shows, jewelry shows and gem and mineral shows.

No doubt, attending a jewelry show can be overwhelming. But you can overcome feeling overwhelmed.

To counter the sometimes intense atmosphere, develop a 'thrival' strategy before you attend the bead jewelry show.

Read through the following tips and plan to use those that seem most helpful to you.

You'll find twenty great tips, split into six categories, to help you have a positive gem, bead or jewelry show experience!…

Bead Show 'Thrival' Tips

• Personal Comfort
• Buying Beads and Supplies
• If You Sell Jewelry
• Classes
• Prizes
• Parking

Personal Comfort

1. Wear Really Comfortable Shoes

Wear shoes with cushioned soles as you'll do a lot of walking.

2. Dress Comfortably

Dress in comfortable clothing for the weather. Some venues do not have any or have very little air conditioning.

3. Take Food and Water

You can buy food and drinks at most venues, but it'll cost. Sometimes a lot.

You may want to bring a snack. Some venues have food service and some don't. Lunch can be pricey and sometimes the selection is not that great.

Be sure to check the show's website for any restrictions before going to the show.

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Buying Beads and Supplies

4. Set a Budget or Spending Limit

This does take discipline. I admit it's hard to do! Because you'll want to buy so many beautiful beads. But, if you're serious about not over spending, here are two things you can do...

• Take only the cash you plan to spend.
• Leave credit and debit cards at home.

When I do this I actually feel better after a show because I don't feel guilty about spending too much. I also don't feel as overwhelmed during the show.

I'm forced to slow down, circle the entire show once and then go back and buy only those beads or jewelry making supplies that I truly want or need.

When I'm out of money, I either leave the show or continue to look for new products for future purchases or watch a demo.

5. Bring a Purchases Bag

Bring a bag that you can carry on your shoulders, a backpack or a small case on wheels to carry your purchases. You'll want to keep your hands free to look at all the merchandise. Vendors don't like you to lie your things on their beads while you look.

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6. Survey the Goods to Price Compare.

If you can bring yourself to do it, visit all the suppliers once to see what's available and to compare prices.

Sometimes different vendors will carry the same or similar items at different prices. Upon entry, some venues provide a map of vendor locations within the event.

7. See It, Love It, Buy It

Of course the flip side of surveying before you buy is, if you're absolutely in love with the beads or the jewelry piece, buy it then. It just may not be there on your second trip around. Another beader fell in love too!

8. Make a Need/Want List

Just like you should make a list before going to the grocery store, make a list of what you want, need or just want to keep an eye out for. Once at the bead show, you'll get caught up in the excitement and activity of the event. You'll forget what you wanted or needed.

Often I've left a show and then later remember that I didn't get that tool I needed, like a caliper (measures bead size in millimeters), because I was so caught up in buying the beads.

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9. Bring Your 'Matchies'

String beads that you need to match or coordinate with other beads on a string or beading wire, or put them in a plastic baggie. You'll make better color matches.

Or get the specific finding you need without having to simply describe it to a vendor. You and the vendor will know immediately what it is you're looking for.

10. Ask for Business Cards

Keep these with the items you purchased from the vendor. If you want or need more beads you'll easily be able to see where you got them.

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11. Buy Unique and Different Beads First

At some shows you'll see beads and other supplies that you may not find elsewhere. So take advantage and buy the unique and different first. Then, buy filler beads or beads readily available from your local bead shop if the prices and quality are good.

12. Don't Sacrifice Quality for a Cheap Price

Of course, quality is relative, especially on gemstone beads. A bead with blemishes or other imperfections may be the perfect bead to some. To others it may seem ugly. So, chose carefully and buy what you like, but not just because the price is cheap.

13. Pen and Paper

Take pen and paper to write down info about the beads that you buy, especially if you're unfamiliar with jewelry making beads.

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If You Sell Jewelry (but not at the show)

14. Hand Out Business Cards

Take your business cards to hand out to people and vendors you meet.

15. Wear Your Most Interesting Jewelry

Wear your jewelry and show it off. You never know when a sale might result. If the piece is interesting, people will ask about it. There's your opportunity to promote your business!

16. Save Receipts

Save admission, parking and other receipts for tax purposes.

17. Take Resale License

Some bead shows have a wholesale only section. Remember to bring your resale license if you have one.

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Classes

18. Jewelry Making Classes or Demonstrations

Expos, beadfests and retreats usually require pre-registration and prepayment of class fee. Bead shows may have scheduled or on the spot free classes or demos. Check a show's website before you go.

Prizes

19. Prize Raffle

Upon entering the bead show, sign up for the raffle. Not all venues have one, but you can win different prizes like beads if they do.

Parking

20. Parking

Very few venues offer free parking. Some have parking lots and some don't. Be prepared with enough cash to pay for parking or coins for street parking.

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Wishing you an exciting and safe bead show adventure!

Wanda

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