How to Choose the Right furniture Supplier at Trade Show
September 05 , 2024
Our company will be exhibiting at the Hong Kong AsiaWorld-Expo, and we welcome all buyers to visit us. In this article, we're not just trying to sell you products—we truly want to give you useful advice. With over a decade of global trading experience, and now entering the internet era with fast communication, why do we still need trade shows? Now day, the internet is filled with scams and misleading information. trad show is face to face and honorable, but how to find right furniture supplier in the trad show?
Find Your Position in Business
For Amazon buyers or small retail businesses
Now you are in furniture business, so what can bring your benefit? If you’re an Amazon buyer or a small retail business offering a variety of products, and you just starting your own business, finding a trading company like ours is essential. for beginners Amazon buyer, find a trad company who know about market and make your business grow, it a win-win.With effective communication, trad company can help solve problems, from payment and shipping to product customization. These types of clients are our target audience. A trade show is like a quick date—we both need to find our perfect match.
For large MOQ clients If you’re a large MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) client, such as a material importer or a company focused on one or two product lines, you should consider working directly with a factory. these kind buyer usually have a lot experience or there just starting new product line , but any way. Most factories specialize in a limited range of products. Without the negotiation power of a trading company, it can be difficult to do ODM (Original Design Manufacturing). Factories may need to buy specific machines to produce your products, which often requires large orders.
At the Trade Show
Stay Focused on Your Goals When attending a trade show, stay focused on your goals. See as much as possible and then narrow it down to the key suppliers you want to follow up with. As mentioned above, knowing what your business really needs is crucial. Before asking suppliers questions, first, ask yourself if you’re prepared. I recommend preparing a short elevator speech that introduces your experience and the product categories you’re interested in, demonstrating your ability to buy, by a call to action where you ask them questions. Many first-time trade show attendees forget this step. A proper introduction builds confidence and helps suppliers feel more comfortable doing business with you. This could lead to them showing you products that aren’t on display, offering lower prices, or giving more incentives to work with you.
Key Questions to Ask Suppliers:
Which countries do you export to? This question helps you understand their market reach. If your target is the downstream market, some suppliers may offer lower prices and moderate quality, which is often aimed at Southeast Asia. However, if you’re looking for suppliers who serve a broader market, such as the US or Europe, some may have a more diverse customer base.
What other products do you manufacture? This question helps you determine whether they are a factory or a trading company. Trading companies usually offer a broader product range and have good factory resources. They also tend to understand market needs better. Around 70% of buyers report that they ask suppliers for product suggestions.
How much is this? Price is just one part of the supplier equation and not necessarily the most important at this stage. I usually get an estimate first, then ask for a formal quote via email after the show.
For questions about quality control, private labeling, or other services, most suppliers are prepared to offer these as well.
Taking Notes and Photos When talking with suppliers, I quickly jot down notes in a notebook. I staple their business card to the page and write down the name of the person I spoke with (which may differ from the name on the card) along with the key points of our conversation. I also note their booth number—this has saved me a lot of time when I’ve forgotten to do it in the past and couldn’t find the supplier again. Additionally, I take pictures of the products and the people I speak with. This helps when you return home and need to remember who’s who. It also builds rapport, as taking pictures is often appreciated by the supplier.
After the Trade Show
How do you manage all the follow-up emails after the show? I create a spreadsheet with all the suppliers I’m interested in, including their contact information, reference quotes, notes, and the next steps. Then, I use an email template to follow up, including their company name and product in the subject line to quickly recognize each supplier.
What Can We Offer?
We are more than just a trading company; we’re storytellers. From 2014 to 2024, our 10 years of experience have taught us that we’re not just doing business – we’re providing truly eco-friendly households and furniture while upholding sustainable principles. We’re not just business partners; we’re also friends you can talk to. We offer personalized products at excellent prices. With our product development department, we can elevate your business to the next level.