When interning for a designer or showroom, it is very likely that you will come across the opportunity to work a trade show. Major shows such as the ENK shows (Intermezzo, Coterie, Sole Commerce) are well known and can exhibit up to 5,000 vendors! These shows usually take place at the Javitz Center. Vendors come to showcase their products for the upcoming season. You can imagine how many clothes (and people!) you can expect to be surrounded by. Basically, trade shows give vendors an opportunity to display their collections so that buyers can place orders for their businesses. Warning: trade shows start early. Buyers start pouring in at nine am, so being there by eight to help set up the booth is crucial. If you don’t have a lot of sales experience, working a trade show might seem a little overwhelming. You will be interacting with many buyers. It’s important to note that trade shows are all about presentation. Buyers are more likely to place an order if the clothing and booth are arranged in a way that is visually appealing. Remember, every buyer is different- so try to be as accommodating as possible. Buyers will ask for details about the products- wholesale price, delivery date, and the minimum number of pieces per order (2 smalls, 2 mediums, 2 larges for example). Have this information mentally ready beforehand so that the order process runs smoothly.....read More

©May 2011 Stylecaster Article By Jennifer Kang