buying is a priority

If you are trying to do everything at once, odds are you are not doing any of the tasks really well. Something is getting overlooked. Remember, buying is not just another task, but the true beginning and essence of great retail.

more clear thinking

When you visit a showroom all of your thinking can be focused on the task at hand. Your thinking is clearer, more able to make your buying decisions. You can think through buying collections, merchandising and inventory needs, without constant interruptions from your customers or staff.

more choices

When a sales rep calls on your store, they cannot bring everything. Whether you visit a single showroom, or a whole building of showrooms, you will see more product. You will see it merchandised differently, or you will see a line that you may have overlooked previously.

more control

Don’t be at the mercy of whatever sales rep walks through your door, or relying on the rep to choose which product to show you. See the entire collection. Put yourself in the drivers’ seat. By going to the showroom, you are in control.

more time

In the hustle and bustle of trade shows, its impossible to see everything. And trying to compose an order in your store is difficult at best. Buying in a showroom is better time management. It will take less time to do the job well. And that is really the point.

more ideas

Its not only merchandise that you will get from a showroom visit. Ideas are plentiful, too. Look at the merchandising, ask questions, listen, think. Be amazed at the ideas that come to you.

more interaction

Share information and ideas with other retailers. Learn about a hot new product or merchandise that didn't live up to expectations. Discuss merchandising ideas or computer systems; remember, there is rarely an original problem.

more perspective

A change in how you look at things illuminates your surroundings and gives you new and interesting perspective. Look around, absorb, think. How could you do it better? How are you doing it really well? What is your greatest strength, and what could be improved?

more resources

Showrooms also have a collection of information available for you. The Seattle Gift Center offers retail classes the third Tuesday of every month. Trade magazines, fixture catalogs, and much much more await you.

more economical

Traveling to trade shows can be very expensive. A visit to a local showroom is economical. Free up precious time at trade shows by getting your basic essential orders completed at the showroom before the trade show season.

more attention

By focusing your attention, you will be a more effective buyer. And you will benefit from having the full attention and assistance of your sales rep.

more fun

And let's face it, fun is what work should be all about. Enjoy yourself, laugh and have fun. True success is the marriage of fun and work. Buying at a showroom will be more fun, and lead to better buying. What more could you want?

and when you go, go prepared...

have a plan

Base the plan on your store (and your customers') needs, space restrictions and overall store merchandising plan. Your plan can be as simple as ‘new jewelry for $20 to $30 retail’ or as specific as ‘three dozen silver hoops in medium to large sizes’.

make a budget

Make a realistic budget to fulfill your plan. Create preliminary delivery scheduling calendars to accommodate your budget and store needs. Be realistic, and leave room for unexpected treasures.

know your inventory

If you will be reordering, do a quick inventory check before you go. Take notes, both on specific items, and overall general themes to either order or avoid.

allow enough time

Give yourself enough time to fully take advantage of what the showroom has to offer. If you find yourself rushed, reschedule for additional time later. Remember it is more than just buying you are doing.

be willing to punt

After all your planning, budgeting and inventory, be willing to punt. Keep your mind open to new ideas, new merchandising displays, new product. Buying is the most important element to successful retailing, and in order to do it well, you must be flexible and receptive.