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readysetgo

posts: 5

Feb 27, 2008 3:34 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hello All,

I will be showing my product at a trade show on March 16th -18th at the, International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago. I will be in the inventors center.
 
I have a working prototype, patent pending, fliers, business cards and a huge "I`m going to make it" smile ready.  As I am a virgin to all of this could someone tell me what else I will be needing.
 
Thank you all Rita
 
 
 
 
 
readysetgo2008-2-28 12:12:5
ACF30

posts: 1

Feb 28, 2008 4:28 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Energy Bars/water/etc
barkwheats

posts: 35

Feb 29, 2008 9:06 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Good luck, Rita!  One question I had regarding your product...are you marketing towards individuals?  Or towards supermarkets?  Or towards manufacturers of the carts themselves?  On your site you say "Dents on your truck from hardware carts hitting it?" and then say that it`s something you can carry wherever you go.  If I have one of these, I`m not likely to put it on a cart roaming in the lot that could hit my car. 

Now, if you`re going to market to supermarkets or even better yet, the manufacturers of the carts, thats a different thing and I might not be so inclined to tell people its something they can take with them wherever they go.

Sorry if Im speaking out of turn....just a thought.




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Barkwheats Dog Biscuits
-all natural, maine-made buckwheat dog biscuits
TigerTaco

posts: 337

Mar 01, 2008 12:48 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Your show coordinator is vital; ask her/him to double check to make sure you have everything you need to have a successful show; are you scheduled into any/all "meet the buyer" events, do you have pre-/post-show media lists (and materials), do you have what`s needed to show up and set your space as soon it`s available (the sooner you`re ready the less you worry and the more you can walk the floor and meet other exhibitors -- they can be great resources for you after the show).  Get a bowl of candy for stopping people kind of thing and hand out with a simple flier about your cart-hold; no matter how great your product or booth, the real buyers are very busy and have a list of vendors they are seeking out ... your section is cool, but more a quick visit than a buying visit as they`ll focus on established money makers (sad but true) and you can`t expect more then a few minutes of their time.  Get as many business cards as you can to follow up with and do so; again, sometimes it`s not meeting an actual buyer, but someone who can be a hero to you by putting you in touch with someone else ... and your smile and crazy inventor vibe will be wonderful so don`t worry about what could have been once you`re there (you`re just going for a great first impression).  Oh, make sure you can demonstrate your tool flawlessly and it doesn`t have any glaring "we`re working on that" kinds of things; the closer to a "we`re ready to ship" the better and don`t worry about giving hard details on costs or delivery as that`s post-show details for after they nibble at your bait kinds of things; and do know you`ll get both the people you want to sell to and others who are there to work the show to sell you something (again, get a card and get the next person front and center). And, finally (whew) have fun ... even if you`ve done bad things to afford the space, it`s all water under the bridge and so you`re there to have fun exciting the world about THE thing they need to see that is going to make peoples` lives better!



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Chris Miller, a simple taco maker:
The Tiger Taco home in the U.S.A.
Tiger Tacos in Australia
Tiger Tacos in the United Kingdom
readysetgo

posts: 5

Mar 02, 2008 1:40 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hi Barkwheats,

Thank you for the question. My goal is that it will be sold in retail stores to the customers. CART_HOLD has a telescoping handle and the gripping feet fold up so that it is similar to bringing an umbrella with you or one that you may keep in your car. Also it will come with a pull string bag.

Rita

readysetgo

posts: 5

Mar 02, 2008 1:52 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Thank you so much Chris for all your information. I have a friend who will be with me so I will be able to meet and talk with others as you have suggested.

I will have my product in the "New Product Showcase" but I was not aware of "meet the buyer" I will certainly have to contant my coordinator to ask about that.

Thank you again Chris you have a been a great help.

 

TigerTaco

posts: 337

Mar 02, 2008 2:03 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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George and I did their show in Orlando this summer (inventors spotlight and new product showcase).  It was a blast, very educational and lots of chances to try things out within the mix of people and industries.  You will do great! Smile and have fun.



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Chris Miller, a simple taco maker:
The Tiger Taco home in the U.S.A.
Tiger Tacos in Australia
Tiger Tacos in the United Kingdom
TigerTaco

posts: 337

Mar 02, 2008 2:39 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Cont. risking too much information, or like you even wanted to know! LOL
 
We built a media list of about 500 contacts working the shows and we emailed them (it`s why they give us the list with buying the booth space) this release the week before the show  And then we made up about 250 of these "press kits" for the show`s press office/lounge thing; and we continue to keep "them" posted on what we do and who`s covered us.


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Chris Miller, a simple taco maker:
The Tiger Taco home in the U.S.A.
Tiger Tacos in Australia
Tiger Tacos in the United Kingdom
barkwheats

posts: 35

Mar 03, 2008 10:07 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hi Barkwheats,

Thank you for the question. My goal is that it will be sold in retail stores to the customers. CART_HOLD has a telescoping handle and the gripping feet fold up so that it is similar to bringing an umbrella with you or one that you may keep in your car. Also it will come with a pull string bag.

Rita




Hi Rita,

It`s a neat idea, and one that I think warrants a look at a broader scope than just to retail customers.  I think it`d be a really awesome thing for cart manufacturers to implement into their carts, and just think of the potential there.  Just my thoughts :)


-------------------------

Barkwheats Dog Biscuits
-all natural, maine-made buckwheat dog biscuits
readysetgo

posts: 5

Mar 04, 2008 11:26 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Cont. risking too much information, or like you even wanted to know! LOL
 
Yes, I DO want to know. All the information you have given me so far has been great and I am taking notes. The day is coming quick and I have a lot to think about.
 
The Taco Tiger is Great! I`ve worked in many factories and warehouses and I know how much your product is needed.  
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