June 13, 2012

Gemified!

This studio would be decorated with sparkly gems from floor to celling if I had my way! It was mothers day so my lovely family indulged me with a trip to Gem Fair! I was looking for pinks for a necklace for my mom... I found a lot more!



A few things that have helped me at Gem Fair...

Take a camera. Take photos of booths and items that you might want to contact or look at after the show.
Even photograph what you purchased so if you want more you can send the vendor a photo list for easy reorders.

Make a list of colors you need or bring photos of items you want to color match that way you don't loose the original item.

Buy something not on your list. Even if I have a list, buying at least one thing that is out of my usual comfort zone will inspire creativity. Of course I don't want to blow my budget on things that will not be useful, but a $5 item usually will not break the bank.

It never hurts to ask. Even if the price says "50% off", ask for an additional discount, you never know what kind of deal you might get if you don't ask!

Bring the BIG purse.

If you have a shopping tip, please share!

3 comments:

Amy F said...

Those are great tips. I also find I need to take a REALLY good look at what I have before I go (or take a photo on my phone). I tend to buy the same stuff over and over and then get home and see I already had it. That way I know what colors I have a ton of, too.

Tania Tebbit said...

Good tips - I have found after exhibiting at several bead and craft fairs here in Australia that my customers usually come back and tell me that they were so overwhelmed by the choices that they walked out without what they really wanted to buy. Bring a list - simple but so effective. cheers Tania

Therese's Treasures said...

Great advise thank you for sharing I will remember to do this the next time I go to a gem fair.
Therese