Wholesale Trade Shows

Entrepreneurs take sting out of summer

No No-See-Um
• What: Sold at 40 businesses, resorts, and outfitters across Sanibel, North Captiva, Useppa and Bokeelia.
• Contact: 872-216-2847 or nonoseeum.com to purchase retail or wholesale.

Cleava
• What: A snap to bra camisole that can function as a cleavage coverup or fashion accessory.
• Contact: 877-442-5328 or cleava.com.

J&L Grocery Girls
• What: A mobile grocery store.
• Contact: 357-0741 or jlgrocerygirls.com.

After frustrating episodes adjusting and worrying over her wardrobe, De Sousa and her husband, J.D., developed the Cleava –– a snap-to-bra-cami that’s worn under V-neck tops or sweaters.

“It must have been every half hour that I was walking into the bathroom and adjusting my top,” De Sousa said.

They started working on product development in 2007, and began selling the packaged product in 2009.

It’s sold in a wide variety of colors and designs with fabric embellishments.
De Sousa said many of their clients buy one or two Cleavas and come back to buy other designs.

Since they launched the product gross revenues have jumped from $5,160 in 2009 to $104,735 in 2010 with gross sales from January to May reaching $37,130.

The product retails on the low end for $19.95 and can run as high as $24.95.

Although they sell the product online and have gone to several fashion trade shows to market the product around the country, the De Sousa’s are targeting boutiques.

The company is averaging 150 units per week sold wholesale to boutiques in the U.S. and abroad.

“We try to get the consumer to go and buy from their local boutique to save on shipping and handling,” De Sousa said.

The product is manufactured in China, but locals can still snag one at Planet Beach in Fort Myers and Lux Boutique in Naples.

The owners want to keep up an upscale image and market the product directly to boutiques, and they are working with Fifth Avenue Advisors in Naples to expand their business. Not everyone can get out to the grocery store.

Linda Herman and Janon Costello know this well, having worked in health care.

That’s why they’ve created J&L Grocery Girls, which combines their love of bargain-shopping with delivery to customers’ homes.

“We’re gearing (the service) to people with limited mobility, the seniors, the caregivers, pregnant women on bed rest,” Herman said.

Benefits of Attending Trade Shows for Wholesalers | All about ...

Trade shows have always remained an important source of getting business leads as business men from various areas are gathered at one place. The shows are mainly for B2B dealings while end-customer is not invited at all. As there are many business categories so every show focuses on some particular industry or business category. In wholesale trade shows, the customers and sellers are retailers, distributors, wholesalers and dropshippers. Visitors and customers can visit any stall, order the products or can collect information about the features of various products like price, quality and delivery periods.

Wholesalers can not ignore the importance of trade shows because they are beneficial for all parties including retailers, dropshippers, distributors, manufactures and wholesalers. Plus, wholesalers can easily grab numerous opportunities and resources like prospective customers, high quality products, discounted rates and market opportunities. In short, we can say that wholesalers can get their hands on the best products and suppliers under one roof. Another benefit in participating is that wholesalers get a very wide exposure of market because every kind of business man related to that particular niche is present in the shows to locate best business deals.

In trade shows, the wholesalers organize stalls in which they display their sample products. They also advertise their new and forthcoming products. All the businessmen are present for exploiting business opportunities. Besides this, the mere presence in these shows itself has a worthwhile experience. While participating, you as a wholesaler will be able to get acquainted with other wholesalers and competitors. You likely develop many business contacts which help you later on. You will come to know what your competitors are offering and you will come to know about their policies, strategies, motives, management techniques and product range.

These shows also work as surveys for wholesalers as they come to know about latest business trends and newer technologies introduced in the market. While participating, you should adhere to some techniques which will help you to get most out of it. Always remain vigilant and try to participate in as many discussions as you can. Also, warmly welcome every customer and entice them by adopting good marketing techniques. All you have to do for the participation in trade show is to register yourself and bring only your sample products (no need to bring whole inventory), customers will only order you the products and you will deliver them later on after winding up of trade shows.

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