What You Need to Know About Converting More Leads at Trade Shows

Trade show season is ramping up as we look toward the AGM Conference in January and it's an exciting time for brands to showcase their products and connect with potential retail buyers. 

With shoppers actively seeking new products and retailers looking for the next big thing, it's essential to make the most of these events. 

Here are some proven strategies to help you generate more leads and convert them into buyers during trade shows.

1. Create a Visually Appealing Booth

Your booth is your storefront at the trade show, and first impressions matter. A well-designed, visually appealing booth can attract more visitors and encourage them to engage with your brand.

• Engaging Displays: Use high-quality graphics, banners, and product displays to catch the eye of people passing by. 
• Interactive Elements: Incorporate touchscreens or product demonstrations to engage attendees.
• Comfortable Space: Provide seating areas or charging stations to encourage visitors to spend more time at your booth.

2. Offer Giveaways to Attract Retail Buyers

Everyone loves freebies, and offering giveaways is an excellent way to draw retail buyers to your booth.

• Branded Merchandise: Give away items like tote bags, pens, or something catered to your brand, with your logo to keep your brand top-of-mind.
• Product Samples: If possible, provide samples of your products for buyers to try out.
• Contests and Raffles: Host a giveaway contest to collect contact information and generate leads.

3. Have a Welcoming Team at the Front

Staff your booth with friendly, knowledgeable representatives who can greet attendees as they walk by.

• Trained Staff: Ensure your team understands your products and can answer questions effectively.
• Personal Interaction: Engage visitors in conversation to build relationships.
• Prompt Assistance: Be attentive to visitors' needs and provide information promptly.

4. Schedule Appointments Ahead of Time

Maximize your time at the trade show by scheduling appointments with potential buyers before the event.

• Pre-Show Outreach: Contact retailers in advance to set up meetings.
• Calendar Invites: Send confirmed times and locations to ensure they remember the appointment.
• Flexible Scheduling: Offer multiple time slots to accommodate different schedules.

5. Take Orders Directly at the Show

Don't wait until after the trade show to secure sales. Take orders on the spot, even from new retailers.

Using RepSpark to Streamline Ordering

With platforms like RepSpark, you can simplify the ordering process:

• Create Guest Accounts: Set up temporary accounts for new buyers to place orders immediately.
• Product Selection: Assist buyers in selecting products they're interested in, even if quantities aren't finalized.
• Order Holding: Keep the order in the system so it's ready once the retailer becomes an authorized dealer.

This approach ensures that buyers don't forget about your brand and have a tangible order to follow up on.

6. Provide Customized Assortments Post-Show

After the event, reinforce your connection with buyers by sending them a personalized assortment of the products they showed interest in.

• Shoppable Assortments: Use RepSpark to send a curated collection that buyers can shop from directly.
• Visual Presentations: Provide PDFs or digital catalogs showcasing the selected products.
• Timely Follow-Up: Send these materials promptly to keep the momentum going.

This personalized touch can significantly increase the likelihood of converting leads into sales.

7. Use Microsites for Immediate Sales

If you have excess inventory or samples, consider creating a microsite to sell products directly during the trade show.

• At-Once Ordering: Allow buyers to place orders for available products right away.
• Clearance Opportunities: Move leftover inventory by offering special trade show deals.
• Easy Access: Share the microsite link with attendees for quick and convenient purchasing.

Trade shows present a unique opportunity to expand your retail network and increase sales. 

Remember, tools like RepSpark can enhance your efficiency by streamlining the ordering process and keeping buyers engaged. With careful planning and proactive engagement, you'll turn trade show leads into long-term retail partners.

And, if you’d like to see if a partnership with RepSpark can help you in your future trade shows, then reach out to our team and we’d be happy to help.