Trade Show Series (cont.) Guest - Nikia Angel of Buythekit.com

When you're lucky - like me. You get to meet all sorts of wonderful creative persons from around the world. The first time I met Nikia Angel was in Wisconsin at the Bead & Button Bead show. Her booth was like one of those candy shops at the mall - you know the ones - you know you shouldn't go in - but you do? One thing about Nikia's booth that is different from those scrumptious candy selections is - FAT FREE! The assortment of kits, colors, sparkle and styles she carries is absolutely out of this world.
And if you ever get past all the kits to actually met Nikia - it's just like icing on a pretty cake. She's sweet, witty, well-versed in "bead-ology" and extremely funny. Now- I say you're lucky - to meet Nikia Angel.

1. What brand do you fall under (if any): Independent Jewelry Artist, Business Owner; Artisan and/or other:   Designer/Business Owner

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:   National Bead Shows.  I attend 6-8 per year.

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels): I plan up to a year in advance
4. What type of advertising do you use, if any: FaceBook, word of mouth, website, magazine

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows: 

Keep everything nailed down.  Unfortunate for customer, but it is a problem that gets worse every year.  And always speak to everyone who comes into your booth.  Make eye contact and engage them.  Psychologically, that is supposed to make it harder for the thief to steal from you because of the personal contact.

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

Most states I travel to either have no expiration or expire every couple of years.  I receive a notification in the mail and I respond to it.  Tax deadlines are pretty much 30 days after the show.

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire marshall specifications:

I use grid wall and display cases.  I don’t use extra lights. (The Hole Bead Shoppe note: Nikia gave us a great TIP at Bead and Button - which my hubby already utilized - TAKE PICTURES - of your booth setup, breakdown, car packing, boxes in position, kits packed in boxes - basically everything and save them to your CELL phone. If you ever forget how you did it last time, use the camera function on your phone!)

8. Can you share tips for increasing sales: Get yourself “out” there.  On FaceBook, in magazines, on the internet…contests, giveaways, show specials…teach as much as you can anywhere you can.(I need to listen to my own advice!)
9. Outside of shows, how do you market yourself or your brand: I’ve had an ad in a magazine for 10 years.  I give out lots of business cards where ever I go. 

10. Do you use a standard setup for every show you attend or do you adjust your setup for each show: Standard set up.  I draw the floor plan on my computer and tweak it there.  Once I get to the show I pretty much know where it all goes.  Otherwise it will NEVER fit !

11. OPTIONAL: What reason would you give your clients for attending shows as a buyer, even if you were not a vendor: Where else can you find SO much in one place!

12. Optional: What makes you continue to attend shows as a vendor – i.e. money, marketing, social networking:All of the above.  I love shows.  It is my primary money making opportunity. The importance of networking and “being seen” cannot be overstated.  My advertising budget for the year primarily goes to pay for shows.

Like Nikia's answers to our questions? Find her at Buy the Kit


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