Our upcoming Home Show. Suggestions.

[Jim C]

Hello.
We are getting ready to exhibit at a home show at the end of the month.

Have you have been at Home improvement and remodeling show? Have you ever wanted to tell an exhibitor what they were doing wrong?

What would you say are the biggest mistakes you see, as a visitor?

Much appreciated.

[Jim C]

I'm not sure I understand your answer.

[silverspeedbuggy]

I've been to quite a few of these shows. I'm not sure what you're selling (and hope this isn't some spam posting), but here's some minor suggestions:
- Use common language. I've seen companies display their products and services with mostly technical terms and descriptions leaving the customer wondering what exactly they do. Don't talk down to people, but put things in simple terms the average person can understand
- Include plenty of 'before' and 'after' photos
- Don't 'hard sell' people at the show. You are there to answer questions and provide cards, brochures, pamphlets on your service. If a person wants to set up an appointment for a quote, allow them to, but don't go chasing people down
- Offer a 'prize' where people can submit their information (you'll get contacts for contacting later), then actually give away the prize at the end of the show
- Depending on your product, take it with you. Take multiple examples.
- I always love when companies have a physical display showing how their product acts or works, especially if they have a display that shows both the 'before' and 'after' product in use. Like showing a display of a lousy exterior wall mock-up with half of it covered in vinyl siding (shows the actual siding over the peeling, rotting wood). Or lousy old cabinets next to cabinets that have been refaced. People want to SEE the product in use or how it's used. Photos tell someone more than just some guys in a booth with a banner with their logo and phone number on it. A physical display tells them even more than photos.

Good luck!

[rich!]

ummm spammers.

[Jim C]

Hi. Great suggestions.
It's funny you mention the "simple language" because, from a friend's suggestion, I had to redisign the banner to make it less technical.

We sell mostly faux stone panels and your idea to make the before and after rotting wall with the siding is brilliant.

It's a lot of work to set up your first booths with all the ideas we've been getting. We'll have to pick what sounds the best.
We thought that a 10x20 would be enough but we already filled up with products and examples. Next year will have to be bigger.
I'm trying to create a turning display with all the panels and colors lined up so that people can scroll through and touch/feel the actual product.

I have had another suggestion with the before / after so I'll have a large screen with past project scrolling through.

It's a lot of work but it's going to be fun.

Thank so much for the pointers!