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Tuesday, August 23, 2016

4 Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Home Show


Home Shows are valuable opportunities for homeowners looking for home products and services. It’s a one-stop-shop where you can get face-to-face with multiple area businesses in a short period of time.  If you’ve never visited a home show before, and don’t know what to expect, here are a few tips for making the most of your time at a home show.

1. Make Your List
Before you go make a list of the products and services you are interested in. There are so many vendors the temptation to try to see it all may be great. You can end up getting distracted and walk away without getting some of the information you came for.

You may also want to review the list of participating vendors and highlight those you want to be sure you visit. Most home shows will publish their exhibitors list on their websites prior to the show.

      2. Check the Schedule
There are often special events, including seminars or free consultations, available during the show. Some may require you to sign up in advance to participate. Be sure to note the times and requirements for any of these events you may want to attend so you don’t miss out.

      3. Ask Questions
This is your chance! Don’t be afraid to talk to the vendors. Ask questions about your project; find out if they work in your area, how long they’ve been in business, ask about their process. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for the professionals’ capabilities and the culture of the business. This initial conversation can provide great insight into whether they will be a good fit for your needs.

      4. Start a Collection
Take brochures and business cards from vendors you might be interested in working with. Jot down notes on the back about anything that stood out to you during your conversation. After you get home this can be a great way to recall which vendors you want to reach out to, especially if you’ve talked to multiple vendors offering the same product or service.

With a little bit of planning you can use your time efficiently and maximize the value that attending a home show can provide.