Home and Garden Shows Part 1: Preparation
It’s that time again! Spring is here and with it comes home and garden shows. Home shows are excellent ways to put your business out in front of home owners who are interested in home improvement.
So, you have decided that you want to do a show but where do you start? These types of shows are typically held in larger cities. Do a search online for “Home shows near ______” (largest city closest to you) and see what comes up. You may be already familiar with a particular home show, so just look up their website. The website should contain a phone number to a representative of the show. You could call this person to get more information regarding dates, times, booth pricing, etc. Some sites have booth pricing readily available for you. The number one rule of participating in a home show is to BE PREPARED. Do not try to throw everything together at the last minute.
You should be aware that participating in your first home show will be quite pricey. Some of the expenses that you need to prepare for include the following:
Booth rental: From $500-1500 for a 10×10 booth
Booth prices will depend on your particular area and the size of the show, and what size booth you choose. 10×10 is the typical size booth. TIP: When renting your booth, request that you not be placed on the same isle as another pressure washing company.
Furniture rental (table and chairs): $100
You will need a 4-6 foot table. Pay particular attention to the booth requirements. They may require you to have a table skirt. The easiest way to obtain table skirting is to rent one from a party supply company. You may also have to provide floor covering for your booth. TIP: You may rent one with the official decorator of the show but we personally went to our local Home Depot and got a 10×10 piece of carpet cut for $25.
Banner for your booth: From $100-300
Again pay attention to the show requirements. You will most likely have to have a professionally designed banner to hang. TIP: Don’t skimp on the banner, this is the first thing many people look at. They want to know what you do.
Handouts (business cards, pens, brochures, flyers, display boards, entry forms postcards…etc.) From $200- $1000
Marketing materials can prove to be a very large expense. Keep in mind you have to pay for design costs as well as printing. To save money, I designed a newsletter, coupons, and a display board all of which were printed for me at Office Depot. TIP: Do not date any of your materials. This way, you can use them for future shows. Instead say something like “This coupon will expire 2 months from the show”.
Booth Decoration: From $50-$200
Your booth needs to stand out from the others around it. You can basically decorate it how ever you think you will get noticed, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money. People like to see visuals so bring some of your equipment (like a surface cleaner). TIP: Take live (or silk) plants from home to decorate your booth. If you are advertising a free house wash, make a flyer and put it in an 8×10 picture frame you already have at home.
These are just a few of the expenses that you need to be aware of. Remember to plan in advance. Many promotional products require several weeks to be printed and shipped to you. Make a “To Do” list and allow yourself plenty of time to complete the list. Don’t forget to advertise to your customers to come see you at the show!
Next: Part 2: During the Show
Author: Jennifer Flinn
http://www.gulfcoastpowerwashing.com
