Canadian Trade Shows: How to Find Them and How to Get Admission

If you are serious about product sourcing, then you’ll need to do the trade shows. Trade shows give manufacturers an opportunity to display and sell their wares and stockists and buyers - for big department stores, boutiques, chain stores and a swathe of other shops both online and off – the chance to find them.

Many eBay sellers have the belief that trade shows are only for buyers from retail giants purchasing the next Gucci handbag. This is not true. In fact, there are an enormous variety of trade shows around. Some are purely for gifts, some are for toys, and some are for homewares. And you won’t just find the big name brands – there will also be interesting and creative offerings from up-and-coming artists and boutiques; cheap and cheerful unbranded merchandise from China and Asia, plus locally made goods and home-grown offerings. In essence: everything.

Trade shows are particularly good for finding niche items that aren’t available from the likes of WalMart. If you haven’t heard that money is in niche markets, then take note. You’ll be hearing a lot more about the long tail and the potential it holds on this site! Niche markets are simply the best way to make money on eBay – or anywhere else for that matter.

How Do You Register for Canadian Trade shows?

There are many trade shows held in Canada each year. For most you will need to be able to prove that you are a member of the industry. However, the rules are somewhat laxer for very new businesses and often all you’ll need is a registered business name.

For subsequent visits though, you may be asked for industry credentials such as a business card, invoices of relevant merchandise purchased and your tax ID. Some trade shows will take this all very seriously, while for others it will merely be a way of scaring off time-wasters and if you enter a legitimate business name and details you’ll have no trouble at all.

Please don’t be put off by what is required to register. A little bit of effort here will reap big rewards, simply because the majority of sellers aren’t going to bother.

A tip for newbies: don’t treat the trade show registration forms like you might other online forms. Enter your genuine information. Your inbox won’t be blasted with useless fluff – in fact, you’ll be lucky to get much at all. And when any information does come your way you will want to get it!

Before You Arrive…

Make sure you have a clear sense of purpose before you visit. Are you simply looking for ideas or are you going to place an order? You may wish to prepare some questions to ask exhibitors before you go. And don’t forget to take a good stock of your own business cards – while also making sure you nab as many from stall-holders as you can! You don’t have to go with the purpose of purchasing, but you do need to go with the purpose of creating relationships and building up a repertoire of potential contacts.

Where to Find Upcoming Trade Shows