Home Shows, good or bad?

[pondman20]

I would like some feed back on home shows. Are they really worth doing, what type of displays work the best. Do you have to try and build some type of display pond (which is a load of work) to be effective, or could you do as well with an informational booth?

[Lanelle]

Our Home Show always has several display gardens with ponds, waterfalls, bridges. Each is done by one company and they draw lots of attention. One pond company consistantly wins Best of Show awards for their water features. It must work or they would quit doing it. Oh, we do have the demographics to support this type of work.

[PaulJ]

by Pualj

This is from the "grass in my basement" thread. I didn't feel like retyping the info

It was a lot of work to build, it was even worse to tear down because we had a big snow to clear the same day
I don't remember how much actual business it generated but it did get a picture in the paper. They didn't even have a booth the next year but I wasn't working there anymore then, so who knows

From going to shows, I can say it is good to have something to get people into your booth. Either peanuts,candy, popcorn, a drawing, a demo, something. A way of showing everything you do is good. I hate hearing "we don't have that here" or " I left that information at the office" Be ready to answer all sorts of questions. Lots of business card and a good pair of shoes. (those concrete floors get HARD)

If actually building a pond is worth it probably depends on the number and type of people in attendance.

[devildog]

Thats what you'll gef from this quiry. Have tried a few times.......with mixed feelings. You will have to try it to find out if it works for your company. I can advise you, the tire-kickers will drive you nuts, after so many complaints, the sponsor now charges a gate fee with the proceeds going to a charity. That allowed us to continue participation. Do feel the exposure and few jobs resulting justify the time and money.... only you can tell. With Regards... devildog

[baddboygeorge]

i just went to a show about a week ago an all the ponds i saw were terrible . they were leaking an making a mess .it can be a good idea if ya know what you are doing!!