2010 was my 5th year to go to Tucson and my 4th year as an exhibitor. As anyone who has been to the Tucson show can attest, the first time it's all a bit overwhelming. I probably took me 3 years to get Tucson "figured out." There is always more to learn, but I have a good feel for things. While there is no shortage of material to blow your mind, I often am more impressed by the other side of the equation- the buyers. There are so many kinds of people who buy in Tucson for so many different reasons. Becoming familiar with these reasons has helped me offer better service. Rockhounds, decorators, collectors, artisans, jewelers, museum buyers, gift shops - each has their own set of needs and agenda. Now that I better understand the why, my next objective is to understand the how. There are over 30 venues and hundreds and hundreds of dealers in Tucson. I am curious to understand how people go about deciding where to go and who to buy from. I'd love to receive your comment on this. Please specify what type of buyer you are (retail, wholesale, jewelry, specimen, etc.) and tell me how you go about the buying process. Do you use the guide books? If so which one? What do you use as your search criteria- company name, type of material, visual adds? Do you research online for dealers or venues before you go? Do dealers you have bought from in the past stay in touch with a mailing list or something like that? Do you pay attention to adds on billboards, guides, etc. ? Do you browse new dealers intentionally or do you go to your "regulars" and only stop at at new place if it catches your eye? I know it's a lot of questions, but I'd love your imput.
On a separate note, I enjoyed this year's show at the Inn Suites with my friends at Rockology. It's a great venue with several dealers offering good variety and quality. It's less crowded and crazy than the shows in the hotels off of the freeway, has free parking, and decent food vendors. The first picture is from a Uruguayan dealer across the parking lot from me, and the second picture is of the inside of the Rockology booth.
