Franklin wholesale shows next week

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi - I will be attending the wholesale shows in Franklin, NC, next
week for the first time. Would love to have any tips or suggestions
anyone has. Also, will anyone from Orchid be there and like to meet?

Thanks!
Beth in SC

2 
    Hi - I will be attending the wholesale shows in Franklin, NC,
next week for the first time.  Would love to have any tips or
suggestions anyone has. Also, will anyone from Orchid be there and
like to meet?

Beth, This is the first one I’ll miss in a number of years. I hope
you already have your hotel reservations. Be sure to allow plenty
of time in the “big tent” AND some of the roadside sales. Take time
to get oriented in the main wholesale tent. 180 or so dealers in
one ‘room’ and many with similar merchandise can be a bit confusing.
Take notes. Take notes everywhere. Make a list of what you NEED
before you go and the price you are willing to pay. You’ll see much
more that you’ll want to buy but, so learn where everything is that
you need first. You WILL spend more than you planned! Not a lot of
places to eat in/around Franklin and anything that’s good will be
very crowded. Parking is good but, you’ll have to walk a good bit at
the main wholesale tent. Wish I could make it this year &* Enjoy,
Regis

3

I’m planning to go. A friend introduced me to this show several
years ago, helping me incorporate beads and semiprecious stones into
my iron and mixed media bowls. Take water! If you can take your
lunch, you’ll have a better chance of getting food you consider
healthy and delicious. You probably noticed from the show info that
cameras are not allowed, and that you need a copy of your sales tax
certificate for each vendor from whom you purchase. I usually "skim"
the show, then go back to make my purchases. The only exception would
be a one of a kind item or something I thought would run out before I
could get back. You’ll need some cash for small purchases because
some vendors won’t accept credit cards for purchases under $25 or
even have a higher minimum. As I recall, cellphone access is very
poor at the show site. Besides the supplies you need for your work,
you will find tool vendors, a bookshop, and a wide range of items you
might want to buy for gifts. It would be easy to complete your
holiday shopping or birthday list for the year. If you go with a
friend or family member who’s not shopping for professional reasons,
be prepared to go again the next day to complete your work. It’s
really hard to pay attention to another person and also get your
business shopping done. Sunday afternoon, many vendors reduce prices.
Of course, you may not find certain items you want by then, so it’s a
tradeoff. Catherine Jo Morgan Morgan Sculpture Iron and mixed media
vessels @Catherine_Jo_Morgan 706-754-3812

4

Sorry I missed the beginning of this thread Could you please tell me
where and when next week the Franklin wholesale show is?

Thanks so much
Sydney
Ska’s Treasures