Going into high end showrooms or design stores can be very intimidating, especially for students. I have met who students have come my showroom and are very timid or very confident, some who work for designers, some who acknowledge that they merely students. I've also met some extremely cocky and nervous new designers whose showroom etiquette could use some tweaking.
So what
is the best approach when entering a showroom? What is the best way for students or beginning designers to stand their ground and get the respect they deserve as a professional?
Here are a few tips:
- Always dress appropriately- This does not mean dress in a suit and tie everytime you go to a showroom, but it is true about first appearances. Dress casual, as if you are going to a lounge with some friends for drinks. It never hurts to have a nice blazer and shoes. Not only are the reps at the showroom looking, our profession is all about networking. You never know if while you are out if you will meet someone and where that might lead. A simple meeting at a showroom COULD lead to an invite to a cocktail party afterwards with other designers.
- Don't bring bookbags!- Large green tubes, sketch pads, even rolling bags are a huge sign that you are student. Unless it is a great rush to get some samples, leave all projects at the house and make a day or afternoon of going to showrooms. Even if you as a student, there are many showrooms, events, stores that give away free bags with their names on them. Having your projects and samples in these bags with you (if you need them) will not only look more professional, but will show that you have been around the block to other showrooms.
- State your name, it's your claim- If you are a student, a beginning designer or just plain interested in the showroom and someone ask who you are, tell them your name! Unless you actually have a company like Jane Doe Designs, feel confident in saying who you are. You should refrain from giving backgrounds such as "Hi, I'm a student at Design School and I just wanted to look around because I have an assignment that is due next week and I wanted to....." trust me, they don't care.
- Don't leave your drinks at the front- Working for a showroom, I have seen how extremely irritated receptionist get when someone asks if they can leave their drink up front while they look around. You wouldn't leave your drink at the front of a high end clothing store to look around; same premise here. The reception desks are generally small in showrooms or stores and there is nothing worse then smelling someone's latte while they browse around, and a great majority wind up forgetting that it's there and now you have turned into "that" designer who leaves their trash. Trust me, if you can try to down it and toss it before you enter.
- Tearsheets, tearsheets, tearsheets- This is a biggie. Alot of sales associates do not sit, stand or walk around the showroom waiting for people to come in, especially just to hand out tearsheets. As people on commission, they are on the hunt for a sale. Therefore, it is best to do your research on the store first. Majority of the time any product that you need a tearsheet of can be found online. If you cannot find it, then it is a good idea to go in and see if they have any additional information on the piece, but at least this way they know that you are familiar with their products and their website. Addiontally, have the information (such as the item number) for the product that you are requesting the tearsheet for! Don't just say "Can I have a tearsheet for that round table in the back?" I've seen it a million times, even from professionals and it is no bueno my friend
These are just a few tidbits to help you around a showroom. I will get some more behind the scenes info and post it soon! If you have any questions feel free to post them and I'll try to get to scoop!
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It's that time again for the first Tuesday seminar held at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. This month the seminar is focused on Green Retailing presented by Karydes Consulting. Not only will you be joining other designers in the event, you will be treated to a complimentary lunch and the first 50 guests receive a gift bag!
