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(Amethyst nuggets & rondels, flourite beads, lepidolite rondels, flourite discs, tanzanite ovals)
By Arizona Bead Dog
We’re all human, so we share common mental and physical reactions to the same stimulus. The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is a good example. The feeling of being overwhelmed is nearly universal. While you expect “big,” you don’t know what that means until you get here and see that it’s endlessly big. Hundreds of table-length-feet of beads, pearls, findings, and finished jewelry — and that’s before you’ve even made it one-quarter of the way through one show.
The following tips will help you prepare for and reduce the overwhelming feeling so you can concentrate on what you need to buy. Since the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is a body-mind experience, both need to be prepared.
Tip 1: Know clearly what you need to buy to make your product.
This tip is deceptively obvious, so don’t overlook it. You think you know, but when you arrive at your first show, you’ll forget all of it unless you’ve put effort into figuring out beforehand your essential needs. It’s very easy to become distracted by hundreds of never-imagined choices. Knowing clearly what you need for your jewelry business means you won’t be caught off guard, and you’ll be better able to retain your bead-buying balance.
Tip 2: Be flexible, but not too flexible.
You need mental flexibility that won’t break your bank account. Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? Or see other beads you want instead? Be flexible and substitute. Also, allow new beads and findings to inspire new ideas. Even buy a few unplanned items, but don’t go overboard, or you’ll be lost at gem-show sea. See Tips 3 and 4.
Tip 3: Have a show-seeing strategy that includes browsing time.
If you don’t give yourself time to “just browse” without purpose, you’ll feel cheated, confused, and then churlish. There is so much to see. Allow inspiration to happen: Plan in advance to give yourself “free” time. You need that free time to help grow your ideas and plans for next season. Another strategy to avoid show-seeing bead-buying worry is to walk very quickly down every aisle of a show, heading clockwise. Jot quick notes, ask a few prices. Don’t linger or this strategy won’t work! Then return to the starting place: Take a deep breath. You’ve now got an idea what’s there. Pause, mentally regroup. Go back and start buying carefully! Remember, you’ve got more shows to see!
Tip 4: The Gem Show changes your ideas about value and money.
Definitely come with a fixed budget for your business, and this is obvious. But also include a fixed amount for “extra inspirations,” “irresistible temptations,” and “that’s for me” purchases. Budget these in advance so you won’t be overwhelmed with indecision or guilt at the show. Because beads at the February show are some of the cheapest around (beads seem to climb in price as you move east), the inexpensiveness readily seduces you, and soon you’ll begin measuring everything in $5 increments. That Starbucks coffee in the morning? Forget it! You can buy a strand of beads, or even two! You may even start to resent the little amounts of money you must spend here and there — parking, food, entertainment — it all adds up to a lot of beads! So understand that this feeling may occur. If it does, just laugh at yourself and revel in the fact that you’re having a great time at the world’s largest gem and mineral show in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.
Tip 5: Alone or with a friend?
It’s fun to shop with a friend. Just as a friend can give valued advice, she can also distract you from making buying decisions. Either way, give yourself permission to ask your friend to part ways at any given show, or for a certain amount of time at a show, and don’t feel bad if she asks first.
Tip 1: Physical comfort is paramount.
Clothing: Layers so you can remove them if the environment suddenly gets too hot because of the showroom’s lighting, and so you can add if the day is particularly cool. Shoes: Your most comfortable! If they aren’t as comfortable as they could be, buy gel insoles. You will be on your feet for hours. Don’t skimp here even if it cuts into bead money, particularly if you’re here for several days. Purse/Knapsack/Rolling luggage: Leave the purse at the hotel! They’re awkward because they cause an unequal weight distribution on the body. After hours of bending over tables, this will increase back and shoulder aches. A waist-bag or knapsack is better. If you want complete independence, bring a small piece of rolling luggage.
Tip 2: Eat right.
We hear this tip so often it may cause you stress to read it here. But you’ll be glad you took a few extra moments to bring along healthy snacks, like nuts, apples, and water, while you’re out shopping. These types of snacks satisfy your body’s need for healthy fuel, and help avoid digestive-tract issues from food that’s too greasy or processed. And if you eat from a show’s food vendors, choose wisely.
Tip 3: Train (outdoors or at a shopping mall).
Bead shopping is mentally strenuous because you must decide from endless choices where to spend hard-earned money, and it’s this mental concentration that adds to bead shopping’s physical demands. So start walking several hours a week if you don’t already. Stretch regularly. Do a bit of yoga if you prefer. It’ll be good for you and reduce your body’s fatigue, aches, and pains when you start gem show shopping.
Tip 4: Advance research; bring a folding chair?
Well in advance of the February gem show, you’ll be able to find out hotel and shuttle information. This will reduce the physical stress on your body by knowing when shuttles arrive and depart particular locations. You may even want to bring a lightweight folding chair your second day because there’s a serious lack of sitting space at most all shows. (See Tip 5 below.) Adrenaline carries you through the first day. [NOTE: A buyer told Arizona Bead Dog at the September 2008 show about her ZUCA rolling luggage that also is a folding chair -- so 2 for 1! Her tip: look for ZUCA at a sports store because you can save money on the purchase.]
Tip 5: Take breaks, sleep well.
Your mind will be uncooperative as it replays all those bead strands and trinket tables you saw. Second-guessing your purchases may have you restless whether you’re awake or preparing for sleep. Know this: No matter what beads or findings you purchased, you’ll think of a creative use for them, so don’t worry. It’s also impossible to buy everything! So take a break at midday in your gem-show shopping, even if it’s just finding a chair to sit down at (a reason to bring a folding chair). Rest 15 or 20 minutes. Let your mind wander. Close your eyes for a few minutes to restore their moisture and energy. At day’s end, try to go to bed early; your mind and body will function better in the morning. Save heavy thinking for well before bed so you can resolve the question, or resolve to decide it in the morning after you’re up. Your body will thank you.
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