1) Plan ahead. Come prepared with knowledge of your store inventory, your current and upcoming needs, percentage of dollars you want to allocate to each category and your sales projections.

2) Use this Planner to make a list of the booths you're sure you want to visit and a list of the booths you think you'd like to see.

3) Make appointments with salespeople if you can. You should also be receptive to considering the many new lines exhibited with which you may not be familiar.

4) Have the proper credentials; i.e., personal identification, business cards, copy of your resale tax certificate and copies of credit references (at least three to five).

5) Know your vendors. Do they have a rep in your area? Will they offer Show specials? Do they have a dating program? Do they offer volume discounts? Do they offer free freight? Do they have a co-op advertising program? Are products priced at wholesale?

6) Don't try to do it all in one day and remember to plan your shopping time accordingly. Shopping hours on the last day of the Show are now 9:30 am - 2:00 pm, so make sure you see everything! And be sure to wear comfortable shoes.