Trade fairs are valuable for seeing scale, materials, packaging, and category trends in person. But a product display alone is not enough to choose a supplier. Use the visit to collect structured information that makes follow-up faster and helps you compare suppliers fairly after the event.
1. Photograph the product and the information that identifies it.
For each product you may source, take clear photos of the product, packaging, SKU or catalog number, material details, age grading, and the supplier's booth or business card. Photograph the item from more than one angle when a detail affects the quote, such as moving parts, fabric, paint, batteries, magnets, or accessories.
A useful photo set lets you send a precise request after the fair instead of relying on a memory or a broad product name.
2. Ask the supplier questions that affect the real landed cost.
The displayed price is only a starting point. Ask about the commercial details before you place a supplier on a serious shortlist:
- Is the item ready stock, semi-custom, or fully OEM?
- What is the MOQ for the product, color, and packaging?
- What are the sample cost and production lead time?
- Does the quote include color box, barcode, inserts, or master carton?
- What carton size, gross weight, and units per carton apply?
- Which test reports or certificates are available for the intended market?
3. Separate product appeal from supplier capability.
A strong item on a booth does not automatically mean the supplier can produce your order reliably. During follow-up, compare whether the supplier is a factory, trading company, brand owner, or stock distributor. Ask for product ranges, export markets, production capacity, quality process, and experience with the packaging or certification needs of your market.
4. Make compliance part of the first comparison.
For toys, compliance is part of the buying decision, not a final paperwork step. Share the destination market and product age grade. Depending on the product and market, buyers may need to discuss EN71, ASTM, CPSIA, CE, UKCA, labeling, warnings, phthalates, small parts, flammability, electrical safety, or other relevant testing questions. Existing reports should be reviewed for product match, test date, and the named applicant before relying on them.
5. Build a supplier comparison sheet within 48 hours.
After the fair, consolidate your photos and notes while the details are fresh. A simple comparison sheet should include product image, supplier contact, item number, quote, MOQ, packaging, sample cost, lead time, testing status, carton data, and questions still open. This is the moment to remove suppliers that are unclear on MOQ, price basis, packaging, or compliance.
6. Verify before production, not after shipping.
Before a purchase order, confirm the approved sample, product specifications, packaging artwork, barcode, carton marks, and inspection points. For larger or sensitive orders, arrange inspection before final shipment so visible defects, quantity, labels, and cartons can be checked while corrections are still possible.
Need help organizing your trade-fair leads?
Send your product photos, supplier business cards, target quantity, destination country, and any certificate requirements. We can help turn them into a practical supplier comparison and identify the questions to close before you order.
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