Some Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Twin Cities Home Show

Ahhh, mid-winter in the Minneapolis area – it’s home show season! Window Outfitters – along with our sister company, Garage Floor Outfitters – have already attended two of these shows, but there are a couple more to come.  (Click here for details on the Bloomington and Apple Valley events.) We participate in these shows each year, and we get a chance to talk to lots of people about our services.  It’s a great chance to ask questions of home remodeling and home improvement efforts, plus you get to see new products that are just hitting the market. 

But since most of these shows have more vendors with displays than you’ll want to visit, it’s a good idea to have a plan before you attend, especially if you have specific things you want to check out or are looking for inspiration.

Attending a Home Improvement Show?  What to Know Before You Go

Like any event you attend, having a plan ahead of time goes a long way toward an enjoyable and successful day. So before you head out to the next show, check out these tips.

1. Visit the show’s website to see what’s available as well as familiarize yourself with the schedule.  Some events are only one day, others run an entire weekend. And generally the times vary.
2. Have a transportation/parking plan.  Familiarize yourself with the parking lots around the venue.  Or perhaps you may want to take advantage of mass transit specials.  Often for larger shows, the local bus companies have free rides to the shows.  You’ll find information on the show website if this is the case.
3. Are there speakers or special presentations?  Check out the schedule, and make a list of the ones you want to attend.  Also have an alternate plan in case one gets cancelled. 
4. Know the price, and if the show has discounts available, get your tickets ahead of time.  Some events are free, others sell discounted passes on the show’s website. 
5. Got specific projects in mind?  Bring your list. It’s also helpful to have photos of the area you’re going to be working with so you can talk specifics with a contractor or vendor. 
6. Bring along a tote or a reusable shopping bag.  You’ll probably collect literature or even free samples, so it’s nice to have something to put those things into.
7. Are there particular companies you want to see?  Make a list, along with their booth numbers, if available.  If there’s a map of the show area, grab it.  Circle booths you want to be sure to visit. 
8. Bring along a notepad and a pen to jot down ideas, phone numbers, etc.
9. Lastly, wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes.  You’ll most likely be inside, so either leave your jacket in the car or wear something you can easily stow in your tote bag.

Our goal for attending these home shows is to be available to answer questions on our products and services, so don’t be afraid to ask!  We love being able to talk in person with prospective customers at these shows, even if it’s just to give people an idea of what we offer.  Plan ahead before you attend the next show – hope to see you!

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota residential building contractor specializing in energy-efficient exterior home improvements such as replacement windows, entry doors, and siding. We serve the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.

 

 

 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.