Olivia, I find the trade fairs very useful. There are quite a few that may be relevant or interesting for you:
- The gift fairs (GHA and Reed Gift fairs run simulataneously in Sydney in both March and September and I am sure they are in Melbourne 2 times a year as well) Both GHA and Reed have magazines that are loaded with suppliers. Oh, GHA stands for Gift & Homewares Australia.
- The Jewellery Fair (this is on in September in Sydney and I know they go to Brisbane, but not sure about Melbourne...but surely they must?) Though, this one is really hard to get into. They are super strict on the entry criteria. I had to supply invoices from Jewellery companies, all my company docs etc.
- There is also an imaging fair and one for tropheys...I have been invited to both by my suppliers when they have been on, but they are not as regular (I was still working when I last heard one was on, so have not yet been along to one of these)
I have not purchased any wholesaler guides, but you can do quite a few internet searches and find wholesale listing sites. I know the bigger international ones are tradekey and Global sources, but I am sure there are some Aussie ones too.
Are you using Metaza? Feel free to email me if you want the Aussie suppliers.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Carolyn
