talkmagic.co.uk

From time to time i perform for companies at trade shows, so recently i was searching for some magician's tradeshow giveaways. i found a site: http://www.magicmgmt.com/tradeshowgiveawayideas.html and sent off for some samples....after about 3 weeks they arrived. Words can't describe how bad they were, esp the 3 card monte...3 cards printed in 3 different shades of red - i kid you not!

Not a great experience! so I just wanted to ask if anyone had come across any good magical giveaways for trade shows that you could recommend?


Tony

Eddie Tullock the great trade show magician advised against trade show giveaways. He was probably the only trade show magician who had this policy. I always thought he was wrong but sometimes I wonder. And the above post is one that helps me to wonder. Eddie seemed to think they were more hassle than they were worth with delivery problems etc;

One thing is for sure. You are better off to use no giveaways than sub standard ones. You could do yourself a lot of harm with the company.

As a grafter I am perfectly used to selling sub standard merchandise and in fact I revel in it. I would not be able to sleep at night if I thought anyone could actually do the tricks I sell them. However as a trade show magician I really have to resist this policy, instinctive though it may be to me.

I've never given anything away at the tradeshows that I've worked other than the merchandise that the company wants to hand out.

Yes, but you are not an American. It is in their capitalist mentality to try and maximize the money they are making. Most American trade show magicians try to make a profit from the company by selling them all sorts of guff as giveaways. I personally don't but sometimes I wonder if I should exert myself to do so.

I am quite happy to be talked out of it though. I suppose it depends on how much money there is to be made versus how much aggravation there is in the making of it.