Comments

Posted by jaminacema

I would say try to go to a used curriculmn sale 1st. At least there you can spend less money on your mistakes! Also if you can go along with a seasoned homeschooler they may be able to lead you around and help you from becoming too overwhelmed. Last but not least, go with a budget and stick to it. I would recommend walking the whole floor once before buying anything. Then you will know what's there and can go back and make purchases. No matter how overwhelming it is, it is soooooo fun!

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Posted by nitrocat

Ah...book fairs! My heart, and head pound at the thought! The only advice that I can offer is to spend some time beforehand planning. Know what you need and start by only looking at those things. Spending some time researching in the catalogs and on the intenet prior to the fair can help too. If you know what something costs "normally", you will know if the fair price is a good deal. After you've found all of your "must haves", if there's any money left, you can look for some fun stuff. If you have any strength left besides! :)

Stacy

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Posted by Sweetie

Either
#1
Find a *seasoned* homeschooler, and have them help you make a list BEFORE you go of what you are looking for. They'll have an idea of what you need

or
#2
Don't go with the intention of purchasing ANYTHING (you'll still maybe buy some small stuff, but don't buy your main curriculums). Collect pamphlets, leaflets, handouts, look at materials, talk to the sellers, take some classes if they are offered.
Then, go home, look at the information, follow the links, talk to others with experience, and decide on what will best suit your family's needs. Then buy -- either at the next book fair, or online, or second hand.

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Posted by prairieteacher

...the books, check online to see which speakers will be there. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and insight. If you know ahead of time some of the vendors you're interested in, then by all means, make time to visit the vendors workshops and demonstrations too.
As for the curriculum...
I don't think you should go to purchase the big stuff,either. All the vendors will tell you that "you can save a bundle on shipping and handling if you order today." That is a sales pitch. Period. (Sorry I know that there are vendors who will read this, but you know it is true.) The money you save on S/H isn't going to make up the difference later when you have 'buyer remorse' and feel like you have to use this or that book because you got it at the book fair. It isn't going to make a difference when you sell it for 1/2 price on ebay.
The best thing to do is...
1) Pray and make a list
2) check out those things that interest you.
3) take breaks, listen to speakers, have a good lunch
4) Pray and go back in there
5) Browse
6) Definately buy something FOR YOU TO READ (for encouragement)
7) Go home and shop from there... no pressure, no salesman, no problems.
8) Go BACK NEXT YEAR as an EXPERIENCED HOMESCHOOL SHOPPER! :) Sock money away for all the books your going to buy next year without S/H costs.

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Posted by prairieteacher

Dress comfortably, were comfortable shoes, bring a backpack for freebies or anything you do buy and bottled water (tightly closed of course) Wear a fanny pack for cash/checkbook, cell phone,pencil and tablet.
You may want to put some OTC pain meds, for tension headache, feet ache, etc.
And most of all remember to wear a smile, it just makes the experience so much better. When you smile, you're happy on the inside.

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Posted by eyecorn

As a vendor and a shopper, I've been to about 50-55 shows in the last 8 years. We have lots of moms/dads come into our booth, especially first year homeschoolers, very confused about what to buy. We suggest they just look and browse, and take into consideration their child's learning style. This will help eliminate certain types of curricula. Secondly, make a list and try to stick to it. But do be flexible enough that if you see something that isn't terribly expensive, that might be a good fit for your child, then try it. But don't go overboard. If you are at the conference for 2 days, spend day 1 browsing and then buy on day 2. We've seen this alot as vendors and expect it. HOWEVER, I will say that at shows like Arlington, NC, PA and MD if you don't buy day 1, there's a chance it will sell out. Even if we triple our stock we bring from year to year, there are certain popular items we sell out of. So, if you know there is something you want to buy and it appears to be "flying off the shelf", buy it. I've hesitated on things and ended up paying shipping. Remember, not all curricula can go the inexpensive book rate....the post office now makes us show them what's in our boxes if we ship book rate. Don't buy because your friends are buying...it's very easy (oh, and I've done this) to buy the latest thing or how to book or parenting book because the group you are shopping with all bought it. I really have to stand back and say, "Will we use this? Is this our family? Am I buying on impulse". Didn't mean to hog the blog here, but I'm staring at shelves full of books I bought on impulse, plus as a vendor I've heard many people share their successes and shortcomings at conferences. (mostly successes! )

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Posted by homeskoolmom

It is soooo easy to spend big bucks at a fair because something looks neat. As a first-timer, I would recommend doing research online beforehand for items you would like to see in person, then you can decide on those items after you've seen them. Sometimes, items look better in person, sometimes they aren't what you thought they would be and you will immediately decide against them.

As far as other things you see, walk through everything before you buy anything. Make notes of what you think you'd like to have. Pray and think about the items you've seen (preferably until the next day). Do you think you'll really use them or will they sit on the shelf? Then purchase those within your budget that you still feel strongly about.

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