Twice a year, High Point turns into the center of the furniture universe. Buyers, designers, and retailers fill the streets, showrooms open their doors, and everyone is chasing the next great find. It is exciting, it is inspiring, and it is a lot. After many seasons at market, we have noticed that the same small mistakes keep tripping people up. The good news is that every one of them is easy to fix with a little planning.
Here are the five most common mistakes we see at High Point Market, and what to do instead.
1. Leaving Your Business Cards and Resale License Behind
We know, we know. Everything is digital now. But High Point is still a beautifully traditional industry, and people will ask for your business card everywhere you go. A printed card is still the best option because it gives the person you are talking to a place to jot down notes on the back. That little handwritten reminder of what you loved in their showroom can make all the difference when they follow up after market.
Your resale license matters just as much. If you do not want to be charged sales tax on the orders you place, you will need to show it, and almost every showroom will ask. Keep a PDF on your phone or at least a clear photo of it so you can pull it up in seconds. It saves time, it saves money, and it saves you from that awkward moment of digging through your email while a sales rep waits patiently.
2. Forgetting an Umbrella
High Point weather has a personality of its own. The morning can start sunny and turn into a downpour by lunch. Since you will be walking between showrooms all day, a compact umbrella is one of the smartest things you can pack. Your outfit, your catalogs, and your mood will thank you.
3. Packing a Suitcase That Is Too Small
This one surprises first timers every single time. You may arrive with the best intentions of traveling light, but you will not leave that way. Between catalogs (and there will be tons of them), fabric samples, product information, tote bags, gifts, and the occasional stuffed animal you somehow could not say no to, your luggage fills up fast. Bring a bigger suitcase than you think you need, or pack an extra foldable bag inside the one you bring. Future you will be grateful.
4. Choosing Style Over Comfort in Your Shoes
We love a great pair of heels as much as anyone, but High Point is not the place for them. You will be on your feet for hours, walking through massive buildings, up and down stairs, and across town between showrooms. Comfortable shoes are not optional here. They are essential. Choose something supportive that still feels like you, and you will be able to enjoy every showroom instead of counting the minutes until you can sit down.
5. Not Planning Your Agenda
This is the big one, and it is the mistake that costs people the most time and energy. Many buyers try to see everything at once, rushing from building to building and back again. By the end of the first day, they are exhausted and have seen far less than they hoped.
The better approach is simple: plan your agenda and focus on one building per day. Explore it fully, take your time in each showroom, and then move on to the next building the following day. You will see more, make better decisions, and actually have the energy to enjoy the dinners and events that make market so special. Before you arrive, map out which showrooms are must sees, note their locations, and build your days around them.
Make the Most of Your Market
High Point is one of the best opportunities of the year to discover new collections, connect with the people behind the brands, and find pieces that will make your clients and customers fall in love. A little preparation goes a long way toward making the experience productive and fun.
And while you are planning your agenda, be sure to save time for us. We would love to show you what is new at Zuo Modern, talk trends, and help you find the pieces that will bring something fresh to your floor or your next project. Bring your business card, your comfortable shoes, and your curiosity. We will take care of the rest.
