Which Asian gem fairs are worth the trip?

[cyndayco]

The Hong Kong Gem Fair is coming up soon, and I'm thinking of checking it out. But I also realize this fair's organizer also has exhibitions planned for Taipei, Singapore, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.

For those of you that have been to the Asian fairs, which do you think is worth the trip?

 

[pearlescence]

The biggest by far is the sept HK one.

 

[Katbran]

Wendy is right in that the September show is huge. The March and June shows are smaller in that they are held in the convention centre on HK Island and not out at the centre by the airport. That said...they are still very large shows.

 

[Cees]

Notice that the HKG June Fair is interesting enough, seen the exhbitiors list, to go there and as you are in The Philippines, Cyndayco airfares with Cebu Pacific are often cheap.

 

[katbadness]

Are the exhibitors only selling to the trade? Or can I purchase items there, too?

 

[cyndayco]

The site says it's only open to trade, but gssp newbie bought a few loose pearls there last March. I suppose some exhibitors entertain casual buyers.

 

[gssp newbie]

Hi cyndayco, the march organizer is different from the one in June.. The requirement was less specific for march thus it was easier to get in. I haven't been to the June one though... Having said that the bigger one in sept seems to be open to public too!

 

[Katbran]

You need to apply to get in and it takes awhile..I'm still waiting for my badges etc and I applied a month ago. You had best go online and see what's required, there is a deadline for online applications. I don't know that any of them are open to the public exactly, they require a minimum amount of business information though. Took a lot more to get into the Las Vegas show that's for sure lol

Definitely make sure you meet the requirements. After two months they just asked me for invoice copies and Business registration copies. They seem a bit slow.

 

[jmd]

Cynthia, can you share what you find about getting in? Are commercial credentials required to get through the door, or only to purchase at wholesale prices? I'm looking at the calendar to plan my next Manila trip, and have been known to connect through Hong Kong for a few days!

 

[cyndayco]

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. Based on what most of you have said, I'm setting my sights on the September show. Hopefully, gssp newbie and jmd can make it, too.

Katbran, good point! I'll sign up as soon as the online registration opens.

 

[Katbran]

Well they did ask for a copy of business card, Certificate of Business registration and copies of invoices to prove purchases from wholesalers. They made a point of saying that the show was for trade only. So definitely start the process very early so you can sort out if it's worth it.

 

[pearlescence]

HK is defo trade only

 

[MelT]

How safe is the online registration for the show? ...because we have to send in copies of our passports. I am booked to go on Sept., but because I am a bit paranoid of sending personal information online, I am just planning to register onsite. Has anyone else registered onsite? What time do they normally open?

 

[cyndayco]

Well they did ask for a copy of business card, Certificate of Business registration and copies of invoices to prove purchases from wholesalers. They made a point of saying that the show was for trade only. So definitely start the process very early so you can sort out if it's worth it.

Were you referring to your registration for this September fair? At which point did they ask for it?

I've so far managed to activate a buyer account and go as far as the validation process , but other than a business address and a passport, they haven't asked for anything else.

 

[Katbran]

They asked for everything after the initial application. It was a bit of a bother actually as they apparently lost it all at some point but never told me to resend. (keep in mind I'd been to this show 3 times already) In the end I had to make a fuss and resend it all and it still didn't arrive until after I'd gone. My son had to Fed Ex it to me in HK .. I was not keen to stand in line with 200+ others.

MelT You should register online, don't worry about the passport side of it. You need to make sure you are accepted before you go. You will need a copy of your Registered business name etc , your ABN number, Passport, business card, and wholesaler proofs of purchase. Seriously don't try to do it all there..because if you are missing something you won't get in... plus you will have to line up with hundreds and hundreds of others all trying to do the same thing.

Check the website for all of the basic information on hours and location.

 

[MelT]

thank you Katbran!
I just registered online in the nick of time.

 

[Katbran]

If you don't get the badge in time you will still have to line up..but at least you will know that you are going to get in...would be terrible to spend all the money and then find out you don't have something or don't meet the requirements. Check and see..the first time I went I registered late and didn't get the badge so I had to line up..but they opened the day before for registration and it was only half as busy as it was the next day. I have not noticed them offering that early option but send them an email and ask. If they are offering it and your badge hasn't arrived, then definitely go the day before. It's a zoo the first day. Also ... be SURE to take lots of business cards..everyone wants to exchange one.

I see you are in Sydney , I'm in Adelaide Message me if you have any questions

 

[MelT]

If you don't get the badge in time you will still have to line up..but at least you will know that you are going to get in...would be terrible to spend all the money and then find out you don't have something or don't meet the requirements. Check and see..the first time I went I registered late and didn't get the badge so I had to line up..but they opened the day before for registration and it was only half as busy as it was the next day. I have not noticed them offering that early option but send them an email and ask. If they are offering it and your badge hasn't arrived, then definitely go the day before. It's a zoo the first day. Also ... be SURE to take lots of business cards..everyone wants to exchange one.

I see you are in Sydney , I'm in Adelaide Message me if you have any questions

I just received an email informing me that my application is successful and they will start mailing badges by the end of August and it will take 2-3 weeks to arrive. This year an ebadge is also available to download just in case the badge does not arrive in time.

Thanks again Katbran :

 

[Katbran]

Great ! Now you are all set. You will be lucky if the badge makes it but with ebadge you are assured of getting in. While at the show you can take your documentation to an eared where they will produce a trade buyer ID card that let's you into all sorts of shows they run . It's good for a year or so .