The must buy or look for at conventions?

[Emagine]

I am headed to a convention soon and I am trying to make a list of things to look at, maybe buy and so on. I have two boys. One who is roughly k-1 grade. He just turned six. The other is 9, delayed in spelling, reading, phonics. Rest is fine.

 

 

I am afraid to go in and either fall on my face from so much there and feeling lost or either go home broke lol!

 

What would you look for..?

[SebastianCat]

Here's my advice about conventions.....

 

Do your research BEFORE you go. Have a list of what you want to look at. Focus on one thing at a time, like "I want to look at MUS, Horizons, and Right Start math." If you go without a short list, you'll be overwhelmed.

 

Vendors like Rainbow Resource are usually great for having multiple options - like different math products, that you can put your hands on simultaneously. Saves you time.

 

Bring CASH for any non-essential purchases. Plan to buy some "fun" stuff if your budget allows, but don't go overboard. The same stuff will be there next year. Buy a couple of things to pull out on rainy days for THIS year.

 

Try your best not to buy on impulse. The Spanish curriculum I bought one year on a whim didn't get used much, and is still sitting in the box on our bookshelf. Maybe "one day" we'll work it into our schedule. ;)

[Dawn E]

Great advice!

 

I try to have my year planned out, for the most part, prior to going. I then decide what items will be cheapest at convention--generally items that you can only buy from the company that makes them. Sometimes you get a discount, but sometimes the free shipping is enough of an incentive. These are the main items I buy at convention, but I also budget for the fun items or sale items I'll stumble upon.

 

I try to also have a small list of new things I hear of here, so I can hold them in my hands and get a good look. We were already using MCT, but it was great to be able to look at the next levels and the new literature sample. Nancy Larson Science was another such product for me last year.

 

I walked that vendor hall so many times I eventually saw everything. Be aware that many vendors carry the same products, and, since the prices vary, you will want to walk around once before purchasing.

 

Have a great time!

[kbpaulie]

Not a list, but plan and research. If it's not on your list, look at it and sleep on it. You can always get it another time/ place. Just like you make a grocery list otherwise you buy the donuts and later regret it.... :001_smile:

[gardening momma]

Here's my advice about conventions.....

 

Do your research BEFORE you go. Have a list of what you want to look at. Focus on one thing at a time, like "I want to look at MUS, Horizons, and Right Start math." If you go without a short list, you'll be overwhelmed.

I would add to include prices on your list. Find out and jot down the publisher's price and whichever online price is lowest (check Amazon, CBD.com, various homeschool sites, etc.). Then when you're looking for these books at the convention, you can see if the price in the exhibit hall beats the online prices you found (note shipping charges for online purchases also).

[boscopup]

I would add to include prices on your list. Find out and jot down the publisher's price and whichever online price is lowest (check Amazon, CBD.com, various homeschool sites, etc.). Then when you're looking for these books at the convention, you can see if the price in the exhibit hall beats the online prices you found (note shipping charges for online purchases also).

 

:iagree: Also, don't forget to factor in tax if applicable! I went to Memphis last year, and found that tax was required, so buying from RR and other such places weren't really worth it (I always have $150 RR order for free shipping :tongue_smilie:).

 

Last year was my first convention. I went in with a list of what I was planning to use for the year (with prices as above), what I wanted to look at just to see what it was like, and what speakers I wanted to see. I ended up buying ONE thing from the used curriculum section, and I might have bought one new thing. Can't remember. I know I didn't spend much money at all.

 

This year, I plan to buy MCT at the convention (assuming the discounted price + tax is less than the online price + shipping). I have several things I want to look at, and I want to hear MCT speak (I didn't go to his lectures last year, but I did go to SWB's, and I'm so sad she won't be there this time).

Edited February 14, 2012 by boscopup