You can’t tell anyone about this. Last night for work I went to our supplier’s new product show. What that means is that the supplier gets a ton, like 50 manufacturers representatives, to come in to town, set up a booth, pretend not to notice while we pilfer as many pens as we can stuff into our complimentary tote bags politely offer us samples, give us the pitch on the new products and generally show us office supply salespeople what the new products are for next year.
Now, I am conflicted, because part of me thinks the erasable highlighters and dry erase file folders and eco-friendly cleaning products are really cool. I get excited to go back to work the next day and tell everyone what great innovations and products we have for them. But part of me walks through the booths thinking oh my God, we are all such a bunch of dorks. Especially the manufacturer’s reps, God bless ‘em. I mean how much can there be to tell me about a dry erase marker? (did you know you can write your guests’ names on wine glasses with them?)
At least they have free beer, and some nice food. And I can’t complain too much, because every year they give away a new tv to one lucky dork, and three years ago that lucky dork was me. Truthfully, the chance to upgrade to a $2000 42″ flat panel tv was at least half my motivation for going this year. The tv was not meant to be this year; however, I did get a tote bag full of pens and various other samples, I learned of the latest and greatest innovations in hanging file folders, (I would let you in on those, but there are too many to mention.) and I got a free meal.
So if there is anything you ever wanted to know about office supplies, fire away with your questions.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Erasable highlighters and beer? Count me in!
I will get you one, er, both, but I was referring specifically to the erasable highlighter…it’ll blow your mind.