Every item on the market has a cost at which it is being sold. This is the price that the company selling it has, for whatever reasons, decided to attach to it. In general, this is the price they feel reflects the workmanship that has gone into the item, and the skill required to create its design. In some cases, what the company feels an item is worth does not match its actual worth. It may be less effective, it may be made with substandard materials, or it might just not work properly. The price of a trade show display is particularly prone to these variations. Many companies offer an inexpensive quote for a trade show exhibit, and customers often buy it without thinking twice. Instead of taking the price as offered at face value, you need to think long term.

Savings Today Could Be Costs Tomorrow

Bad materials do not last. Poor design will fall apart. These facts are true for every product in creation. Whatever it is, it needs to have a certain quality of workmanship before it can be trusted to last its full useful lifetime. Determining these costs is no easy feat. You may not be able to examine the banner stands before you buy them, so you can't see for yourself whether they're made from something that will last. Instead, you have to rely on the reputation of the company that is selling them. Check the company's online presence. Talk to people that currently use a trade show display from them. See what their past trade show exhibit track record is like. If people have had a good experience with them for the past three to five years, you've probably found a good deal that's worth taking. If not, you should look elsewhere. Money saved today is no good if you have to pay it back in repair costs or replacements a year or two down the road.

Look Beyond The List Price

Buying a trade show exhibit entails much more than the simple cost. Depending on where you get the unit, it may need to be delivered. There may be shipping costs for conveying the unit to a convention. There may be hidden fees related to setup and takedown of the banner stands. Many companies will offer a lower base price on a comparable unit, only to later charge a number of unexpected fees - and only reveal them after you've made your purchase. You've already made a substantial investment (usually not refundable); you can't just stop working with the company now. Looking at one price without asking for more detail is always risky. Be sure that you understand all the costs before you pay a penny.

Your Relationship With The Design Company Lasts Long After You Buy A Trade Show Display

When you buy a trade show exhibit, you're not just buying a cup of coffee and leaving the store. Your banner stands may require storage, maintenance, shipping, and more, all of which is usually handled through the company. This close connection means that it's almost impossible to overvalue good customer service. Good service can mean the difference between success and failure at future conventions. It can mean the difference between hardship and ease.

Buying a trade show exhibit should be a well thought out decision. Consider your numbers. Run simulations to determine projected expenses in years to come. Think carefully before you choose any one company over any other. If you research and don't rush into a decision, you will get banner stands that last for years at a price that's right for you.