Buying a custom trade show display isn’t like buying a refrigerator or a new car. You can’t just pick up a new trade show display from a store and put it up; most trade show displays are custom manufactured specifically for the customer and it seems no two trade show display companies build displays in the same way.
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Not all trade show displays are created equal; some display companies build great displays that will hold up for multiple uses and some just build displays that look good for only one use.
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Their are many types of displays and chances are your going to have to buy a display that is approved by each trade show so make sure you purchase one that will be approved by every trade show you attend.
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Choose trade show colors carefully! One mistake that people tend to make is they make this decision emotionally rather than logically. Be unique enough to stand out but don't go over the top to the point of turning people off. Some colors are inviting where as others will make visitors uncomfortable.
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What does your display place emphasis on? You have a small window of opportunity as people walk buy so don't try and sell everything you company has to offer.
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Before you buy a display visit the display shop that you are considering and see what kind of operation they are running. Is their shop clean and well organized? How many people do they have building exhibits?
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Ask to see some photos of displays they’ve done for other businesses. Recognize any? If larger companies have purchased multiple displays you can probably rest easy in that they build quality displays.
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Materials matter! Aluminum will hold up a lot longer than laminated chipboard will hold up a lot better that painted chip board.
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Get several bids and make sure the bids are very specific on how your display will be constructed and what kind of materials will be used in it's construction.
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If one display company quotes a dramatically lower price than another display company it should send up a red flag. Just like all businesses, display companies need to make a profit so if the price seems to good to be true than they are probably taking short cuts on the quality of material or the construction.
To be continued...
