subject: Long-Term Investment Versus Short-Term Savings: Understanding The True Value Of Trade Show Exhibits [print this page] Long-Term Investment Versus Short-Term Savings: Understanding The True Value Of Trade Show Exhibits
When you make any major purchase for your company, it can be easy to focus on the dollar amount and nothing more. However, when you are buying an important tool like trade show exhibits, what you get for that amount may vary widely, even between apparently identical bids. There are many factors that a company should consider when seeking to determine which trade show booths will ultimately provide the best value, ranging from short-term concerns like immediate cost to longer-term concerns like reliability, durability, and support options from the company. Understanding these other points will help your company make the most financially sound choice when purchasing convention materials.
Trade Show Booths Are Not Created Equal
Two trade show exhibits may look identical on the outside, yet offer dramatic differences in longevity and durability because they use different materials. Scientists are constantly developing lighter and more durable materials for use in convention stands, yet units made with older materials are still widely available. It's not even a universally bad idea to purchase such a unit, but it should always be done consciously. Thus, the first thing to consider when judging the value of a stand is its composition. If it's made with new technology, it may well have a higher price tag than a competing bid, but it might more than make up for the additional cost with savings on future repairs or later replacement.
Support And Maintenance Might Be Valuable Added Expenses
How are you going to store and care for your trade show booths after you purchase them? Particularly if you are choosing large units, they're unlikely to fit inside your average storage closet. These stands require special handling, special storage, and special maintenance to keep them in peak condition. Companies will often offer packages that handle all this for you, wrapping it into the initial payment of your trade show booths. Depending on the facilities your company has available, taking this offer might make a lot of sense. Some are even able to offer shipping for your stand, removing the hassle and pain of trying to organize that effort yourself. These services might seem expensive at first, but they can quickly pay for themselves in long-term savings, and may also help you avoid charges for damage if your unit is shipped by untrained handlers.
You're Buying The Trade Show Exhibits' Company Too
Many buyers forget that the company that manufactures their trade show booths is far more than just a one-time business associate. Even if you don't choose to use a single support service offered through that company, they remain your first point of contact should any damage occur to your trade show exhibits or should you need to change graphics or replace any elements. No matter how independently you plan to manage and care for your convention equipment, you will be working with the company that manufactured it in the future. If you choose to buy from a company that has a short history, or offers spotty customer service, you could end up paying for it down the road.
These elements are what truly define the value of trade show exhibits. Considering all of them will help you understand what you get for the price and will enable you to make the best purchase decision for your company in the short term and the long term.
