| “It's a small world after all. It's a small, small world.”
|
| -
Robert B. and Richard M. Sherman |
|
Labeling your Freight!
Did you know that in many cases if you do not label your boxes and cases with Display Materials Rush they will not make it to the show floor until the day before or day of the show? This is thought to be helpful to the exhibitor too much clutter
|
 |
|
during set-up but what if you have something integral to your display in one of those boxes? Proper labeling identifies shipments and makes certain that your freight moves both safely and in a timely fashion. It is very important to be certain that labels are placed on both the long and short sides of each carton or box. Use the preprinted shipping labels that are supplied in your exhibitor kit. Be certain that EVERY label has 1. the name of the show. 2. the exhibiting company name as registered. 3. the booth number. 4. the address to be delivered to. Shipping labels should be placed on every piece of your shipment. The shipper and consignee information must match the bill of lading information exactly, and all labels must be legible and complete. Sloppiness is the real reason that many people have last minute mistakes take the time upfront and your loss percentage becomes virtually non-existent.
|
Banner Stands
|
Cost-conscious exhibitors also are increasingly using banner stands as an addition to other exhibition equipment
or as stand alone pieces at smaller regional shows.
Banner Stands are a method of displaying graphic images to trade-show visitors. In most cases banner stand hardware consists of a self-enclosed spring-loaded roller (similar to a window shade) by which graphics extend out or roll up. This system is lighter and easier to reconfigure than traditional frame methods for displaying graphic images and signs and the hardware can disassemble from a 3-by-6 or 8-foot stand into an over-the-shoulder carrying bag weighing approximately 15 pounds. Setup can be done in 30 seconds.
While tabletop, tri-folding panel displays can be awkward, bulky and weigh as much as 35 to 40 pounds a full graphic banner stand can get your message to the crowd in three seconds which is about all of the time it takes to walk past your booth! Easier mobility with the right message equals success.
|
|
|
|
The world is indeed becoming flatter and that means that the USA-made pop-up display you just bought is in all probability assembled in the USA with parts made in China. It is as simple as that. Ten years ago most all of the pop-ups sold in the USA were also made here. But just as clothing and shoes, car parts and plastic widgets are made in China so are smaller exhibit displays. Is this a problem? Not really if the quality is good. However, there are some factors you must take into consideration.
First and foremost who is supplying the guarantee? If a reputable US manufacturer is doing so then you are in a good place. They have the relationship with the Chinese company and will back all warranty work. You will not be sending the broken display back to China but to Chicago, or Los Angeles, or Atlanta. Where the in-country manufacturer/assembler will have the parts and fix the problem immediately.
Secondly who are you buying your unit from? This is so very important. The internet is a great place
|
and if your pop-up comes from an internet store does that store actually have an office, showroom, and warehouse? More than 50% of all pop-up sales on the internet are done from someones house. Think about this that is why the price is so good, very low overhead but will they be there when your pop-up display has a problem on the show floor? Can they overnight you a new unit to arrive in the morning when your show opens? Unlikely. Are they buying direct from China? Or from a local manufacturer that can provide additional help? Lastly the add-ons and the graphics. Where are your graphics being printed? Does the company you are purchasing from have a graphic department to check your files and prep them for the best quality output? If not, we suggest that you look further.
In conclusion
it is simply a case of Buyer Beware. If you take the time to educate yourself, to find the best price, to make certain that you are getting warranties then you must go a little further and be certain that you know who you are dealing with and that they will be there next month if you need help. Otherwise that great deal becomes a pile of rubble in the corner and you will be back buying again for the next show.
|
Update from the Exhibitor Show 2006
|
|
We attended the Exhibitor Show last week in Las Vegas this is the trade show for trade show people. While there were allot of new and innovative exhibit designs the real news seemed to center around three topics measuring your return on investment, using the internet for comparative pricing, and renting exhibits rather than buying exhibits. Although I will look in depth at these topics over the next few issues below is a quick review:
|
|
