How to Buy or Rent an Exhibit 101
  “Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't.”
- Pete Seeger


Did you know that there is a difference between ordering your electrical power at the show and having it installed? You must read every one of your show forms. In many cities, mostly in the southern USA – when you buy a unit of electricity it is installed at your exhibit without additional charges. However, in most of the big convention cities including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago and New York – there is an additional fee for electrical labor and depending upon the day and time you schedule your electrical labor it can be quite expensive. Your exhibit house should be able to help you with these forms – they work around this everyday and usually can make the most qualified analysis of your electrical needs.

     In the next few weeks you may get an email or two from DisplaysandExhibits. com. This is our online store for purchasing a pop-up display, a banner stand, a table throw – and all other items that can be shipped to you in a short time. Our store has been online for over two years and has been very successful – as online buying offers clients a way to comparison shop without staying on the phone for 2-3 days. It is our recommendation that if the online store you are visiting does not offer complete information and disclosures about their product – you really need to consider taking a pass.
     Be selective when analyzing a retailer. Look for merchants that offer a wealth of information about the products they offer. The best retailers will include in depth information with detailed descriptions of each product, and highquality pictures of all items offered.
     Read the FAQ and fine print. Most professional sites will offer a listing of Frequently Asked Questions. These questions should answer basic concerns about shipping rates, return policies, and payment security. All reputable merchants have secure sites that protect the security of your credit card and check information and other personal information. Look carefully for any fine print or special terms and conditions. If a site does not offer this information, contact customer service and inquire about the merchant's policies. If a retailer is not able to provide basic information on their sales policies, look elsewhere for a more proficient seller.
     Look for deals on shipping rates. One of the biggest complaints from online shoppers is about the high cost of shipping. Many sites offer discounts or free shipping if you spend over a certain amount of money. Other sites provide a bulk rate if you buy more than one item. Taking advantage of such offers can significantly reduce the costs of your overall purchase.
     The reason you will be getting notices from DisplaysandExhibits.com is our pricing has taken a tumble per item, as well as Free Shipping benefits on many items. We have streamlined and mechanized the systems we have in place and we are passing the savings onto the buyers to increase our volume – and make us more important to the manufacturer. This is a win-win for all of us – please take the time to visit – www. DisplaysandExhibits.com.

 		     Who do you buy or rent an exhibit structure from? An established exhibit house? An online web store? An exhibit broker? Any of these people can be an asset in your purchase depending on the amount of servicing you will need before, during, and after your show. Clearly in today’s economy pricing is the main issue. Where can you get the most for your buck?
     Using a broker that knows the ropes, deals with purchasing and renting exhibit equipment everyday, and has the inside track for a topline sale or rental can very easily be the best of all bargains. However, what is that broker’s markup? Are you paying it upfront or on the backend. An exhibit broker is much like any broker – think mortgage broker. They may tell you that there are no upfront fees but then you are paying on the back end – because no one works for free – that is the known factor. Also, remember you may not just want a rental – you may need paperwork done, installation and dismantle fees included, graphics designed and prepared – is your broker capable of all of this or are you going to be handed over to three other companies to complete your job? Again, this might cost you less on the surface but what are you willing to pay for the certainty that your exhibit will
actually be on the show floor the morning of the show?
     Using an online web store is a great choice for a small pop-up exhibit. However, are they going to tell you that the $545 model is really not a good choice if you go to more than 3 or 4 shows a year? Do they have an adequate repair and or return policy? A unit from China may be highly adequate for your needs – but is there a stateside location if a repair is needed? If you open your booth in preparation for your show next month in New York and you need a repair will you have time to ship your exhibit for repair outside the US? Again, know what you are buying and the terms of your agreement. Web stores can be a great resource for smaller units.
     Finally there is the traditional exhibit house. In the past ten years, just as the internet has made buying a camera, or a car grill as simple as clicking a button on the website of your choice – so has buying or renting an exhibit changed. It always seems to come down to price – but with that price are you getting all of the services that your company needs and all of the hands-on assistance you must have to make your show a success? There are no “do-overs” in the tradeshow industry. The show must go on and it does whether you are ready or not.
     Here is the prime “A” number one way to know who you are working with – call their references. Not just one – but three or four. Don’t just ask about the structure, most companies can do fine on that to varying degrees, ask about the service in the show city. If your exhibit house does not take you to the show with everything in hand and extras of everything and anything in their back-up boxes, with their credit card ready if your plasma doesn’t work, and an overnight shipper ready to roll at a moment’s notice – this is not the exhibit house you want to deal with. We have learned – anything that can or will happen on the show floor happens – so you must be prepared with the right people to help you!