TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS;  RENTAL VS PURCHASING OR LEASING

In recent years exhibitors have seen the cost to attend tradeshows sky rocketed by leaps and bounds. With this said, more and more exhibitors are searching for ways to cut costs. To this end many budget conscious  exhibitors  are turning  to companies  that provide  turn-key rental booth programs. This turn-key rental program affords the client  the luxury of a full custom booth at about a fraction of the cost. 
To name a few, here are some advantages of our rental program

1. No storage fees for rental items
2. No refurbishment cost on booth
3. Changeable imagery from show to show – whether through components or graphics
4. Tremendous savings in time-consuming chores of custom booth coordinating and preparation and above all- your budget

First, it was the small exhibitors who would take advantage of such program, but now, even the larger and more seasoned exhibitors  are renting. Why? Savings  on Transportation, Storage cost, Less time-consuming . Overall, a great budget booster. Imagery is one of the main things companies  endeavor  to uphold, but gradually changes in the industry  have shown many participants the advantages of going ‘the rental way’ without sacrificing company image or quality nor integrity of display booth.

Another  aspect  of this rental program is that some components can be customized and purchased, while others may be rented.  This brings us to our next level of renting  ‘Multi-rental ‘

MULTI-RENTAL is  basically where an exhibitor has more than 5 shows to attend but do not wish to own the properties .  Instead of  purchasing the booth they simply commit to three or more shows, leaving the refurbishment, and the storage to the exhibit house. Once again a big money saver!  Advice: if there is more than 5 shows a year then its best to purchase the booth. This is done in two different ways “Lease the booth with a buy out “and outright purchase the booth. 
LEASING  your next trade show booth has a major advantage as opposed to purchasing the booth. There may be some tax advantage to the leasing  program, BUT- PLEASE DO TALK TO YOUR TAX CONSULTANT ON THIS MATTER.
The disadvantages of this are the following:

1. Monthly payments must be made with interest
2. The booth is your responsibility  all storage and refurbishments will have to be paid by you the exhibitor  
3. Depending on how long your payment terms are you may be ready for a new look  with  before  your payments are up.

Many exhibit houses are now trying to provide rental for the exhibitor; however, not all are successful due to lack of rentable components. They tend to use the simplest solution which is an aluminum system.  This system tends to get you to the show  but may not get you the custom look you are looking for. Good rental booth consist of custom components mixed with a modular system or rentable components  that has integrity, quality and that will uphold your company image.  Some exhibit houses may even have the latest looks  like stretch fabric components . This will definitely give you a custom look especially with the your own graphics. Stay  away from that run-of-the-mill scenario  so that  one exhibiting company does not  look like the other exhibitor.  To all tradeshow exhibitors  ..note..your rental should have a custom feel to it, after-all  your company is unique and your booth should reflect that. 
We certainly hope this article is a help to you in your decision making to purchase or rent.  Not all exhibit houses have great rental programs.. for more information on all of the above please feel free to contact me at rental vs purchase