Entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to save money, especially when they just start a new business. You don’t have a lot of money to invest in marketing and advertising, but the problem is that even a simple trade show display can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. It might seem impossible to keep these displays affordable, but there are a few things that you can do to cut the cost. Not only that, but many of these tips will make it easier to transport the display.
Display Panel System
One of the major problems with trade show displays is that they have to be large for people to see them. Not only are the displays expensive due to their size, but they are also very difficult to transport.
A panel system will fix both of these problems. A panel system is large image that is printed on several different panels. This will create a mosaic so that people can easily see your logo or information, and the small panels will be portable and lightweight.
Panel systems are best for logos and generic designs. While you can print text on them, this might be an issue if the panels are set too far apart. Even just an inch or two of room between the panels might make the text difficult to read.
Lightweight Banners
Lightweight banners are fairly inexpensive, but they are typically one of the best things for a trade show display. Not only do banners come in a variety of sizes, but they are colorful and perfect for logos, graphics and text. They are incredibly easy to transport because you can roll them up and store them in a car or box.
If the event is to be held outdoors, then get a banner that can withstand the wind and possible rain. These banners are slightly more expensive, but they are still affordable.
Inexpensive Furniture
Every trade show display needs a table. The table serves the purpose of holding your marketing materials, giving you a spot at the event and it lets you stand out from the people walking around. Many people get more expensive tables, but this doesn’t make any sense.
It doesn’t matter how your table looks because you’re just going to cover it with a cloth. Get an inexpensive table that is just durable enough for your items. If you want to get the cheapest tables, then you should only places brochures, business cards and similar items on your table.
Package Deals
Companies that print trade show banners and displays are always offering package deals. This is because it costs much less for them to print several things at once than to produce a few small items. If you want the lowest printing costs, then be sure to take advantage of any package deal that the printer is offering.
You might also want to consider calling the printer and telling a representative about what you need to print. If you are willing to print all of your items simultaneously, then you might get a cheaper price. This is especially true when it comes to brochures and other marketing materials.
Essentials
One of the best ways to keep your display affordable is to only use the essentials. Most people selling these displays will try to sell you better tables, backlighting and even special flooring to set you apart from the competition.
All of these are great, but they can be hard to afford when you’re just starting a new business. If you want to keep things inexpensive, then stick to the essentials. You can easily get by with a table, simple display and some marketing materials. Don’t buy anything else unless it’s truly essential to your display.
Conclusion
Trade shows are great for business owners because they allow you to connect with the public to market your business and show people why you are the best. At the same time, trade show displays can be incredibly expensive. Even a simple one can cost more than a thousand dollars. You can keep the costs low by making the printing as cheap as possible, buying inexpensive tables and only using the essentials.
Additional resource: Inspire action with ‘Start with Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action,’ a book that explores how great leaders inspire others to take action by focusing on the ‘why’ behind their endeavors.
About the Author
Mike Weimar is the CEO of modular display systems from IconicDisplays.com discount trade show displays. Mike is enthusiastic about trade show designs and marketing for small and large businesses. Contact Mike to learn get trade show booth ideas from IconicDisplays.com!