A lot of businesses view trade shows, conferences, and other industry events as important. Why? Because these events can generate new contacts, leads, sales, and partnerships. But to make any of these events a success, you’ll need a booth of some kind.
As the top U.S. trade show banner supplier, we often get the question: “Should I rent or own my trade show booth?” The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so let’s look at the pros and cons of each option.
Renting A Trade Show Booth
Advantages:
- Flexibility: You can rent a booth that matches your brand’s image. And if you have to change your company's look or logo, it’s easy to update a rental.
- Fresh Look: You’ll steer clear of old-fashioned displays because rentable booths always have an up-to-date look.
- Flexibility: A rental booth can be easily tailored to meet the requirements of the event, whether it’s a big trade show or a small gathering.
- Larger Presence: If you rent multiple booths you can set them up in different places to ensure larger reach.
- Personalization: A rental can be fitted with brand-specific graphics and furniture.
Drawbacks
- More Costly: In the long run, renting booths will cost more than owning one.
- May Be Damaged: Rental booths may display signs they’ve been used before. And if you damage your rental, you’ll have to compensate the company.
- Booking Challenges: Since you don't own the booth, you might have trouble getting it, especially if it’s during the busy season. Plan ahead and develop relationships with trustworthy vendors.
- Hidden Fees: Renting furniture and extras can cost more than you think. Also, these items may not be available when you need them.
Owning A Trade Show Booth
Advantages:
- Complete Control: When you own a booth, you can make it fit your brand. Plus, it will be ready whenever you need it.
- Economic If Used Regularly: If your company goes to shows often, buying a booth can save you money in the long run. In most cases, you would break even by using a display twice and save money with every use after that.
- Brand Consistency: A well-branded booth that stays the same is more memorable. Consider this if your goal is to create a strong presence at every event.
Drawbacks:
- Big Upfront Payment: Buying a booth can be a large upfront investment.
- Not As Adaptable: As your business grows and trends shift, changing your booth design can cost a lot.
- More Responsibilities: When you own a booth, you have to account for storage, shipping, and maintenance.
Make The Right Choice
Choosing to buy or rent a trade show booth can be hard, and your decision will definitely play a role in determining the results you achieve.
If you’re having a hard time choosing, consult Trade Show Display Pros. We have been in the business for decades, so we’ll be able to provide helpful insights. And when you need high-quality banner stands or eye-catching banner walls, we’ll be happy to show you our wide selection. All of our products can be tailored to suit your needs!