#Did You Know - Corporate Interiors/Retail/Museums

We were visiting last week with a long time customer.  It was a courtesy visit just to say hello.  I truly believe those visits are really important.  We care for our customers and plan on having a relationship with them and their company for many years.  Customer care visits are to make sure we are providing quality service and product to our client.


As the conversation progressed, we spoke about some of the trends that we are seeing.

We also discussed some of the newer products and services that we offer.

Guess what?  Our customers do not have ESP.  If we don't tell them what else we can do for them, they will get it somewhere else.

She spoke of a number of fairly recent projects where she really struggled to find a partner to assist her.  We could have helped her.

So here is this weeks, #DIDYOUKNOW

There is a very fine line between custom trade show exhibits and retail fixtures.  With our partners we can build any kind of fixture that you may need.



Along those same lines are corporate interiors.  This is a very wide range of potential projects.  As much as I hate bullet lists, here you go.

• Wall graphics/wall paper
• Framed wall lightboxes
• Reception Counters
• Information Kiosks
• Lobby Signage
• Donor Walls
• Museum Kiosks/Exhibits
• Job/Application kiosks
• Comment Card Boxes
• Prize Wheels
• Acrylic Display Cases

That is just a few items that we have done for clients in the past.  We love a challenge.  The creative side of this business is what gets us up in the morning and makes the industry exciting.  I tell people all the time, we are not an exhibit house that has a stock of kits.  Almost everything we do is custom in some way.  You want your office, exhibit, or your kiosk to be unique to you and your brand, not something that looks like what everyone else has.  That is one of our strengths.  

Your brand should permeate everything you do, from your office lobby to your trade show exhibit.  Having one partner that understands the importance of that, will help you achieve that continuity.

The bottom line, if you have a special project, call us.  If we can't help you, we will try to point you to the right resource.


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Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Read other Total Displays Blog posts at http://totaldisplays.blogspot.com/

#Did You Know? - Exhibit And Materials Storage

As a full service trade show exhibit house we offer everything and anything that relates to trade shows, exhibits and events.  That can be overwhelming for a prospect.  I can send an email out to a prospect with a bullet list of things we can do for them.  That is pretty ineffectual.   First, they are not going to read the list.  Second, even if they read it they won't remember anything beyond the one or two things they might be considering at that time.

Island Exhibit Ready to Head to Advance Warehouse

So, we are going to be starting a once a week, DID YOU KNOW post.

So often when a prospect or even a customer comes into our showroom we often hear, "I didn't know you did that!"

Shame on us.  So stay tuned, and follow our blog to learn all the things Total Displays can do for you.  Our goal is to make you look great and take some of the pressure out of exhibiting!

STORAGE

We have a large warehouse and offer storage of exhibits, booths, materials etc here in our location.  We have customers from all over the country and world that use this service.

Storage can be so much more than just physically keeping your properties here.

How often have you gotten to a trade show and found that you were missing things, or that the last person to use the display didn't pack it correctly or that the table throw is covered with mold because it was packed up wet.  Or, the worst... your exhibit is broken.

Let's talk about getting ready for a trade show.  You have booked a space.  Now is when the fun starts.  Here is an example of the steps someone may have for a trade show.

• Figure out the advance warehouse dates and determine when you need to ship it to get it there on time.
• Fill out all the paperwork
• Order electrical
• Order furniture
• Order lead retrieval
• Order flooring
• Pull out the exhibit, make sure you have all the pieces and parts you need.  You don't want any surprises during setup!
• Check the graphics, iron the table throws, steam out any wrinkles.
• Do I need to order anything new?
• Pull together your supplies box
• What are the giveaways and do you have enough
• What literature are you bringing
• What product are you bringing
• Pack everything up
• Put it on a pallet an shrink wrap it all
• Set up the shipping

Of course these steps vary slightly for everyone depending on your exhibit size and the type of shows you do.

Here comes the DID YOU KNOW?

We handle all that for many of our customers.  Storage is not just about physically having your exhibit here, it is about so much more.  We once had a prospect with a heavy show schedule get very excited when they learned, we could manage all those smaller inline shows for them for an hourly rate.  

Our services are a la carte so you pick and choose what you want us to for you!  

Be aware.  There are companies out there that are giving away storage.  TRUST ME - THEY ARE GETTING THEIR MONEY FROM YOU SOMEWHERE!

In quoting exhibit storage for one of our new storage clients there was a HUGE variation in storage quotes they received.  They received 3 quotes.  

1. 2,000/year
2. 5,000/year
3. 11,000/year

Why the variation?  Some people offer this as a service, some as a revenue center.  Others almost give it away and make it up by over inflating prices somewhere else.  Watch for hidden charges like account manager fees and other fees that pad charges in other areas.  

With Total Displays you always get 100% transparency.  We will explain any charges or line items on any invoice.  We will show you when and where you can save money.  We provide you with white glove service so that your exhibit experience is as painless as it can possibly be.

Call Total Displays to ask for your free storage quote and analysis.  We will also review bills with you from current providers to be sure you are getting the best value.

If you like what you read, please share it!

====================================================
Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Read other Total Displays Blog posts at http://totaldisplays.blogspot.com/

Product Innovators vs. Product Copiers

Every industry, every product ever built (at least the good ones) have been copied.  Does that make it right?  Someone changes something just slightly, small tweak here small tweak there and voila you have a "new" item.

Total Displays is primarily a distributor.  What exactly does that mean in the exhibit industry?

We are not limited to our own product line.  We do not have the overhead of having production staff and a shop.  We don't have to keep our production shop staff busy.  So often we have seen prospects come to us that have worked with a custom exhibit house and wanted something more modular.  The custom exhibit house proposed something that they would build for them.  Complete overkill.

But...  here is the big secret.

WE CAN BUILD CUSTOM EXHIBITS THAT DON'T REQUIRE NUTS, BOLTS, HAMMERS, OR NAILS.

But I digress.  Watch for a blog post coming soon about the advantages of working with a distributor like Total Displays.

We are very spoiled.  We have spent years culling the industry and selecting the best of the best manufacturers out there.  Everyday we see reasons that validate our decisions to A.  Not be a custom display manufacturer and B. To partner with the companies we selected.  Read more about a custom exhibit house story HERE!

One of the reasons we select a partner?  A product innovator.  What we see, continually is our partner creating a new item for the exhibit and event industry.  Often they win awards for those items.  A year, later many other exhibit houses now have a new product.  Some are blatant in their copying of the idea and some change things up a bit more.

Here are some examples where one of our partner has been an incredible innovator (just a small list)

• Online exhibit design search.  This is an award winning "catalog" of designs and products.   Check out ours at:  Total Displays Design Search
• iPad/Surface Kiosks - check out ours here:  iPad Kiosks
• Cell Phone Charging Stations - check out ours here:  Cell Phone Charging Stations

Those are just three of many.  Each year following the release of a new product the "copiers" come out. 

This year you are going to start seeing competitors roll out cell phone charging stations.  If you want a Coach purse why would you buy a knockoff?  If you want a BMW why would you buy a knockoff?  If you want a diamond, why would you buy a cubic zirconia?  

You may say, the knock offs are cheaper?   Well based on the "new" or should we say "copied" cell phone charging stations I have seen so far?  If they are NOT remotely of the same quality, they are MORE EXPENSIVE.  

Why would you buy a copy when you can get the original?  Just asking?  

Thank you to Classic Exhibits for being an innovator and a great partner.

If you just want a reality or truth check, I am happy to chat with anyone that might have questions about this.  If you don't have a partner to consult with you on these issues we are here to help.


If you like what you read, please share it!

====================================================
Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Read other Total Displays Blog posts at http://totaldisplays.blogspot.com/

Lies, Lies, Lies, Lies

More and more we are hearing exhibitors being misled by the general contractor for trade shows.  For new exhibitors or people new to an exhibit manager position it can be very confusing.    Here are a couple of misconceptions.

1.  You have to use the general contractor to install your booth.

You should always check each show's regulations carefully because rules are kind of wacky these days for installations.  This is specifically true with things like lightboxes lately.  Rules are also different for inlines vs. islands.

But one thing is certain, YOU ABSOLUTELY DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR.  Any exhibitor can appoint what is called an Exhibit Appointed Contractor (EAC).  I would recommend you choose that person/team carefully and have them become familiar with your exhibits to save money and be sure your exhibit is in 'tip-top' shape when you arrive to the event.

2.  Exhibitors must rent from the general contractor. 

ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE.  You can rent from anyone that offers a rental program.  Most rentals from show services that I have seen are beat up and often not in the best of shape.  They are used many times with little refurbishment to the structure in between uses.  That is how they make their money and why they can often be less expensive than other rentals.  

This is your brand.  If your booth is banged up and graphics don't look great your company doesn't look great.  Here are three things that drive me absolutely crazy when I see them on the show floor.

• Loose or poor fitting graphics
• Visible cords 
• Banged up or damaged hardware

DETAILS MATTER PEOPLE!

3.  You must get flooring and furniture from show services.

Guess what?  ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE.   Many companies, like Total Displays, have furniture and flooring available for purchase or rental.  Flooring can pay for itself in 3-4 shows (depending on selection) and furniture can pay for itself in as little as 1-2 shows.  I don't mean this as a shameless plus (ok maybe I do), but look into this.  You can get what you want instead of the limited options available from show services and you can save money.  Who wants to pay $30 for a cardboard garbage can?

International Exhibitors Tips

International Exhibitors especially can benefit from renting a for US shows.  You can save money on things like customs etc.

Are you doing give away items?  Work with a US partner to get those items and have them shipped directly to the show to save on shipping and customs.

If you just want a reality or truth check, I am happy to chat with anyone that might have questions about this.  If you don't have a partner to consult with you on these issues we are here to help.


If you like what you read, please share it!

====================================================
Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Read other Total Displays Blog posts at http://totaldisplays.blogspot.com/

I Am Done With My Custom Exhibit House

Today we had a large prospect come in to meet with us in our showroom.  I have been calling on this account for a long time.   They have been working with a local custom exhibit house for many years.

I like to think of us as the Little Engine That Could or David of David and Goliath.

Today that prospect sat here in our showroom and said,

"I'm done with 'Custom Exhibit House ABC'."

We had another prospect in here yesterday that basically said the same thing.  They said they felt the industry was moving away from the true custom booth and wanting much more modular and lightweight options.

We are finding this in many cases to be true.  Of course there are still some true custom displays out there.  We saw a 10 x 20 at a show recently that actually required drills, nuts and bolts to set up.  It was all wood and had to weigh a ton!  I know we could have designed something that would have looked better, been lighter, easier to set up and still represent their brand really well.

A couple years ago we won a 10 x 30 deal where we were up against a custom house.  The custom house told our prospect, "Oh yeah, I know Total Displays.  They are just a pieces and parts company."  I guess they underestimated us and our product offerings.  We have MANY stories where we have beat out custom houses.

Our conversations with our prospect continued today.  They were renting some items from this custom house.  They said, by the time they added all the account management and other fees the rental was twice what it should be.  As they sat in our showroom and we looked at some of the items we had available they were very pleased.

What they came away with really astounded them.

1.  We don't charge a lot of extra fees in any of our jobs
2.  We have all the same custom capabilities through our partners that the custom houses do
3.  We are invested owners providing a high level of honesty and service
4.  They realized we did not have all the overhead that a custom house has
5.  They really liked what we offered and our honesty.


I am proud to be a pieces and parts company that can save companies money on storage, shipping, drayage and install and dismantle services.  A future post will be coming regarding storage and other services - watch for it!

If you really want custom, yup, we can do that too.

This week's score:

David 2   Goliath 0

If you like what you read, please share it!

====================================================
Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Read other Total Displays Blog posts at http://totaldisplays.blogspot.com/

Do You Buy Trade Show Exhibits On Line?

If you have read any of my posts, you know I tend to just, put it out there as they say.  So here you go:

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR CHEAP DISPLAY PRODUCTS ON LINE I CAN'T HELP YOU!

Yes I really said that.  I am cleaning up from a sales rep that is no longer here.  Multiple opportunities that she had listed said they could find things cheaper on line.  Yes I am sure you can.  If price is your primary motivation then we are not the right company for you.

You may find this arrogant.  There is a difference between arrogant and confident.  I have confidence in our products and in our service.  I am confident that if you buy from us you will get a good quality product that is designed to last.

I can't tell you how many times people think our products are too expensive and buy something cheap ultimately come back to buy from us.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW OR ASK

Here are some questions you should consider if you are buying online:

• Are you comparing apples to apples?

There are so many different substrates and print methods out there.  This is your BRAND.  If it is cheap online, there is a reason for it.   

• How is the graphic finished? 

Velcro?  Silicone Edge?   The look of your finished product can vary greatly.  So can the sewing and finishing.  Sloppy seams, loose or frayed edges?  Is that how you want to represent your company and your brand?

• What kind of warranty is there on the product?

So many products now that you buy online are almost a consumable.  I can't tell you how many times people didn't want to pay our price and bought cheap on line and then came back to buy a quality product.  This is legit people.  The cheaper the product, the lower the quality.  Are there companies out there that inflate prices on cheap products?  Of course.  Those people give sales people a bad reputation.  We are not all like that.  Total Displays is not like that.  Find a provider you trust.

• Will the supplier give you feedback on your graphics? 

Let me tell you, if you are buying cheap product these companies make money on volume.  They most likely will not provide you with phenomenal customer service.  You upload your art and they print it.  They don't care if the resolution of your picture is grainy or your colors don't match.  On the cheap products they can't afford to take the time to really service you.

• Will your supplier give you tips and tricks on how to care for your product?

Total Displays is committed to being a partner.  I don't want to just ship you a display.  I want to be sure you got exactly what you want and that it is working for you.  We can give you recommendations on graphics or even do the design for you.  An online order?  Here is your link to upload the graphics, we'll print it and ship it to you.  You get what you get.

• What does the office space/location/showroom look like for the company selling you product?  Can you visit their office (regardless of where they are in the country)?

Why does this matter?  If they are a home office or a company without a showroom, there is a possibility that they may not be here in a week or in a year. If their office looks like crap, why would they care what your display looks like?

Please consider carefully before trusting your brand and your messaging to a company with low price points and very little customer service.

If you decide to go cheap and go online?  Call us when you need to replace it with quality.

If you like what you read, please share it!

====================================================
Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Read other Total Displays Blog posts at http://totaldisplays.blogspot.com/

Oh Crap! Our First Trade Show is When?

It is August.  Marketing and event managers all over the country are saying,

"Oh crap, I have so much to do for our first show!  I am NOT  ready for our fall shows!"

Or are you different?  Do you use the summer months to prepare yourself for the busy fall show season?  Are you completely prepared?  Are your plans all done?    

It is not too late to make sure you are prepared and avoiding any last minute emergencies when it gets crazy busy.

Here are a couple of tips for you.


1.  Check your schedule.  Do you have enough booth properties for all your shows?

2.  If you are exhibiting in an island, do you have a floor plan and configuration that fits the booth materials you have?

3.  Have you checked all your graphics?  Are they in good shape, do they need cleaning, are the logos and messages current and up to date?

4.  Have you checked all your hardware?  Is it in good working order, any repairs needed?


5.  Have you tested any electronics?  Computers?  Monitors?  iPads?

6.  Do you know what furniture you will need for what show?  Have you priced rental from show services vs. owning?

7.  Do you have a full logistics plan mapped out?  Do your booth materials go from one show to the next?

8.  Are your staff trained on set-up, tear-down and/or supervision of the installation of your booth?

9.  Have you trained your staff on appropriate booth etiquette and/or product knowledge?

10.  Literature, promotional items, give away items?  Are they all ordered?

11.  Have you ordered all your booth services and/or accessories?  Flooring, electrical, lead retrieval etc.?


I talk a lot about partnerships in our blog.  We value our customers and don't just provide them product.   We offer booth staff training services and much more.  Total Displays is always willing to sit down and help you plan for your upcoming show season.  Our goal is to help your exhibit schedule be as painless and stress free as possible.

If you like what you read, please share it!

====================================================
Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Read other Total Displays Blog posts at http://totaldisplays.blogspot.com/