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!

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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/

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/