It’s a wonderful feeling when you’re shopping for a trade show booth. “Everybody wants to be my baby…” It’s great to be wanted, but that kind of popularity can be overwhelming. The most important (and difficult) job is sifting through the myriad trade show booth vendor options, and finding the one that’s right for you.
So what is the difference between all these trade show display companies, and which one is sure to be your perfect fit for the highest ROI?
There are three types of tradeshow display companies: custom houses, modular exhibit companies, and online portable exhibit companies.
The modular exhibit companies tend to be large national entities with branches in cities throughout the country. These branches are individually owned and operated businesses: “franchise” companies. Many Metro employees came here after working at one of these modular exhibit companies, so we know intimately how they operate and how they differ from a full service custom exhibit house like Metro Exhibits.
When purchasing an exhibit from a franchise company, you place an order with the local “branch,” which is independently owned. They then turn around and buy the product from the manufacturer. Then the product is sold to you. Logically, the manufacturer has to make a profit and the local company has to make a profit, meaning you bought something that was marked up twice.
Conversely, companies that make their own exhibits in-house (as custom exhibit houses do) have only their wholesale cost to mark up to make a profit; they don’t have to charge extra costs for the same product.
Separate Resources
The franchise companies will refer to their network of connected offices, shared resources, warehouse space, and discounted rates. However, the independently owned franchises may not cooperate or share warehouse or storage space. In fact, it is likely that they don’t know or speak to their counterparts in other cities. The “discounted” rate they promote on shipping and other basic services are generally the same as full-service custom exhibit houses can offer, too.
Without the insight of an experienced company’s design team, you are guessing at how to best showcase your brand and your products. An experienced team that includes an exhibit designer, graphics artist, exhibit sales specialist, creative manager, project manager, carpenter and/or engineer will offer options you never dreamed of.
No Personal Touch
Generally speaking, the franchise companies design and manufacture products in their national facilities much like cars are made. Just like cars, the end products have the same basic chassis and interior with a few customizable elements. It’s a factory assembly line for exhibits. If your company has a unique brand that you’re proud of, its ok to cringe at the last part. You’re probably thinking that you deserve a unique exhibit that truly captures the essence of your brand, company, and product. We couldn’t agree more. That’s why we invite you to experience the difference.
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