Participation in exhibitions is a lucrative decision; no wonder people ask, “Should I buy or hire my exhibition stand?”
It’s one of the first things to consider when choosing an exhibition stand. However, this is a double-ended question that requires detailed discussion. The two routes have unique perks and benefits that are hard to overlook. The answer depends on many factors, including your hands-on experience, budget constraints, and participation frequency.
If you are looking for a prompt answer, hiring an exhibition stand is a better option for many reasons. You won’t have to worry about the intricacies or think about the investment, especially if it’s your first time. On the other hand, buying an exhibition stand is an investment that is more suitable for your long-term needs.
However, before you make up your mind, we want you to take a look at the benefits of both options. We don’t like to sound biassed and wish you to make an informed choice.
Benefits of buying an exhibition stand
Let’s be honest. Purchasing an exhibition stand is tempting and appeals to many because you’ll have something of your own. You should buy one if you are:
Participating in multiple events
There’s always an exhibition going on throughout the year in the UK. Buying a stand is a practical approach for seasoned exhibitors and brands who don’t miss relevant opportunities. With an exhibition stand ready to deploy, you will always be prepared for expos and trade shows.
Looking for creative freedom
Owing an exhibition stand comes with the freedom as you get to make one the way you want. You only need to share your desired design, preferences, and size with a professional custom stand builder. This will allow you to represent the best of your brand along with company ethos and uniqueness.
What’s more, you can get a custom stand that’s eco-friendly, reusable, and bespoke.
Point to Ponder: According to the Event Industry Alliance (EIA), over 6.11 million people visited exhibition venues last year. People love visiting custom exhibition stands which have a flair for creativity.
Going with the same design
If you are the kind of brand that loves consistency in design, buying a stand is for you. This will save you from the hustle of hiring a stand each time you wish to participate in an exhibition. You won’t have to worry about finding the right exhibition partner or about inflation costs.
Planning to keep it
Obviously, buying the stand comes with the perk to keep it for future events. You can store the exhibition display and use it when needed without worrying about availability.
Relying on an in-house team
Buying an exhibition stand is perfect if you are an out-of-the-box thinker with resources. It is a choice for those who are willing to participate in exhibitions regularly. Of course, you will have to learn how to plan an exhibition stand first if you are going on this path.
You should buy the stand if you have an in-house team of designers or exhibitors.
Benefits of hiring an exhibition stand
Needless to say, hiring a stand is preferable if you are new to exhibitions and trade shows. In addition, if you want to make it stand out, hiring a custom exhibition stand contractor is the right choice.
Ease of customisation & creativity
Hiring a stand provides you with an opportunity to get a new display for each exhibition. This will offer a better ROI because you won’t have to spend extra on remodelling and modifications. You can rent an exhibition display with a different design and theme according to event type.
Appropriate for occasional participation
Renting an exhibition stand makes sense if you aren’t actively participating in exhibitions. Above all, you can cut the buying, storage, and maintenance costs. With time, weather conditions can take a toll on stands, adding to refurbishment costs.
You’ll get a newer look each time when you rent an exhibition stand without any wear or tear. The best part is that you’ll get to use and test different designs and stands.
Suitable for non-technical teams
You should hire an exhibition stand if you and your team don’t have prior experience. This way, you’ll have an expert team on your side who knows how to get things done. So, you won’t have to worry about preparation; the contractor will do the heavy lifting. You can ask them to follow the design or theme and add the element, and they’ll happily oblige.
Additionally, they can help attract more people to your exhibition stand. You can also get other elements from your exhibition contractor, such as display boards, lighting, or LED screens.
Considering factors for exhibition stand hire and purchase
The decision to buy an exhibition stand or hire one relies on multiple aspects. Of course, you’ll be considering your specific needs, requirements, and circumstances. However, there are some lookout factors that cannot be ignored.
Participation frequency
The ultimate factor that affects buying or hiring an exhibition stand decision is your event participation strategy. If you are planning to take part frequently, buy a display to cut future costs. In case you are testing and dipping your toes, hire an exhibition stand for now. You can always buy one if you feel the need and start getting positive results from exhibition marketing.
Type of Exhibition
Not all trade shows and expos are the same; they differ in nature. There are three main types of exhibitions:
- Trade shows
- Consumer exhibitions
- Conference Expos
Of course, each has its own perks, targets a specific audience, and thus, requires distinctive stand design. Unless you are thinking of participating in one particular exhibition type, you’ll have to customise your stand each time.
Pro Tip: Hiring a stand is a more suitable choice if you aren’t planning to miss any nearby exhibitions. This way, you can get customised exhibition stands ready at the location with technical support.
Shipping Expenses
If you are a local business participating in major exhibitions, you’ll be frequently moving exhibition stands. Many organisations and companies tend to forget this aspect, which can increase your exhibition budget. Participation in trade shows is a back-and-forth practice, and you’ll need a dedicated team and a vehicle.
So, when you wonder, “Should I buy or hire my exhibition stand,” consider this factor. It’s better to hire an exhibition display stand if you cannot afford moving and set-up labour costs.
Type of exhibition stand
Exhibition stands come in different shapes and sizes based on business needs and exhibition type. However, they can easily be divided into three main exhibition stand types.
- Modular
- Custom
- Portable or pop-up
Modular stands come with framed structures but are available in different shapes. You can easily install, dismantle, and re-assemble them, which makes them suitable for multiple event use. Custom stans, on the other hand, are ideal for businesses who love uniqueness and want to stand out in exhibitions.
Pop-up stands are highly effective for their portable nature, minimalistic designs, and multipurpose usage. You can get the most out of these by adding features or accessories per your business demand.
Of course, the final decision depends on your personal preferences and how you want to utilise the stand.
Cost factor
Budgeting is the most crucial aspect of exhibition marketing, which can take a toll on your stand. If you are short on budget, hiring an exhibition stand is better than buying as it’s cheaper.
It’s obvious, but exhibition stand cost is also attached to other factors, the ones we have discussed above. You cannot ignore the shipping or travelling costs of an already-bought exhibition stand. Similarly, you will need to modify your stand for upcoming exhibitions if it is large or small for the designated space.
Pro Tip: If you are not of the opinion to hire an exhibition stand, buy a standard pop-up stand. You can always add accessories to it or remove extra features to adjust the size.
| Exhibition Stand Hire | Buying Exhibition Stand | |
| One time cost | Lower | High |
| Display design | Customisable | Remains the same |
| Frequent use | No | Yes |
| Shipping costs | Lower | Higher |
| Maintenance Required | No | Yes |
| Suitable for | short-term, urgent events | Long term (multiple events) |
Should I buy or hire my exhibition stand – Our Recommendation
Coming to the conclusion, you should buy or hire an exhibition stand after considering your specific needs.
If you need a customised design for one or a few events, hiring is best. You won’t have to worry about shipping, installation, or maintenance when you are renting a display stand. However, if you are deciding to participate frequently in exhibitions to represent your brand, buy a stand. You’ll save money in the long run and will have something that displays your brand identity and ethos.
