When it comes to participating in trade shows, exhibitions, and corporate events, having a custom exhibition stand that reflects your brand and attracts potential clients is essential.
However, businesses face a key decision—should they rent or buy an exhibition stand?
Both options have distinct advantages and your choice depends on key factors like budget, frequency of participation, customisation needs, and long-term goals.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of renting and buying an exhibition stand to help you make the best decision for your business.
Benefits of Buying A Custom Exhibition Stand
While renting is ideal for short-term and occasional needs, buying an exhibition stand is a long-term investment that provides several strategic advantages for business that frequently participate in trade shows.
Stand builders can provide tailored solutions that enhance the design and functionality of your custom exhibition stand.
Cost Savings in the Long Run
If your business regularly participates in exhibitions, buying a stand may offer significant cost savings over time. Though the initial investment is higher, the stand can be reused multiple times which reduces the cost per event. Over time, this can be more economical than renting for each show, especially when considering the minimal ongoing costs associated with owning a stand.
Full Customisation
When you purchase an exhibition stand, it can be fully customised to reflect your brand identity. This includes specific colors, logos, messaging, and layout configurations that fit your products and services perfectly. Buying allows you to have total control over the design and structure, which is ideal for companies that want a stand to become a key part of their brand’s visual identity. For those looking to combine flexibility with customisation, a modular exhibition stand can be an excellent choice.
Ability to Modify and Upgrade
Once you own an exhibition stand, you have the flexibility to make modifications and upgrades as needed. Whether it’s adding new technology, adjusting the layout or integrating different promotional materials, your stand can evolve alongside your brand and product offerings. This level of adaptability is harder to achieve with rented stands.
Asset Building
When you purchase an exhibition stand, it becomes a business asset that can be depreciated over time. Depending on your accounting practices, this can have a certain tax advantage and contribute positively to your balance sheet. Unlike rental fees, which are purely an expense, purchasing gives you an asset that holds value over time.
Benefits of Renting an Exhibition Stand
Renting an exhibition stand offers a cost effective solution, flexibility, and convenience, especially for businesses that don’t regularly attend exhibitions. Below are some of the key benefits of renting:
Cost-Effectiveness for Occasional Use
Renting is often a more affordable option, particularly if your business participates in just a few trade shows per year. Renting allows you to access stands at a fraction of the cost of purchasing. Renting is particularly beneficial for businesses participating in a one off event, such as a product launch or a single exhibition.
Risk Reduction
For companies new to exhibitions or those exploring new markets, renting reduces the financial risk. It allows you to assess the value of trade shows for your business without a long-term commitment. If a particular exhibition does not meet your expectations, you have not invested heavily in a custom stand.
Factors to Consider When Deciding
The decision to buy or rent an exhibition stand depends on several factors unique to your business needs. Additionally, consider the stand space available at different venues and how a modular stand can adapt to varying sizes. Here are some considerations to help you make the right choice:
If you attend exhibitions regularly, buying might be the better option.
Businesses looking for a fully branded, permanent display should consider buying. Renting is best for companies that want flexibility or are experimenting with different designs.
If your exhibition stands need to change based on the event or target audience, renting provides the versatility to do so. If consistency is key, owning a stand might be more beneficial.
Buy or Rent?
The decision to rent or buy an exhibition stand ultimately comes down to your business needs, frequency of participation in trade shows, budget, and long-term goals.
For companies that attend a few events per year renting provides a cost-effective and convenient solution. However, if you are a regular participant and seek consistency with full control over customisation, buying an exhibition stand may be the smarter long-term investment.
Evaluate your current and future trade show strategy, consider your resources, and make the decision that will maximise your return on investment while enhancing your brand’s presence in the exhibition arena.