Strategies To Cut Costs on Trade Show Display Storage

Attending a trade show requires a substantial amount of marketing materials to establish your brand identity and foster connections with attendees. But what will you do with the materials afterward?

Reducing trade show display storage costs can free up funds for more business investments. If you don’t have room at the workplace, you’ll need to rent a storage space, which can be expensive. Below, we’ve explained several strategies to cut costs on trade show display storage.

Invest in Modular Displays

Modular displays are a cost-effective option that requires minimal space and allows you to access every exhibit you set up. With a modular display, you can rearrange the components as needed to create a fresh look for every show. Modular components break down into small, stackable pieces that occupy far less space compared to bulky exhibits.

Durability

Manufacturers often create high-quality modular displays using aluminum frames and tension fabrics, which are not only lightweight but also designed to withstand wear and tear. This minimizes the need for frequent repairs and replacements, providing you with more value for your investment.

Versatility

Since you can reconfigure modular displays in any way you need, you can use them at any marketing event you attend. If you rent a larger space, you can easily expand the display to fill the empty area. If there’s limited space, you can condense the display without sacrificing its attractiveness. With a flexible design, you will effectively showcase your brand and products at every trade show.

Downsize the Display  

Booths come in various sizes, and the bulkier the display is, the more space it requires in storage. If possible, consider compact displays that are foldable or collapsible, such as banners, pop-up displays, or table covers.

Consolidate Materials With Multipurpose Displays  

Reducing the overall number of materials you need to store is another cost-saving strategy, and switching to multipurpose displays can achieve this. Avoid purchasing large, pre-made exhibits, as they will be more difficult to store. Instead, buy the custom materials and accessories you’ll need and configure them accordingly for each event.

Additionally, multipurpose displays reduce the space required in storage facilities over time since you don’t have to accumulate more. This can lead to a decrease in storage costs, as storage facilities typically charge based on the amount of space used.

Choose Lightweight and Compact Materials  

The materials you use for trade show displays have an effect on both storage and shipping costs. Lightweight options, such as aluminum frames, tension fabric backdrops, and collapsible furnishings, are more affordable to store and transport. These materials also offer added durability, making them easier to handle compared to bulky alternatives.

Rent Instead of Owning  

Renting trade show displays can help you save money on storing materials. It’s beneficial when you need to use large components, like furniture, during trade shows.

Additionally, renting offers flexibility. You have more opportunities to customize designs for trade shows without committing to long-term ownership.

Some businesses rent parts of the display, such as digital components, only when needed. This approach keeps businesses up to date with the latest technology while eliminating the burden of repairing or replacing fragile electronics. 

Furthermore, when you own trade show displays, wear and tear can lead to upkeep expenses. Renting allows you to sidestep this entirely since the rental company typically handles maintenance.

Pro Tip

Avoid renting all of your accessories. This approach can limit your ability to customize and market your business effectively. A good balance of renting and owning supplies will make your trade show display functional, appealing, and cost-effective.

Partner With a Local Storage Provider  

Storing trade show materials near event hubs reduces transportation costs and eliminates the need for long-distance shipping. Look for storage providers near event venues that offer exclusive exhibitor solutions, such as dedicated climate-controlled units or rolling services for easy transport. This approach is especially useful if your business frequently attends trade shows in the same cities or regions.

Optimize Your Storage Space  

Keeping your storage space organized can also help you cut costs as you make the most of the available area. Consider using shelving systems, stacking items in an ergonomic order, and labeling equipment clearly, which allows you to maximize the use of the allocated space. You may also implement an inventory system to help you keep track of all materials, preventing unnecessary overstock and misplaced items.

If you regularly attend trade shows, you spend several times a year reviewing the items you do and don’t need. Purging old materials can help you save space; it also provides an opportunity to refresh your branding and marketing materials.

Negotiate Long-Term Storage Rates

One practical strategy to reduce costs on a trade show display storage is to work directly with storage providers to negotiate more favorable rates. Many facilities offer discounts if you commit to long-term storage or utilize their services at a higher capacity. This is because they don’t gain any money if nobody rents the space.

Start negotiating by discussing long-term contracts with your storage provider. Many businesses reward ongoing commitments with lower monthly rates. Typically, opting for a 12-month lease rather than a month-to-month plan can help you secure a lower rate.

Share With Business Partners

If you partner with fellow businesses, consider renting a storage space together to diminish costs. For example, if you own a makeup company, partnering with a business that sells hair products could be mutually beneficial. Since your products complement each other, you may attend trade shows together. This makes sharing a storage unit convenient and financially favorable for both parties.

To make this arrangement effective, establish clear communication with your partner. Agree on a fair division of costs and responsibilities, such as organizing your shared space and ensuring easy access to each other’s materials. Create an inventory list to prevent accidental mishandling of each other’s items and to ensure you use the space efficiently.

Order Trade Show Essentials

Trade show display storage doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Making small adjustments, such as renting supplies and using collapsible resources, can lead to substantial savings over time.

Display Shop USA offers a wide range of customizable accessories, including pop-up displays, banner tower displays, backlit options, and more. As a leading trade show booth company, we provide innovative solutions to help you maximize your trade show display. Explore our range of products and services today to see how we can help you save money and stand out at your next event!