Word on the Street by Kevin Carty
When to Order from Classic Exhibits vs. ClassicMODUL
This is a topic that comes up quite frequently, and I apologize for not addressing it sooner (or at least more often).
Here is the “2-Second Answer”: When you want it turnkey, order from Classic Exhibits, but if you want to order the extrusion and build it yourself, order from ClassicMODUL.
Now, here is the longer, more detail answer.
Let’s use the analogy of building a home as the example.
Option #1: If you are building a new home and decide to build it yourself, then you essentially become your own contractor. You coordinate with the foundation people, the lumber company, the flooring company, the cabinet folks, etc. They may provide advice and guidance regarding materials, quantities, and installation, but you are the contractor on this job. You order what you need and bring in expertise when you need it. In this case, the final cost to your client includes your labor and project management in addition to the cost of the materials.
Option #2: You go to a home builder and select the floor plan, the finishes, and the appliances and they build the home from start to finish. The builder is the contractor. The final cost is based on the contractor’s time and materials.
It’s not that different when working with Classic Exhibits or ClassicMODUL.
ClassicMODUL is like the lumber broker. You can buy full lengths or pre-cut lengths of metal from ClassicMODUL to build your display in-house. But you may not get full CAD drawings, packing details, or Project Management support as part of the basic package. Those are line item additions (as requested). Instead, you receive the metal, functional CAD drawings (where appropriate), and a bill of materials.
But it’s important to remember that ClassicMODUL is more than extrusions. There is also a full line of retail and POP accessories. Literally hundreds of options.
ClassicMODUL’s primary competitors are AGAM and Octanorm. In our humble opinion, ClassicMODUL has significantly better customer service, West Coast and East Coast Distribution hubs, and the knowledge and support of a company that knows how to build exhibits (Classic Exhibits). Frankly, there’s no comparison between ClassicMODUL and the other two.
Classic Exhibits on the other hand is like the full service contractor. You work with our design team (or yours) to create the ideal display for your client, then we do the rest. Turnkey! Our Project Managers take care of creating the detailed CAD drawings, set-up instructions, packaging instructions, ordering graphics, monitor the project through Production, including doing a full set-up, taking photos, and making any final recommendations.
Technically, Classic Exhibits has competitors, such as Nimlok, Nomadic, Skyline, etc. But, to be honest, they are competitors only in the sense that they manufacture portable/modular exhibits.
From time to time, you will hear a Classic Exhibits Project Manager, Designer, Mel or me recommend that you order directly from ClassicMODUL. This may come into play on POP and/or retail projects that are done in multiples, or a large project with mostly metal. Often they do not require complicated assembly, design, or project management so we’ll recommend that you call Tom Jones at ClassicMODUL. Or, we’ll send you to ClassicMODUL because your project management team has extensive experience working with aluminum extrusion systems, and it makes sense to work directly with the extrusion provider.
On a final unrelated note, if you haven’t completed the Classic Exhibits survey sent last week, please take a moment to do so. We want to hear from you!
–Kevin Carty
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http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
FERO -- Eco-Smart Display
From small portable displays to large island exhibits, Eco-Smart Sustainable Displays are now front and center in most exhibit discussions. All of our Eco-Smart products are designed and constructed with the most environmentally friendly materials available. Review our Eco-Smart FAQ’s to learn more.
1. Do Eco-Smart Displays cost more?
It depends on what you are comparing them to, but we have tried to make our Green displays cost the same or less than the industry standard. It is our philosophy that it should not cost more to own a Green Display.
2. What if I do not see a design I love?
No Problem. We have a complimentary design service. We can create a unique, custom display that is specific to your needs. Simply contact us, and we’ll get started right away.
3. Are these Eco-Smart Displays reconfigurable to different sizes?
Yes. Our displays are designed to be reconfigurable to different sizes with minimal additional components. If you would like to see renderings of how a specific display can be reconfigured into another size, please contact us!
4. What makes an Eco-Smart Display “green”?
We use the most eco-friendly materials available on the market, without sacrificing design or price. For example, recycled aluminum extrusions, graphics made from recycled soda bottles, LED energy efficient lights, rapidly renewable bamboo, low VOC adhesives, and MUCH more.
Please contact us for full details about our sustainable materials.
5. Are there Eco-Smart accessories such as lights, cases, pedestals, and workstations?
Yes, these are located in the Eco-Smart Accessories Gallery.
Next, Exhibit Design Search Tips FAQ.
Banner stands are everywhere: retail stores, trade shows, conventions, churches, lobbies, and sporting events. I’m starting to think some folks even have them in their homes (“Bathroom — Third Door on the Left” or “Please Remove Your Shoes in the Family Room”). Still a little confused about your banner stand options? Me too! Here’s a quick FAQ about banner stands from Exhibit Design Search.
1. I searched “banner stands” on the Internet and found some really inexpensive ones and some really expensive ones. I also noticed many different features and options. How do I choose?
The old adages are true – “You get what you pay for” and “If it’s too good to be true, well, then it probably is.”
If you plan to use a stand once and throw it away, then consider a “hot deal.” But if you need something more permanent, then your decision should be based on graphic quality, style, activity, travel considerations, environmental impact, graphic changes, and durability. If you are looking for a high-quality product with a lifetime warranty and graphic quality, then select the banner stands in our gallery.
The stand you choose will represent your brand. It should look good with straight and vibrant graphics and an attractive, stable, and undamaged base.
2. Why are fabric graphics, instead of vinyl graphics, suggested for most mid-grade and premium banner stands?
Why spend good money on a banner stand and then put a low-end graphic on it? Vinyl graphics are fine for some uses, especially long-term outdoor situations (such as an outdoor pole-mounted application), but they are usually not the highest quality. Even if the printing is top-notch, a vinyl banner has a tendency to curl. In contrast, a fabric banner will hold its shape even under tension.
Fabric banners also look better with warm colors, textures, and no glare. Several choices, including recycled fabric, make it the most versatile option anddepending on the banner stand, photo graphic using the Lambda process may be the best option. Lambda offers photographic continuous tones.
3. Can I ship a Little Giant case?
Yes and no. No, the case cannot be shipped strictly speaking; however, if you retain the original cardboard carton, it can be used to ship the case. The Little Giant is a great rolling portable case that can be checked for air travel but it is not a standard shipping case.
4. Which one of the banner stands can I use on a table?
Depending on height limits, any banner stand could be placed on a table. For most trade shows and recruiting events full height banners are inappropriate.
The Pronto retractable banner stand includes a three-segmented bungee attached mast. When the banner is attached to the mast at one-segment or two-segment height, this stand makes a perfect companion to your table throw. Combine two or three units for full backwall. The available graphic templates help your designer layout the graphic to the proper heights.
5. What kind of light can I use on a banner stand?
All our banner stands accept a light. These can be found in the product accessories section or give us a call.
6. My last banner stand graphic had a lot of glare. Is this normal?
(See the question #2 regarding fabric banners)
Not if you use fabric banners. Fabric banners are much better at eliminating glare, showing warm colors, and revealing textures especially in well lit environments.
7. What is the warranty on banner stands?
All banner stands have a lifetime warranty on all hardware products. The policy applies to original purchaser. No product registration is required. We will replace or repair all hardware supplied to our customers purchased after 7/7/09. However, we reserve the right to inspect hardware and exclude warranty claims that have resulted from vandalism, theft, negligence, fire, natural disasters, modifications, or losses in shipment that may be covered by your insurance and/or freight carrier. The lifetime hardware warranty does not apply to graphics or to electrical components.
All shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Next FAQ posting, Eco-Smart Displays.
Quadro QD-132 Pop Up Display
Yesterday we reviewed the FAQ’s for the Sacagawea Hybrid. Now, let’s cover Frequently Asked Questions about the Quadro S Pop Up Display. To see the complete list, click on the FAQ button in Exhibit Design Search.
1. What is the difference between a Quadro S and a Quadro EO pop up?
2. How do the panels connect to the frame?
The panels (fabric or graphic) hang on pins and adhere to detachable steel channel bars with a magnet to metal connection.
3. What is the turnaround time for a Quadro S if I order one today?
As little as a two days for displays with standard Coal (black), Silver, or Navy fabric. For displays with graphic panels or other fabric colors, allow a minimum of five to seven days. Need it even faster.
Let us know. We’ll do everything possible to meet your schedule.
4. I’ve searched for pop up displays on the Internet, and the prices are all over the place. To me, they all look the same. Is there a difference?
Think of pop up displays the same way you think of tools or kitchenware. You can buy a tool at a bargain basement retailer that will last a few jobs. It may be all you need, but you know by the third or fourth time it will break, bend, or short-circuit. Or you can buy a tool that will last for years and years. Same with kitchenware, such as pots and pans. It’s not all hype. There’s a reason why one set costs $29.99 and another $99.99.
For a light-hearted explanation from the perspective of a pop up display, read Pop Up Display Secrets: Direct from the Source.
Everyone wants an “incredible bargain, but 9 times out of 10, you get what you pay for.
5. What is the warranty on the Quadro Pop Up Display?
The Classic Quadro Lifetime Warranty covers the frame for the life of the exhibit. Should the frame every fail to perform properly, we will replace or repair the frame at our discretion. All remaining parts are covered against defective materials or workmanship for as long as the exhibit is in service.
All shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Next time, Banner Stand FAQ’s.
