Trade Show TalesBlog

FAQ — Banner Stands

September 9th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS

Pronto Banner Stand

Pronto Banner Stand

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.

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FAQ — Quadro S Pop Up Display

September 8th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS
Quadro QD-132 Pop Up Display

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?

  • The versatile Quadro S pop up is designed to perform flawlessly under any trade show schedule and can be configured with shadowboxes, shelves, multiple monitors, waterfall brackets, and much, much more. There are nearly 90 kit designs available in 10 ft., 20 ft., and table top configurations.
  • The lightweight Quadro EO is an inexpensive, self-locking frame with connecting channel bars. It’s designed as a functional 10 ft, 8 ft, or 6 ft display with lights and a possible monitor.
  • Both the EO and S have a lifetime frame warranty.

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.

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FAQ — Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Displays

September 7th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS

Several weeks ago, we added Frequently Add Questions to Exhibit Design Search. There are over 90 questions/answers in this FAQ database. Now, we aren’t foolish enough to think you’ll read them all in one sitting, although we’d be very flattered if you did. Instead, we’ll share samples in the Trade Show Tales blog over the next week or so. We know you read the blog. We have statistics to prove it!!

Sacagawea VK-2107 Portable Hybrid

We’ll begin with the very popular Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Display System:

1. What is a portable hybrid display?

Generally, portable hybrid displays incorporate aluminum extrusion, tension fabric, and other display components to create a modern-looking tabletop or inline display. For a more comprehensive explanation, refer to the article: 10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Portable Hybrid Display.

Our portable hybrids assemble primarily with attached knobs, and the designs are unlike any other hybrids in the world: upscale, contemporary, and very affordable.

2. What makes Sacagawea different from your other hybrid systems, such as Visionary Designs, Perfect 10, and Magellan?

Sacagawea blends upscale design with aggressive pricing that’s perfect for anyone looking for a lightweight hybrid display. Choose from three attractive design series, 65 compact and versatile displays, and terrific 10 ft. and 20 ft. configurations with multiple options.

With Visionary Designs, anything is possible – portable, modular, custom, and custom-hybrid designs. Visionary Designs can be any size, any shape, any configuration. Think of the display kits as idea generators rather than final designs.

Anyone who loves curves, loves Magellan because the kits are all about curved metal and large tension fabric graphics. The most popular have been the Miracle and MOR, which (not surprisingly) are also the most affordable.

Perfect 10 assembles without tools and comes in a mind-boggling assortment of color and shape options, all included in the standard price.There’s no other display like Perfect 10, because not other system has the patented Perfect 10 S-Shape.

3. What are the key features of Sacagawea?

Sizes: Table Tops, 10 x 10, 10 x 20, Pedestals, and Workstations.
Kits: 65 standard kits.
Straight Aluminum Extrusions: Mostly straight extrusions with MODUL S40 uprights and Z45 horizontals.
Graphics: Primarily one large tension fabric graphic @ 7.5 ft x 6.75 ft with a smaller tension fabric graphic and/or direct print graphics. Velcro tension fabric connections.
Assembly: MOSTLY attached knobs with some hex key connections. Individual numbered parts with detailed setup instructions.
Colors: (9) Sintra/Plex Wing colors. (1) Standard extrusion color: Silver (clear satin anodized).
Packaging: LT-550 Portable roto-molded case(s) with die-cut foam inserts.

Bottom Line:  Least expensive, mostly straight extrusions, primarily knob assembly, medium-large graphics. Ideal for anyone considering a pop up display.

4. Why did you choose the name Sacagawea?

As you may recall, Sacagawea was a Lemi Shoshone woman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition between 1804 and 1806. She was the only woman.

Sacagawea served as a guide and an interpreter for the expedition, but her greatest value to the mission may have been simply her presence during the arduous journey, which showed their peaceful intent.

The Sacagawea Hybrid System, named in honor or this remarkable woman, is a lightweight, adaptable display system which packs in one or two portable cases. It’s durable, attractive, and makes a big impression at any show or event.

For more information about Sacagawea or the Lewis and Clark Expedition, click on the links.

5. What is a tension fabric graphic?

Tension fabric graphics attach to a frame so the fabric is taut edge-to-edge, creating “tension.” Typically, the graphic has Velcro hook sewn along the border, usually top and bottom, and attaches to Velcro loop on the frame. A silicone bead or welting can also be sewn to the edge of the tension fabric graphic. Those are referred to as Silicone Edge Graphics(SEG).

What are the benefits of fabric graphics vs. traditional first surface graphics?

  • Flexibility. An array of fabric options and finishing exists. Fabric graphics can be adapted to just about any hardware
  • Storage and Shipping. Fabric is lighter than many other graphics. Fold your graphics neatly when in storage and take up much less space.
  • Care. Fabric graphics can be washed and steamed and are just as durable and long lasting as traditional graphics.
  • Lightweight. Larger graphics weigh less, perfect for draping or creating space definition.
  • Cost. More image bang for the buck!
  • Green. There are the obvious transportation and storage benefits. Even more exciting is the growing list of fabric options created from recycled materials.
  • No Glare. Fabric is the perfect choice for media walls or any backdrop that is being photographed or filmed.
  • Versatility. Fabric can be applied to most display and hardware options and is perfect for skinning or covering displays or objects. Custom covers can be created to drape over objects, wrap, or completely pillowcase them!

Next, Quadro S Pop Up Displays.

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Word on the Street — August 30th thru September 3rd

September 3rd, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS
Why we participate in the TS2 Show

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Are You Excited? It’s that Time of Year!

I don’t know about you, but it’s about now when I get filled with nervous excitement and anticipation for the coming days, weeks, and months.

And NO Mr. Navin Johnson . . . it’s not regarding the arrival of the new phone-books!

And NO Mr. Dave Brown . . . it’s not in reference to the new season of Gossip Girl on the WB!

And NO Mr. Reid Sherwood . . . it’s not excitement for the release of the new Joaquin Phoenix Bio-pic “I’m Still Here” where he reinvents himself as a hip-hop musician. YIKES!

Word on the Street -- Classic Exhibits Inc. It’s the kickoff of College Football Season! This weekend, homes, bars, neighborhoods, and stadiums will be filled with rabid fans who have been waiting for this weekend for eight plus months. They have been waiting to see their favorite teams and/or Alma mater take the field for yet another season on the gridiron.

Traditions are born around this very weekend every year. Some people get together with the exact same group for the first Saturday of College Football. They set up multiple TV’s and watch football all day together. Some meet in places across the country with friends and family to attend the games live at the stadiums. And others keep it simple like me. 🙂 Every year, I wake up the on first Saturday morning of college ball and throw in the movie “Rudy“!

Yeah I know! Let the ridicule begin. But growing up an Irish fan, a tradition was born in my family once that movie came along. After that, it’s all ball — all day — into the late hours of the night.

And it is not just college ball that makes Labor Day weekend so great. It’s the start of the final stretch of Major League Baseball — Go Braves! It’s the final weekend of pre-season NFL games, meaning that the regular season begins in just one short week — Go Chargers!

So this weekend, whether you are cheering “Roll Tide,” “Hook ’em Horns,” “Geaux Tigers,” “Go Ducks,” or “Go Big Blue,” I hope you have a great time with you and yours.

What are some of the traditions that your family and friends share this time of year? Any other Rudy fans?

Please share your comments and stories and have a safe Labor Day Weekend.

–Kevin Carty

http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a

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Shooting from the Hip — 13.10 (Making Customers Mad)

September 2nd, 2010 Mel White 5 COMMENTS

Shooting from the Hip (trade show tips)

Shooting from the Hip by Reid Sherwood

6 Surefire Ways to Tick Off Your Customer

No matter how long I’m in business, I am always amazed at the lengths some companies go to make their customers mad. I “get” the fact that you have to make money. I “get” the fact that the customer “ISN’T” always right (like we’ve been taught over and over again). HOWEVER, the customer is ALWAYS IMPORTANT!

1. Downplay their Problem. They just spent money with you for a product or service. Now there is a problem. A surefire way to raise their ire and eliminate any future business is to take their problems lightly and make them feel insignificant.

2. That’s Impossible. Tell them that what just happened is impossible. I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that calling a customer a liar may not be the best mediation tactic. You can say “We take great measures to insure against that.” You can tell them that “We have processes in place to catch that, but this one must have slipped by.” You can tell them that “Sometimes good old human error occurred, and you are really sorry.” But the second you tell them that their problem can’t happen or didn’t happen is the second you just picked a fight with a customer.

3. Accept It “As Is”. Have you ever tried to convince your customer to accept the product “as is” at a reduced cost? They didn’t purchase the product to be defective. They purchased it because they expect it to look like and perform like the picture in the advertisement or the marketing material.

I was in a McDonald’s a couple weeks ago. So as I am ordering, this guy comes back to the counter with a Big Mac. He unfolds it and says to the counter person very calmly, “I’d like to show this to the manager please.”  The manager strolls over very nonchalantly. The customer unwraps the burger and shows the manager the insides. There is sauce all over everything, the lettuce is wilted, and the condiments are both on the inside and the outside of the bun. There was even a chunk of bun missing the size of my thumb. Honestly – the presentation was just awful.

The customer says, “I ordered that!” and points to the picture on the menu of a nice looking Big Mac all perfect and nice. The manager in his infinite wisdom says, “How about I give you a small fry for free?” Instantly, the customer was enraged and replied, “I DIDN’T WANT FRIES. I WANTED MY BURGER TO LOOK LIKE THE PICTURE!” The manager took out a shovel and dug himself a little deeper and said, “We don’t have time to make them like that. You have to be happy with what you get.” The customer walked away and said, “I will never ever buy another thing from MacDonald’s as long as I live.” How would it have worked if he had simply made him a burger that looked decent and not been slopped together? Just fine, I suppose. But nope . . . He decided to pick a fight with the customer instead.

4. Blame a Problem on Somebody Else. Nothing will drive a consumer away faster than to have the blame passed on to someone else. Just take ownership of the issue and correct it. Don’t denigrate another employee who made a mistake.

5. Take Forever to Correct the Problem. This is like making mountains out of mole hills. If you allow a problem to linger, you leave a bad taste in your customer’s mouth that much longer. Every company has faults. None are perfect. I remember Jim Hoffmann of Optima Graphics saying in a meeting, “If something is wrong, apologize, fix it, and move on quickly to something positive.” It was a valuable lesson about problem resolution:  Fix it quickly and move on.

6.  Keep Making the Same Mistake. Customers can be very forgiving if you make a mistake and then resolve it quickly. They know that stuff happens. They are even willing to cut you a break when it happens again, assuming you have a solid relationship with them. But when it happens over and over . . . well, that’s when they recognize that despite your best intentions, your company has serious problems.

I recall asking a distributor about a display manufacturer about ten years ago. The distributor said, “They are great about correcting problems on orders. They react fast and send me a replacement or repair immediately.” I said, “They sound like a terrific company.” “Not really,” he replied. “EVERY ORDER has a problem. It’s beyond frustrating anymore. It’s a joke between me and the company and frankly, I’ve had enough “laughs” because my customers are always angry. I don’t see how they can continue to stay in business producing two displays for every one order.”

Guess what? The display company went out of business a few years later.

Please share your “Surefire Ways” to tick off a customer. Tips like dating your customer’s spouse or sending their email address to an Eastern European spammer don’t count. 😉 Those are way too easy.

Until the next time,

–Reid Sherwood
reid@classicmodul.com

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