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How to Rank Banner Stands for Your Company

Ok, so you’re ready to buy or upgrade your trade show banner stands but you find a lot of different models and different prices. You need to know what’s what and to make sure your company gets what it needs without paying for features it doesn’t value. We break it down for you here.

The humble banner stand surely one of the most popular  displays for face to face marketing trade shows, promos, etc. Banner stands are easy to set up, light, small and inexpensive. There are a lot of differences in designes – some have a banner that retracts into a case (retractable banner stands) and some don’t. Then there are differences in the width, heights, type of poles, etc. Focus on these characteristics to differentiate them.

Retractable banner stands. Retractables are the most popular type of stand because they’re integrated and come out of their base ready to use – there ‘s no graphic to attach because it’s made that way. These stands use a graphic rolling or winding mechanism that is like a window shade. The rolling mechanisms vary in durability from heavy duty to very light duty and these differences will explain price differences among the stands. There are also differences in the durability of the bases and poles as well as the travel cases and in the quality of the engineering and “style”. Typically an exhibitor doing just one show each year can get by with a “budget” stands, which are designed for light use and typically run $250 or less (most of the cost is in the banner, not the stand). You can feel by the weight of these stands and see in the thickness of materials that they are mostly built for economy.

The mid-priced stands are where you’ll find better engineering, a more refined design and heavier materials and rolling or winding mechanisms. These stands are typically $400 or less (including graphic) and are a good choice for companies doing 2-4 events per year. They will put up with more abuse that sometimes comes with a heavier show schedule. You can lift a mid-priced stand and feel the difference in heft when compared to budget stand – everything is heavier and better quality.

Pro quality or premier stands have the most robust materials – winding mechanisms, bases, poles. They also have high end features that can make them more flexible and a better fit for your company (if you need these features). For example, you can order bases in different finishes. Or have different color end caps. And many will have an adjustable height support pole instead of a “3-part” pole, allowing you to vary the height of the banner. These poles are also easier to set up and look better than 3-part poles.

Non-retractable banner stands. These are often referred to as “L” or “X” stands because they can have these eponymous frame shapes. Non-retracting or standard banner stands they have a basic frame that opens to hold a banner graphic in an upright position. The primary advantages of these stands are price and simplicity. Without a retracting mechanism, they are less expensive than retractable stands. And they are simple – no rolling mechanism to break, jam or lose tension, which can happen with a retractable stand. And they are light – no base or housing. But they are also limited – they can be more less convenient to set up since you first set up the stand and then attach the graphic banner separately as opposed to a retracting stand where the graphic is already attached. And these stands don’t have a base to house and protect the banner when it’s not being used. But an X or L stand is a good option if you need a basic budget display and don’t need to set up and take down frequently.

Exchangeable Cassette Stands. If you need a new banner on a traditional retractable banner stand, you usually have to send the whole thing – stand and graphic- to your vendor to have them install a new one. However, if your company wants to change banners often, you might consider a cassette system. With this type of banner stand you can remove the the cassette (the part the graphic winds around) and get a new cassette that has a different banner on it – you can swap it out yoursef since it requires no special expertise. Your company might want to do this if it is running a different marketing campaign. Or if it simply changes graphics often – a cassette system can be easier and less expensive than swapping banners on a traditional system. Of course, you still have to buy the extra cassette and graphic banner, but now you can swap them “in the field” or at your event instead of sending the whole stand back to your supplier. The cassette system might initially cost about $600 and new cassettes with replacement banners are typically $250 or so.

Double Sided Banner Stands. If your business has a need for multiple messages on a single display – multiple banners, really – a double sided banner stand may be the right call. A double stand holds two graphic rollers – you can use these at the same time or individually for different campaigns. A double sided banner stand usually costs about $800 (including both graphics), depending on quality and features.

Scrolling Banner Stands. A proven method for getting your audience’s attention is to create motion – you can do this with a scrolling banner stand that “rotates”your graphic. A scrolling banner stand has an integrated electric motor and a continuous loop of graphics – so remember to think about where you’ll get power to the banner stand. Most scrolling banners cost about $600.

Outdoor Banner Stands. When holding an outdoor event your company could go with a regular indoor banner stand. But a better idea would be to use an outdoor banner stand that is weighted and designed to withstand elements. These banner stands have a heavier vinyl graphic banner and are printed using UV resistant and water resistant inks. They also have a base that can be filled with water or sand filled the stand in a breeze. The banner is usually a retractable type with an internal roller, although you can also get a fixed stand with a removable banner.

Banner stands are versatile additions to your trade show, event and promotions arsenal – choose the right model to help make sure you get the right value for your money.

Copyright Impact Marketing Displays LLC. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

Ted Ridgway is President of Impact Displays, which sells trade show displays and trade show graphics, including a variety of banner stands for companies that want an effective combination of value and service. Impact Displays can be reached by calling 877-217-2681 or by emailing info@impact-displays.com.

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