Exhibition Walls: To Buy or Rent?

The exhibition season will soon be here, and it’s time to start thinking about the perfect display for your upcoming event.

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy or rent exhibition walls. It can be a tough choice, but we’ve laid out some things to think about before you make a decision.

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibition pro or a first-timer, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover the best way to make your exhibit stand out from the crowd.

Should I buy or rent exhibition walls?

Whether you should rent or buy depends on what your goals are for the exhibition season and the future of your business.

One thing to keep in mind is that renting exhibition walls can be a great option if you want flexibility, budget-friendly and you don’t want to deal with transportation and maintenance.

On the other hand, buying exhibition walls can be a great option if you have a long-term plan and you have the budget, also you have the opportunity to customize them to your liking.

So, which to choose? Here are some considerations you should take into account when making your decision.

Budget

First and foremost, the budget should be the most important factor in renting or buying. If you spring for the latter, this is a significant upfront investment. Renting is more budget-friendly, but will add up more as you attend more exhibitions.

If you don’t have a lot of funding to start, consider renting and then moving on to bought walls when you’re ready.

Frequency of use

If you plan on using walls at a lot of different exhibitions, then it would make sense to buy them. This is a far more cost-effective method, especially if you plan on displaying at exhibitions for years to come.

On the other hand, if you only go to one or two key exhibitions each year as part of your marketing strategy, it’s not worth investing in permanent walls unless your display is very unique.

Storage

Buying exhibition walls doesn’t just come with the upfront price, there’s the ongoing cost of storage to think about too. This could range from reasonable to large, depending on the size and number of exhibition walls you need to store.

With a rental, you don’t need to worry about storage. The rental company will be the one responsible for owning the walls, and all you need to worry about is making sure they arrive at their destination.

Repairs

If your purchased exhibition walls are damaged during transit, you’ll have to fund the repairs yourself. Going through a rental company means any repairs or damage is one less thing to worry about as ongoing maintenance.

Repairs shouldn’t be extensive – it’s more about wear and tear – but over time the exhibition walls will be in need of a refresh. Again, a rental means another company takes care of that for you.

Flexibility

You don’t always know what type of space you’ll be exhibiting in, so if you’re worried about buying something too small or big, then renting is your best option.

Purchasing is great if you plan to put on a lot of displays and know that your wall sizes will fit most spaces. However, it’s never a guarantee that they’ll work perfectly each time. Renting gives you the flexibility to work with different shapes and sizes for your exhibition season.

Branding and design

If you have very specific branding or designs you’d like included on your exhibition walls, then it’s worth looking into permanent walls. Reapplying designs or branding to rented walls each time could be costly.

If you buy exhibition walls, you can customise them to your specific needs and preferences. Rental walls are much more generic, so you’re not locked into just one design option.

Top tips for making a decision

Still confused about what you should do? The last thing you want to do is invest money in the wrong place, especially if you’re a new business. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some different ways you can finalise your decision on whether or not you’d like to buy or rent exhibition walls this season.

Consult with other pros

If you’re not sure what option to go for, try speaking to other exhibitors in the industry. Many are happy to share their thoughts and advice with other professionals, and have years of experience in the game.

Try looking online for exhibitors in your field, or strike up a conversation at your next exhibition. You’d be surprised at how many people are willing to part with their expertise to help fellow exhibitors.

Get quotes

This is perhaps the most important step in your decision-making process. Different rental companies and wall manufacturers can vary wildly in prices. This is due to the different materials used, the quality of the walls, and their upmark on the overall price.

Make sure you’re always comparing similar walls so the quotes are accurate. We’d recommend getting quotes from three different retailers. This way, you can work out from the average whether the cost if something you can afford.

Look for deals

If you’re after lots of exhibit walls for your display, try looking for deals. Some rental companies offer package deals on exhibition walls that include lighting, flooring or discounts if it’s for off-season rental.

These can bring the cost of renting down even more instead of splashing out with buying walls. If you know the retailer well, don’t be afraid to negotiate a better deal for even more savings on cost.

Wrapping up

Whether you want to buy or rent exhibition walls, the most important thing is to consider the needs of your business. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed decision.

Putting on an exhibition is all about standing out in the crowd. Want to make your exhibit truly unique? Our exhibition wall hire is the place to get started.