Updated- 01st April 2024

Are you at a crossroads in your exhibition journey, pondering whether to rent a booth or buy one? Well, you’re not alone in this dilemma. Both options have their own set of perks and pitfalls, and deciding which path to tread can be tricky.

In this blog, we will unravel the age-old debate of renting versus buying a booth; we’ll break it down in simple terms and dish out the pros and cons of each choice. But before we get to answer about trade show booth rental vs buying, here are some questions that you should take into account:

1. How often do you participate in an exhibition?
2. What’s the company’s policy in terms of investments and how does it handle budgeting?
3. Would you like to build the booth yourself or do you prefer full-service booth building?
4. How many trade shows do you plan to attend in a year?
5. Is your show in another country?
6. Is the trade show you are attending open to the general public? Or is it specialised?
7. Do you have the means to transport and store your trade show exhibit rental?

These are a few questions that you should be cleared with before deciding whether to go for trade show booth rental and buying. You see, many first-time exhibitors find themselves in a bit of a haze, not entirely certain about what they’re getting into when they choose between renting and buying. There are a lot of things to consider, like:

1. Designing the concept of your exhibition stand
2. Fabricating the materials that go into your exhibition booth design
3. Deciding the type of flooring and exhibition graphics that will suit your custom trade show booth design
4. Managing the packaging and transportation of your stand
5. Assembly and dismantling of your exhibition stand at the fairgrounds

It’s kind of like standing at a crossroads without a map, wondering which path to take. So, let’s unravel the mystery and get a clear picture of what you’re truly signing up for when you use the terms “rental” or “buying”.

Trade Show Booth Rental:

When you’re considering participating in trade shows, opting for a trade show booth rental can be a strategic move. This option provides a range of services that ease the burden of designing, fabricating, and managing the logistics of your exhibit. With a trade show exhibit rental, you gain access to a convenient package deal that includes not just the booth structure itself, but also assistance in creating an eye-catching booth design. You also get help in selecting appropriate materials, flooring, and graphics. Additionally, the package covers the logistics of packaging, transportation, and on-site assembly and dismantling of your exhibit.

Trade Show Booth Buying:

If you’re committed to a consistent presence at trade shows and have a long-term strategy in mind, buying a trade show booth may be the right choice. When you purchase a booth, you gain full control over its design and customization, allowing you to create a booth that aligns precisely with your brand image. While this option involves a more substantial upfront investment, it can offer long-term cost savings and a seamless brand experience at every exhibition. 

Let’s delve further into the advantages and disadvantages of renting and owning a trade show booth rental:

Advantages of Renting and Disadvantages of Buying

1. Possibility to exhibit with a totally different booth at every exhibition stand.
2. Concept and design can be optimally adjusted to the specific exhibition and target group.
3. You need less “cash-out”- lower costs instead of higher investment.
4. You don’t have to store your booth. Afterwards, you will return it to the exhibition stand builder.
5. Construction and dismantling are taken care of.
6. It might be cheaper to locally rent a booth if you participate in foreign exhibitions (dependent on country and location of course). You will save money on high transportation costs and shipment.
7. To avoid your exhibition stand looking dated, go for a rental. By renting your exhibition stand, it has the chance to be modern and fresh every time.
8. The advantage of renting a booth is you can work around a specific show. By renting your booth, you have the freedom to personalize it as per your requirements.
9. Trade show booth rental can be ideal for new exhibitors to get off to a flying start in the exhibition business.

Disadvantages of Renting and Advantages of Buying

1. You can only rent a booth in combination with full service. It is not possible to build the booth yourself and save money. So, the costs might be higher.
2. If you regularly participate in exhibitions, trade show exhibit rental will cost much more than buying one. After all, you have to pay for booth development over and over again, especially with timber booths. Modular booths are reusable, however, still cost much more.
3. Repeatedly renting a booth can significantly increase preparation time. After all, you have to think of a new concept again and again.
4. Renting is a cost/debit item, whereas buying a booth is a depreciation.
5. Depending on the booth system you choose and your capabilities, you can transport, set up, and dismantle it on your own if you purchase one. It allows you to realize big savings on your budget as you don’t need an external booth builder.
6. Having your own booth means you know exactly what you have and what it looks like.
7. When it comes to custom trade show booth design, the sky is virtually the limit. At the exhibition hall, there will be hundreds and thousands of booths that look like each other. Custom exhibition stands have design flexibility, which helps you to stand out from all the rest.
8. Every exhibiting company has its own unique design needs. Meeting these unique needs is necessary if you are going to maximize the effectiveness of your exhibition stands. A custom exhibition stand can help you create a display that satisfies your needs since it is created specifically for your brand.

These drawbacks of renting may deter some businesses from opting for rental solutions. In that case, it is always better to buy a booth for your trade show appearance.

Conclusion:

The choice between renting and buying should align with your overall marketing strategy and financial capacity. By carefully considering the pros and cons of each option, you can select the path that best supports your business goals and maximizes your return on investment in trade show participation. Remember, the objective is not just to have a booth but to create an impactful presence that resonates with your target audience, fostering meaningful connections and driving business growth.

About Expo Display Service:-

Expo Display Service has over 4 decades of experience in trade show booth design and construction, making it your most reliable exhibition partner in Europe. With operations in seven European countries, we have evolved beyond mere service providers to become trusted allies for countless exhibitors.

We have the largest online catalogue of exhibition stand designs! With just 3 clicks on our Expo Stand Configurator, get your perfect match! For any inquiries about your exhibition stand at an upcoming trade show, contact us at +49 (0) 6227 877-290 or email us at international@expodisplayservice.com.