Renting vs. Buying a Trade Show Display: What’s Best for Your Business?

What’s Best for Your Business?

When it comes to trade show exhibits, one question often arises: Is it more cost-effective to rent or buy? At Vivid Exhibits, we’ve analyzed this question in-depth to help businesses like yours make the right decision based on your unique needs.

Key Takeaways

• Renting trade show displays surged during the recession and remains a popular choice for many businesses.
• Even with economic recovery, companies haven’t fully shifted back to purchasing displays as anticipated.
• Modular exhibit innovations now provide a custom look without a significant upfront investment.
• For companies attending two or fewer trade shows annually, renting is generally more cost-effective.
• For those exhibiting at three or more trade shows annually, purchasing a display often saves money in the long run.

Why Renting Became Popular

During the 2008 financial crisis, companies of all sizes began opting for rentals instead of purchasing trade show displays. This was largely driven by financial constraints, including cash flow and uncertain return on investment. Even now, many businesses choose to rent due to flexibility, reduced upfront costs, and the ability to adapt to changing trade show needs.

Innovations in Modular Displays

One significant reason renting remains popular is the rise of modular exhibit systems. These systems allow companies to create a custom, high-end look by leasing modular components. This approach enables businesses to adapt their displays for different booth sizes and layouts without the hefty capital expense of buying a new exhibit each time.

When to Rent vs. Buy

Here’s our guidance based on your trade show schedule:

• Rent If:
  • You attend two or fewer trade shows annually.
  • You need flexibility to change your booth size or design for different events.
  • You’re testing the waters at trade shows or have a short product lifecycle.
• Buy If:
  • You exhibit at three or more trade shows annually.
  • You have consistent booth size and design needs.
  • You want to reduce long-term costs after the initial investment.

Cost Analysis: Renting vs. Buying

Based on internal studies, the break-even point between renting and buying typically occurs around the third trade show. After this, the cumulative cost of renting exceeds the upfront investment and maintenance costs of owning a display.

Why Choose Vivid Exhibits?

At Vivid Exhibits, we specialize in creating stunning modular exhibits that fit your business needs, whether you choose to rent or buy. Our team will work with you to analyze your trade show calendar, budget, and goals to recommend the best solution for your brand.

Contact Vivid Exhibits today to explore our custom modular displays and find the perfect solution for your trade show success!