Back in the mid-nineties, Kiers Communications Group (before we were known as Kiers Marketing) introduced retractable banner stands to the New Brunswick market. These were really heavy and they sold for around $700.00 each.
Like most things built back then, they were very well made. Actually, some are still being used today (with new graphics of course). The good news is, banner stands are now much lighter and less expensive than they used to be. The bad news is, many of them are built like today’s home appliances, they last a few years and you have to throw them away.
When shopping for trade show booths or banner stands, the cheapest model is just that. Cheap. If you are going to use it just once, or once a year and you’re not travelling with it or shipping it, then the economy model is fine. However, if you want a stand to last, spend the extra and buy a good one.
When you buy banner stands or booths, make sure they come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Anything less and you are looking at replacing it before too long. Buy from a reputable local supplier rather than shopping online. You may find pricing cheaper online, but if you have a problem with the stand or the banner, then you don’t have the local service support. There’s nothing worse than getting ready to attend a trade show and discover that you have a broken pole. If you’ve bought the hardware online, you’ll be out of luck. If you purchased it locally, your local supplier will probably be able to help you out.
Like most things you buy these days, do the research and spend a few dollars more to buy a model with a lifetime warranty. Because it will eventually break, everything does.