Size of the Display

Make sure the display is going to be the right size, both when packed and when in use. Trade show exhibits need to fit in the size of booth that you regularly use. If you regularly reserve double wide areas, for instance, make sure that the exhibit will cover the space well. On the other hand, if you regularly reserve the smallest area, make sure the display will not overwhelm it.

Also, you need to make sure that it is the right size when folded. Is it portable enough to easily move? If you regularly travel by yourself, will you be able to carry it? Will it be something you can check on the airplane, or will you have to pay extra fees for oversized baggage? Will it fit in the trunk of a small rental car? These considerations will help you narrow down your search.

Versatility

Another consideration to make is whether or not the display is versatile. Can you easily change the photos and text if you need to, or are they mounted permanently? Sometimes the display case has another function, such as serving as a podium or stand. If you are going to spend the money necessary to buy a display, you might as well get as much functionality out of the system as possible.

Set Up

Learn all you can about the setup of the display. Some trade show exhibits are quite difficult to set up, and even require special tools that you may not have on hand. If you are going to need some tools, make sure you bring them with you. Also, find out how many people are needed to set up the display. If you need several hands, but regularly travel by yourself, you probably need to consider a different display that is easier to put in place. Finally, find out how much time it will take to set up the display, and make sure that you will be able to give yourself that much time on a regular basis as you are traveling to exhibits.

Portability

Keep in mind that you will be regularly moving with your display case. Find one that is easy to transport. Wheels on the travel case are a great feature. Also, check for handles that will make transport easier. Finally, make sure the weight is not more than you can handle.

Purchasing Options

A final consideration is whether or not you really need to buy a trade show display. Believe it or not, trade show display rental is a very valid option. By partnering with a display booth rental company, you can get a quality display for a fraction of the price.

How does rental work? The rental company provides the display structure and some custom graphics and logos. Everything you need is included, including lights, chairs, when applicable, and display boards. Some set ups even come with television screens or computer monitors that can be used for videos or presentations.

One benefit of renting over purchasing, besides the ability to save money, is the fact that you do not have to replace components that stop working. If a light breaks, not because of your actions, the rental company will replace it. You will eliminate much of the stress that comes with owning your own display and being responsible for maintaining it. Unless you need to own your own display, renting is an economical and practical option.

Place your links page at the end of your website. Believe it or not, I’ve actually seen links pages placed high on the site map. The first thing you want your clients to see is your services, not the services of another company.

Don’t trade links with online gambling or game sites, unless it truly relates to your business. For example, if you are a financial planner, yet include links on your site for online gambling, it takes away from the professionalism of your site.

Don’t trade links with competitors. While you want to keep the links on your website relative to your business, you don’t want to lose business.

Trade links with companies that can provide useful information or services to your target audience. Your clients will appreciate the information, and your business will gain a reputation for excellent customer service.

Organize your links page. Links that are crowded too closely together look unprofessional, as do links that are in no particular order. Organize your links into categories using headings and lines or dividers to separate the categories. Do not list categories with links to other pages that actually contain the useful links. This detracts from your site and uses extra bandwidth.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you will build a professional links page that boosts your business and offers you a great reputation for professionalism and customer care.

Research what’s selling and what it’s selling for: Check with your country’s embassy in the country where you are hoping to export or import. They should have a good idea about what products are in demand. From here, you can use the available information to help you in the next step, which is:

Locate a reputable supplier: This is perhaps the most important obstacle you will face in setting up shop for a successful export-import business. Having good business partnerships means that you will be in a better position to pass cost savings along to potential customers. Taking this portion of building your own import-export business for granted may spell doom for your company.

Obtain a letter of credit: You will need a form of payment that you can trust. While many business transactions are conducted with reputable payment systems such as Paypal, it is always safer to seek a letter of credit from a financial institution for the transfer of goods and services. A letter of credit is proof that products have been shipped and received in good faith, and that the funds are adequately transferred to the necessary parties.

Look for and show transparency in your business relationship: Transparency, like in a marriage, is a great way to build trust. And while trust is somewhat of an intangible when it comes to any kind of relationship, it is vital to your success. You should both strive to be “see-through” about the way you do business. Back up what you say. Be honest and upfront about every aspect of your business transactions as well as what sells best, and what products to shy away from and you will have a long-term bond of profitability rather than a quick buck that doesn’t last.

Stand by your products: In every export-import business, there comes a time when fulfillment is less than perfect. Whether the product is something tangible, or provided services, make sure you stand behind it. Be willing to put your money where your mouth is and deliver if expectations ever fall short.

An export-import business is one of the best ways to make money in a troubled global economy. Put these essentials to work for you and avoid the doom and gloom!