Archive for category Trade Show Equipment

Using a Cork Bulletin Board in Your Trade Show Display

Posted by on Thursday, 4 November, 2010

For many businesses, attending trade shows is an important part of their marketing strategy. There are many reasons to attend these shows, such as being able to interact with customers, promote products, make connections, and keep up to date with your industry and your competition. With so many businesses at a single show, however, in order to attract those interested in your products it is vital to stand out from the crowd. To do this, your display must be both unique and practical. In many cases a cork bulletin board can function well as part of a trade show display. The benefits of these boards include being lightweight and inexpensive as well as customizable. Although they are easy to buy, they can also be made on your own.

Tabletop displays are where cork bulletin boards can be especially useful. If the show you are attending has a space restriction, or your business is small and cannot afford one of the huge, showy displays, a tabletop display may be the only choice you have to impress potential customers. You can purchase many different types of bulletin cork boards that will work in this situation. Many of the boards are covered with fabric, allowing them to compliment any sort of company logo or booth set up. There are folding display boards that come in a wide variety of colors and with anywhere from three to five or more panels. Because of the fabric that covers them you can attach things to the boards with either pushpins or with Velcro, making them highly convenient. They can be set up on a table as needed, and folded for ease of transport and storage when no longer in use.

Another option, if you have more space or a larger budget, is a large cork bulletin board. It is possible for this to be one single, continuous board, but that will make it difficult to transport to trade shows. Instead you can purchase a display wall, that when set up will provide a large space where you can show off your business and products. These walls can be custom-made as large as needed, but can often be folded up and carried in a case for easy transportation. As with the tabletop displays, the display walls are often covered in fabric and so can be bought in nearly any color. These walls are impressive, and can make a significant difference in the amount of people who visit your booth. If your budget and booth space allow for a display wall, investing in one may be a wise decision. However, with so much space you must be careful to arrange things on it in a manner that is informative and not confusing.

An enclosed cork bulletin board can be useful for displays as well. Since they are covered, you can use them to show off important documents or fragile items that you do not want the public to have direct access to. Enclosed cork bulletin boards sometimes have locks on them, to provide extra security for your displayed items. A framed cork bulletin board will give an extra amount of style and class to your display, and the frame can be chosen to coordinate with the rest of the booth. If you are looking for just a plain cork board bulletin board for your trade show booth, a Quartet cork bulletin board is a good choice.

If you have a severely constricted budget, or none of the commercially available options appeal to you, there is always the choice of building your own cork bulletin board for your trade show display. Online you can find many plans for how to make a cork bulletin board. These plans are available for many different types of boards, so the key is to know what you are looking for. You should take some time to think about exactly what you need for your display. Making a few sketches can be helpful during this process. Once you are sure of what you need, keep searching until you find the right plan. Keep in mind that it is easy to cover your board in fabric, so you can make it blend in with or stand out against the other elements in your display. Another thing that is important to be sure of is that your finished display board will be easy to transport.

When searching for the perfect cork bulletin board, your business’s specific needs as well as your budget will determine the things you should look for. It is easy to get excited about your display and end up choosing one that is far more elaborate and expensive than you require. To prevent this, keep a list of everything you need for your display nearby while you are searching and refer to it often. It is also helpful to remember that in the end, the information on your display, and the knowledge and helpfulness of the people running the booth are far more important than the actual display itself. You want your cork bulletin board to let your business be in the spotlight.


How to Print Your Own Stickers with Sticker Paper

Posted by on Monday, 1 November, 2010

Stickers can be a ton of fun no matter what age you are. Whether you are looking for a fun project to do with the kids or you have some business promotions in mind, you can actually make stickers on your own to use for any occasion. All it takes is a printer, some sticker paper, and a creative mind to get started. Here is a quick guide to help you make the most out of your sticker project.

Step 1 – Get the Paper

The first part in your sticker adventure involves getting the actual printer sticker paper. This will allow you to insert paper in your own printer at home or in the office and print off whatever it is you are trying to create.

There are a few different kinds to choose from, depending on what you want to do. If you want to create bumper stickers, vinyl sticker paper will be the way to go. If you would rather make something to add to a scrapbook, you may want clear sticker paper so you do not have any white edges. There is also label paper out there, which is pre-formatted to be a certain size. You will not have to do any cutting if you choose this kind of paper because there will already be rectangles cut out for you to peel off. Figure out what you want to make and then get a pack of printable sticker paper to accommodate your ideas.

Step 2 – Make the Design

Once you have your sticker printing paper ready, you can start designing ht actual stickers you are going to print out. This will be entirely up to you, but there are some common designs you might take on. If you want to make a bumper sticker or label, there are templates online that will work with your favorite photo editor or writing software to give you the perfect shape to follow. Then all you have to do is fill it in with your thoughts, photos, etc.

For pictures, you can obviously use actual photos, but clipart is the ideal solution for a sticker. There is a ton of free clipart on the internet, and you may even be able to make your own with some simple photo editing programs. Those can also be found for free online. If you do a search engine search for whatever you want to use with the word “clipart” or “free clipart” after it, you should be able to find something that works for you.
There are also editing programs online that will allow you to crop photos, move pictures, add text, and do anything you may want to do with your sticker before you print. Put your creative hat on and start designing, and you should have a great looking set of stickers in no time.

Step 3 – Print the Stickers

After the design is in place, all you have to do is print it off on sticker paper. Be sure to load the inkjet sticker paper in the right way so the ink shows up on the side opposite the adhesive. Otherwise, you will waste time printing on the disposable back of the pack. Check your ink so you have enough for the printing, and then hit print as you would for any other document. If you designed the stickers online, you may have to download them to your computer and then print them off that way, depending on how the program works.

Step 4 – Cut the Stickers

When the paper stickers have come out of the printer, all you really have left to do is cut them. You can do this with standard scissors, or you could get a little creative. There are fun scrapbooking scissors on the market that will allow you to make wavy edges or whatever you want around the stickers you are cutting, and you can buy them in variety packs to give you options. These are not ideal for transparent sticker paper, purely because it will be hard to see the fancy edges when they are clear.

If you are looking for something less playful, a paper cutter will slice perfectly straight lines in flat or glossy sticker paper. All you have to do is put a sheet in there, make sure it is straight, and then push the blade arm down. Do not use a paper cutter around children because they can get hurt. If you do allow them to use this, always be around to supervise.

Step 5 – Stick!

The only thing left to do is stick your newly made stickers where you want them. As crazy as it may seem, making your own stickers really is that simple. It is all a matter of having the right sticker paper and ideas to create something you will love. Anyone can do it.


Present Your Wares Accurately with Display Mannequins

Posted by on Tuesday, 28 September, 2010

If you are a clothing retailer, then you know that a having great display can make all the difference when it comes to attracting people and persuading them to visit your place of business. It does not matter is you have a permanent storefront, or if your retail activities take place in booths and trade shows around the country; actively displaying your clothes in ways that attract and entice customers is one of the most effective means of promoting your product. One of the most effective ways of creating displays that are easily relatable, and that will attract new customers, is with display mannequins. The following paragraphs will discuss some of the popular uses for display mannequins, as well as features and designs that can help to make your mannequin displays stand out from the crowd.

A display mannequin is essentially a sculpture of a human form. Most people imagine mannequins to be fairly one-dimensional. However, mannequins may take several shapes or forms. These forms are most often in adult sizes and are very symmetrical, essentially representing an ideal human form, which is most often in a neutral standing position. Mannequins are not limited to this very stereotypical position, however. They may also take active, sporty positions, they may be seated, or they may be adjustable to suit the specific requirements of a given display. In addition, today’s display mannequins for sale come in multiple sizes, shapes, and colors, effectively providing a more accurate representation of the people to whom they cater.

Mannequins are not only for displaying clothing items; some other popular display options are the jewelry display mannequin, and mannequin head displays, which are typically used in hairdressing salons or in hat shops. Jewelry display mannequins are most often busts, used to show off earrings, necklaces and hairpieces. Other options for displaying jewelry include hand or entire arm models, to display rings, bracelets and watches. For retailers that specialize in foot and leg wear, another popular form of display consists of just mannequin legs, effectively removing bulk from the display, and focusing on the relevant clothing items.

As a retailer, you may wonder why using hair, jewelry, or clothing display mannequins should be chosen over other display options and forms of promotion, such as photo ad campaigns. The answer is simple: Mannequins are reusable. It does not matter what season it is, what styles are in or out, or exactly what it is you are trying to promote at any given time, mannequins will suit your needs. If you choose to do a photo campaign and hang large banners in your storefront or booth, you will have a very attractive display for that season, but once the season changes and your wares change accordingly, you will be required to go through the entire process again. The costs of photo ad campaigns, including paying model, stylist, and photographer fees, can quickly become prohibitive, meaning that you will need to limit the number of times you change campaigns, and thereby limiting your selling ability. With window display mannequins however, you have the option of changing their looks as often as you like. You will be creating an attractive store or booth front, while inspiring passersby concerning the types of clothing that they might find if they take a closer look.

Shopping for mannequins may initially feel daunting, since there are multiple online retailers that would love to have your business, and since those with little or no experience with display mannequins likely do not know what to look for, or the full scope of their options. Obviously, price will always be a factor to consider. Purchase prices vary considerably, depending upon the quality of construction, the warranty, if any, offered the originality of the design, and the special features of the specific model. Finding your perfect price range will necessarily depend upon the features that you wish to have included with your mannequins, as well as the volume of product ordered at any given time.

There are multiple types of mannequin retailers to choose from, the basic distinction to make is whether the company’s display mannequins are custom designed and built for their clients, or whether their products are more generic. Retailers that choose to go with custom mannequin designs are often interested in projecting a very specific image or stance with their male and female displays. They may require specific bodily or facial features, in order to appeal to a specific audience. Often, ordering custom-made mannequins is best for retailers that are buying in large quantities, since the cost of having one or more models custom built can be prohibitive for just one or two pieces. For retailers interested in buying just one male or female display mannequin, sometimes choosing a more popular design is a means of saving money, but still getting the look that you are after.


Buying Used Store Fixtures for your Display Needs

Posted by on Sunday, 26 September, 2010

Businesses that participate in trade shows, fairs and exhibitions often to need to invest in fixtures for display. In many cases, the same fixtures can be used at different shows when the size or shape of the hired stall is of standard measurements. This becomes particularly important for companies that have a frequent participation in such shows. So they do not need to invest in a new set of fixtures each time, and try to standardize the displays.

A cost effective way to buy such fixtures is to look for used store fixtures. These are sometimes available at throwaway prices, so the business can save a substantial amount of money on this expense. If a store is going out of business or shutting down a particular outlet, it may put out its used store fixtures for sale. These are the kind of opportunities that can lead to good quality fixtures at a very low price. If one looks around carefully such opportunities can be found without much difficulty.

There are also specialized used store fixtures inc that exclusively deal in second hand fixtures. These companies buy out such items at very low prices and create a large inventory at their warehouse. Therefore, anyone who needs to buy different types of low priced fixtures can visit the warehouse and pick up the items for a cheap price. Some of the items at such places can be as good as new, so it can be a very profitable bargain sometimes.

However, it should be noted that any such used retail store would add a profit margin for their storage and selling services. Therefore, the price may not be as cheap as what one may get through a direct buyout. If someone is selling out their used retail store fixtures directly, that could make for a more attractive bargain because there is no profit margin or commission for the middleman or trader involved in between.

While purchasing such used fixtures, it is also important to evaluate the condition and quality of the material. A very old, dilapidated or shabby looking product may not be suitable for presentation at a trade show or exhibition. It may in fact prove to be negative for the business. Therefore, even when one is buying used store display fixtures, it is prudent to exercise discretion and buy a presentable quality. Display must always be impressive and make an impact on the people. Therefore, the fixtures should be cost effective, but cost must not be the sole deciding factor.

The choice of fixture also depends on the kind of product that is going to be displayed on it. Each fixture is specifically designed for a particular type of product, so only the appropriate fixtures should be chosen for the products. For instance, used grocery store fixtures cannot be placed in a stall that requires used jewelry store fixtures. Such fixtures will be customized according to the size and nature of the product. Therefore, any inappropriate display can hamper the objective of a display or an exhibit.

Used clothing store fixtures are among the more popular used store display fixtures. Firstly, the number of clothing stores is very large so the chances of obtaining these fixtures in the market are always high. Secondly, clothing displays are generally in standard measurements that match with the display needs of different kind of products. So if you are selling or exhibiting a specialized product that does not have any customized displays available in the marketplace, you may check out a few garment displays on sale and see if they can fit into your requirements.

A smart way to buy used store fixtures can be to speak to a few store managers and seek out information on when the store may be likely to sell out their old fixtures and replace them with new ones. If you have such information at hand in advance, you can be well prepared to be the first one to cash out the opportunity as soon as it comes up. Sometimes antique stores also double up as used furniture sale stores, so look at a few antique stores as well when you are scouting for such items.

The Internet has also become an excellent resource for locating such second hand items. Many people who are planning to sell out their old furniture and display fixtures put out their ads on popular websites such as eBay and Craigslist. There are also many other websites where buyers and sellers can place free classified advertisements for such items. So it may be worthwhile to explore the possibility of buying these items online. However, proper discretion and judgment must be exercised if you are buying from unknown people through the Internet.

With a little effort and creativity, it is possible to acquire nice fixtures for your display needs at very low prices.


Find the Right Clothes Stand for your Needs

Posted by on Sunday, 5 September, 2010

Whether you are preparing for an important interview, about to travel, in need of organizing your own personal closet, or preparing to display your wares to the public, finding the most appropriate clothes stand is an essential step that should not be bypassed. There are dozens of different types of clothes stands available, all of which have specific purposes to which they are best suited. The following paragraphs will look at some of the most common examples of stands and displays, especially those pertaining to the trade show industry, and discuss how to identify when and where they are the most effective.

Step One: Identify Your Needs
If you are interested in purchasing a clothing stand, you have likely already identified the need for one in some form or another. The first step to finding the best stand for you should be identifying what you would like to have it accomplish. For instance, are you looking for a stand to accommodate your personal clothing, and if so, how many pieces do you want it to house; one suit, several shirts, shoes? Perhaps you are comfortable with your personal set up, but are looking for a means to display clothes in a larger setting, such as a shop window or at a textiles show. In this case, will you be displaying several different types of clothing and accessories, or are you promoting several versions of one particular item? All of the scenarios listed above call for a different type of stand.

Step Two: Identify Your Options
Once you have determined exactly what you are looking for in a clothing stand, it is time to identify what options are available to you. Popular stands for personal and home use include valet stands, clothes towers, drying racks, and clothes tree stands or coat racks. Most of these options are available at a variety of price points, depending upon their construction and their unique features. For those individuals looking to display or store larger volumes of clothes in a retail or trade show setting, the options vary slightly. These are the options that will be discussed in more detail below.

Clothes Stands for Retail Display Settings
When looking to store and display clothing in a retail setting, the challenge lies not only in keeping the clothing tidy and well organized, but also showing off pieces efficiently and effectively, enticing potential consumers to come in and have a closer look at your wares. There are several means of accomplishing this task, including the use of the clothes hanger stand, clothing racks, mannequins, and creative shelving. The specific types of stands that you choose will necessarily depend upon the space you are using, and whether it is intended to be a semi-permanent or temporary display.

Clothes Hanger Stands
These types of stands are ideal for hanging a large volume of clothing in a limited amount of space. They typically include a base and a rack for hangers, and depending upon their design, may be have a round or a basic tower design. For groups or individuals that have to be able to move the racks frequently, many of the bases of these stands will be offered in wheeled varieties for easy maneuvering. Clothes hanger stands are useful in multiple settings, especially retail outlets, and are frequently used in the theater and on photo shoot sets. Their greatest advantage is their portability (providing they feature wheeled bases) and their capacity to hold large volumes of clothing items at once. Alternately, they are not ideal for displaying numerous unique items, since only the pieces on the ends will be immediately visible.

Shelving Units
Shelving units or towers are most useful in retail settings where the displays are at least semi-permanent. They are ideal for clothing items such as sweaters that do not need to be hung in order to maintain their form. When using shelving or tower units for clothing, it is optimal to have a more immediate visual impact of the clothing being housed therein through the use of a clothes tree stand or a mannequin.

Tree Stands and Mannequins
Tree stands and mannequins are the most effective means of displaying one or more unique clothing pieces. Because of their capacity to hold considerably fewer items than the stands listed above, they are primarily used to feature and highlight special items that are for sale and available elsewhere within the booth or retail area. These types of stands are generally easily portable, but do not facilitate the handling of wares by the consumer. As such, when using mannequins and tree stands, be sure to have some similar pieces more readily available for handling (and purchase) by the consumer.

There are countless varieties of clothes stands to choose from. The above article does not claim to have exhaustively covered every style available on today’s market, however it has (hopefully) demonstrated that using a variety of different styles and designs of clothing stands can be an effective marketing and promotional tool.


How to Liven Your Clothing Display Using A Male Mannequin

Posted by on Saturday, 4 September, 2010

Liven the atmosphere of your trade show display with the use of sexy male mannequins to showcase all your men’s fashionable clothing, headgear or jewelry products. The use of mannequins for sales and marketing has been tried and proven as a successful way of increasing product sales. From promoting a new line of men’s sportswear to the display of quality three-piece suits or tuxedos to showcasing comfortable and stylish casual wear, using a male mannequin will greatly enhance your chances of attracting more potential customers and achieving the results you desire.

The retail industry is one of the most competitive industries today. This requires businesses to come up with creative and artistic ideas to attract clientele. The use of mannequins is one method more retailers are employing to get people’s interest in their products with very satisfying results. Displaying men’s clothing on male mannequins provides consumers with the visual attraction they need to draw their interest and attention to the favored product.

Employing the use of a male mannequin torso, for example, to artistically showcase an elegant three piece suit as the perfect wedding attire for a groom to be will much more effectively catch the attention of men and women alike than a mere picture or poster of the same. Highlighting men’s summer shirts or sports jackets or trousers on a male mannequin where shoppers can see and feel the product on display in a three dimensional full color presentation is more likely to close that sale. Mannequins provide this advantage. The more appealing your visual display, the greater chances you have of attracting the crowds and increasing your sales.

Mannequins have a long and colorful history dating back to the times of the pharaohs in Egypt. But their widespread use has peaked in modern times of today. Male mannequins are widely used not just for contemporary clothing displays in retail stores and trade shows but are essential accessories for fashion designers, seamstresses and tailors and have even been used as models for research groups. They are constructed to resemble the male body as closely as possible in height and body structure to include handsome facial features, muscular chests and strong torso and legs.

The most common position of a mannequin is standing; however, they are also available in other poses such as sitting, walking, running or even yoga stances. Facial features can also vary to reflect the type of clothing displayed, setting the proper ambiance surrounding the model. Being able to entice customers with the proper mannequin model will affect their reaction to your products, so choice of mannequin can make a difference in your display.

Male mannequins can be purchased in full body mode or as a torso without a head, or by separate sections of the body to emphasize the clothing displayed. If the clothing you want to accentuate are trousers or sports shorts, belt and shoes, you may opt for a male torso mannequin from the waist down in a sitting or standing pose. If you are interested in displaying head gear such as a toupee or line of hats or male jewelry, you might select only the male mannequin head and set it upon a high stand where all can easily see to display your wares.

In retail stores you will often find mannequins artistically displaying their wares in the store window to grab the attention of those passing by. Such displays are the best way to lure customers into the store for further perusal of what you have to offer so it pays to put your best foot forward in both the type of mannequin you use and the manner of display.

Using mannequins properly can really make an impact on the popularity of your products. That is why in addition to a storefront window, mannequins will often be scattered throughout a department store displaying many different types of clothing at the same time. The use of mannequins in conjunction with other ambiance shaping elements of the shop environment – music, lights, clothing racks alignment and organization, sales personnel – will determine your success in making sales.

Having a well organized men’s department, for example, and directing people’s attention to the variety of clothing you have to offer by having a display mannequin showcasing the different types of clothing, i.e. sportswear, formal wear, casual shirts and jeans, etc. will make it easier for customers to find what they are looking for as well as make their decisions. Most people respond much better to attractive visual presentations so it is to your advantage to have your male mannequins work in your favor doing what they do best.

You will be able to find male mannequins for sale through online retailers where there is a wide selection of styles to choose from. Some of the different types include an ethnic male mannequin, sports mannequin, sexy mannequin, flexible mannequin and many more to suit every possible need.


How to Effectively Use Female Mannequin Models for Display

Posted by on Saturday, 4 September, 2010

Mannequins have been used for clothing sales and marketing purposes with very satisfactory results. Both male and female mannequins are available in a variety of styles and designs to fit the market need. A female mannequin may be used in a department store or trade show to elegantly display women’s clothing, wigs, hats or jewelry to attract potential customers’ attention, enabling them to visualize how these products will look when worn. The more attractive the display is, then the more attractive the sales are, which is the purpose of the marketing strategy.

Using mannequins to display retail products has proven to be a very effective method of increasing sales and production. Any line of female clothing can be displayed on a mannequin from sportswear to lingerie, casual wear to formal evening attire. A female mannequin torso offers women consumers a clear visual picture of how the clothing will appear which greatly enhances their chances of purchasing the product.

Most women have a difficult time imagining what a clothing style or design will look like on them just by viewing a picture in a catalog or magazine. Viewing the same item on a mannequin offers greater clarity and sparks the initial interest to take the next step of trying the clothing on for themselves, which may lead to the eventual sale. First reactions and impressions are very important in the marketing industry and when it comes to clothing display, mannequins have the ability of catching people’s attention instantly when done artistically and resourcefully.

Many different businesses utilize mannequins in addition to retail shops and boutiques; these could include dress designers, tailor or seamstress shops, museums, TV film shoots, trade shows and conventions. Anywhere clothing displays need to be made mannequins can be effectively employed. For easy mobility and use, inflatable mannequin models are available with lightweight features for easier setup and transport.

The construction of mannequins is done with the intent of resembling the human body features as closely as possible for lifelike appearance to include color of hair and skin tone. They may consist of the entire body or feature only specific parts of the body such as a female mannequin head or the lower part of the body from the waist through the legs and feet. Female heads are more visually found in retail shops displaying jewelry or headgear such as wigs or hats. Lingerie shops may prefer a female torso mannequin only, without the head, so that full focus is given to the specific piece of clothing displayed on the body.

Mannequin model types include male and female adult and children full body structures as well as torso only structures, head only models or a combination of body parts according to what is required for the display. The use of mannequins as opposed to hiring fulltime male or female models to showcase clothing is obviously the more cost effective alternative in addition to offering longer lasting advertising time.

Usually the features of the mannequin will coincide with its respective human counterpart in the most favorable light possible. Male mannequins, for example, will usually be taller than women mannequins, more muscular in design with handsome facial features. They are available in a variety of positions such as sitting or lying down, though the most common position is that of standing. Female mannequins usually display attractive facial features, a sexy buxomly chest, slender body and long slender legs. These, too, are available in different postures to match their respective display with the option of rearranging the hands or legs in varied positions for greater enhancement of display.

When it comes to displaying only headgear or jewelry, female head mannequins are preferred over the entire body as they pinpoint the exact area of display. The head models come in different sizes and with diverse facial expressions or non-faced in nature, depending on how the product will be displayed more attractively. Choice of mannequin model is more effective when geared to enhance the products being displayed and not detract from it. With the large selection of different types of mannequins on the market today there should be no problem finding one to suit any occasion and event.

Manufacturers of mannequins strive to provide high quality products to meet consumer demand and need. Models with or without facial features are available in black, white or brown color tones in full bodied style as well as custom made pregnancy female mannequin models to display pregnancy clothes in a pleasing manner. The various poses available in addition to the more common standing position include running, sitting and even yoga stances. You can find male or female mannequins for sale in specialty shops that sell this product or from online manufacturers. Prices vary according to style, design, type and individual retailer. At MannequinStore.com you will be able to view a wide selection of different styles and designs of these products at competitive prices.


Tips on Purchasing an Acrylic Stand for Cakes and Other Pastries

Posted by on Sunday, 29 August, 2010

It is not hard to find an acrylic stand to display a cake, pastries or hors d’oeuvres. These can easily be found via online retailers such as Amazon.com, Buy.com and websites that sell wedding items. If you run a bakery, a buffet restaurant, catering business, or are simply having a wedding, you will note how much better a cake looks when it is displayed properly on an ornate acrylic cake stand.

Acrylic Cake Stands for Weddings:

If you need a decorative cake stand for the wedding cake, then one very beautiful option is the Personalized Crystal Heart Cake Topper with Stand selling at Amazon.com for $26. Not only do you get a nice looking stand; the heart topper is also a beautiful added decoration and can be customized by Amazon.com for free. You would simply need to order this items at least several days in advance to allow time for it to be customized as requested.

Another much simpler option is the Acrylic Wedding Cake Stand selling at online retailer Ann’s Bridal Bargains for $6. This particular stand is made in such a way that it resembles a crystal stand, but is not as delicate as one and does not cost as much.

It can also be helpful to purchase such a stand to serve hors d’oeuvres. A decorative acrylic display stand of this nature does not cost much and will enhance the decor. You can purchase a 12″ Clear Acrylic Cupcake / Cake / Centerpiece Stand from eBay for $15. If you have the budget for it, then the Acrylic Triangular Stand selling at online retailer Kerekes Bakery and Restaurant is unforgettable and would look beautiful; however, it is quite pricey as one stand costs over $300.

If you are having either the wedding or reception outdoors, then you may want to purchase a cake stand with a cover. You can either purchase the stand and cover separately or buy them together. A simple acrylic cover costs $10 to $12 at Amazon.com.

If you want to purchase a stand and cover together, then these usually cost $30 to $50. Keep in mind that most wedding cakes are quite tall and you would need to purchase a lid that is high enough. The best place to look for these items is in bridal shops that sell wedding items; many online retailers sale items needed for weddings.

Acrylic Display Stands for Bakeries and Restaurants:

You can purchase a large, medium sized, or small stand from a number of online retailers. Prices vary depending on what particular stand you want, but if you want an industrial size stand that will display a number of cakes, cookies and other pastries, you can expect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars for it.

One thing to remember when choosing acrylic stands for your business is that the first thing people will judge your business by is its looks. While it is ultimately the high level of professionalism and great pastries that will keep people coming back, having good pastries and cakes that are poorly displayed will not generate sales or encourage people to want to purchase from you. You do not have to choose the most expensive display stands, but choose items that will enhance the items you are selling and give newcomers a positive impression of your business. Be sure the items you choose are also good quality and will last a long time.

A Clear Pass-Thru Shallow Depth Pastry Display Case with three Trays costs around $450 at Amazon.com and is almost a necessity for any bakery. This particular type of display case is ideal for displaying a number of cookies, small cakes, cupcakes and the like. The fact that it is acrylic makes it easy to keep clean – another must for any display case.

A Multi Tiered Acrylic Stand can hold a number of cakes. These stands are not cheap; purchasing one from Amazon.com costs $260. However, they display many cakes at the same time, and quite nicely too. While you could purchase an individual cake stand for each cake, you may or may not have the space to do this; therefore, ordering a multi tiered stand saves space and will help your bakery display shelves not look cluttered.

If you sell cupcakes, then you may find that purchasing an Acrylic Cupcake Stand will enhance your display. This particular item costs $140 at Amazon.com; it is multi tiered, giving room for a number of cupcakes to be displayed at the same time.

If you have the shelf space, and/or you have a few particular cakes that are your ‘specials’ and you want to highlight them, then giving them their own stand is a good way to do that. You can purchase a good-looking acrylic stand for less than $10 without the lid; one with a lid would cost at least $30.


The Perfect Trade Show Table

Posted by on Tuesday, 10 August, 2010

A good trade show can help make or break your business year and can be an extremely efficient use of time and money. On the flip side, a show that does not represent you and your business well is not only a waste of cash and time; it may drive a permanent wedge between you and potential customers. The old adage of the importance of a good first impression is never more important than at a trade show, and the first step is to make sure that your trade show table stands out from the crowd.

Trade show tables that are properly set up and well designed not only maximize traffic; they increase your brand awareness and help drive both direct and indirect sales. Well designed tables for trade shows also help get the attention of industry contacts and may even get you and your company some camera time on the nightly news. To attract people to your displays, it is important to use the power of simple human curiosity. The larger number of people you have gathered around the table creates a domino effect and draws even more people. But with all your competitors gathered around, your table for trade shows must be an attention grabber.

A great way to attract people is to use a “money blowing machine.” A money blowing machine is about the size of a phone booth and has a built in motor that rapidly circulates air to create a swirl of money or coupons. This is not only a powerful way to attract people to your display; the sight of people thrashing around trying to grab money is a sure attention getter – It is the perfect way to get people to fill out a contact card as an “admission fee.”

A prize wheel is another tried and tested traffic stopper. These portable and versatile marketing tools have been around forever and are always a fun way to draw a crowd. This is also a relativity low cost (and low maintenance) device that can also be used at in-store promotions, open houses and outdoor events. For quick setup and easy transport, you really can’t beat it.

There are many ways to utilize a prize wheel in your marketing plan. One of the easiest and most effective is to simply ask people to fill out a contact card in exchange for an opportunity to spin “The Wheel of Chance!” People love to gamble. And they love to win. So make sure that everyone goes home a winner. Whether you give a small promotional item, a coupon for money off, or even a chance to take a turn in the money blowing machine, it is important they get something. Remember, you are getting their name and contact info; it is only fair that you give something in exchange.

Make sure you set up your prize wheel right up front where it is easy for show attendees to reach and spin the wheel. People have a natural sense of boundaries and will feel much less comfortable and less likely to give a spin if they have to walk behind your booth. It is also important to have an outgoing person stationed by the wheel to invite people to have a turn. Even though the wheel is clearly set up as a promotional device, without an invitation your level of attendee participation (and contact card fill outs) will decrease.

Promotional items have been the gold standard at trade shows for generations. People have become so accustomed to getting free trinkets at shows that tables without freebies don’t get as much attention. One way to separate your business from the pack is to give out promotional things that not only promote your company, but are useful things to have at a show. If a person can actually use your give away, they are much more likely to stop by and pick one up.

A canvas bag with your business and logo printed on both sides is a perfect example of a useful freebie. Everybody is walking from table to table picking up pens and coupons and other assorted items and now they are storing them in your bag. Not only are people stashing your competition away in a dark hole, they are carrying you with them all over the floor.

Another promotional item that will fly off your table is bottled water. The trick is to custom label the water with your business logo. Attendees will do the advertising for you as they walk around the convention. Another advantage of labeled water is that thirsty people will ask the folks they see carrying your water where they got it, driving more people to your table. The same thing can be done with snacks.

Setting up a proper trade show table takes time and the promotions cost money. You may save cash up front with a cheap trade show table, but it will cost you money in the long run.


A Custom Exhibit Can Make or Break Your Trade Show Visit

Posted by on Wednesday, 4 August, 2010

Trades shows are a place for companies to show off new products, examine the competition and share industry knowledge. Many trade shows are only open to members of a particular industry and some are open to the public. No matter what show a company goes to, it is imperative that they have a custom exhibit to showcase their products and overall company image. In every industry, there are juggernauts that lead it and all participants of a trade show must be able to compete with the best by using custom exhibition stands combined with their latest and best products. There are a variety of companies on the web that specialize in guiding businesses to the right type of display to best show off their most recent advances.

Samsung, a leader in consumer electronics, showed off a display at the CES2009 trade show that was more than 40 feet high and hundreds of feet long. While many smaller companies could not hope to compete with that, one company that can build custom displays to fit in the same environment as the Samsung exhibit is Infinity Exhibits. The company, which can be found by visiting infinityexhibit.com, features customer made showcases for products that would make any trade show participant envious. They provide design and consultation at no charge and also feature a variety of portable pre fabricated displays. Choose from one of dozens of samples on the site or have Infiniti’s professional design staff dream you up a display that is uniquely tailored to your businesses needs. Infinity also carries an array of accessories such as booths and display tables that can be branded with company logos and fit into other custom made designs. For those that are not interested in purchasing, Infinity offers twenty foot inline displays for lease as well as peninsular or island stands. All rentals can be branded with company information and logos.

A company that has won some very prestigious awards from the trade show industry such as two silver ADDY awards for displays created is 2020 Exhibits. 2020 also features custom designed showcases and trade show exhibits. They carry a line of pre-fabricated ten foot and twenty foot inline displays that can take on a custom exhibit design to include flat screen televisions and a seating area. Infinity also has a line of banner stands, custom exhibition stands, as well as small to large islands. They even have a line of “green” exhibits and tabletop models. 2020 also features revolutionary construction materials in their displays. Many products are made of flexible and lightweight plastics that can actually decrease the overall cost of shipping displays from show to show. A unique aspect of 2020 is their program measurement software, which is a set of company designed and implemented tools to help clients with event planning, market identification, and calculations on ROI for tradeshows and events. The company has a full customer service support staff and the ability to upload files to the site.

Apple Rock Advertising and Promotions is a company with a long history of promoting companies through displays and advertising. They have created more than 14,000 projects to date that include customers in a variety of contrasting industries. Not only does the company help its clients to design and produce an industry leading custom tradeshow exhibit and showcases, it has event planning services that include coordination and scheduling as well as organization of accommodations, installation of displays, dismantling among an array of other services. Added convenience comes in the form of previewing your display before your event and training for more in depth displays. The company has locations all over the United States and in parts of Europe.

Having custom exhibits can mean the difference between success and failure as far as the goal of a trade show is concerned. While it is the products and information that other industry insiders are really interested, having an unprofessional or unnoticeable display or showcase will not get your foot in the door. Industry leaders spend thousands and sometime hundreds of thousands of dollars creating unique and memorable displays for trade shows and smaller businesses must step up to the plate to compete.

Custom trade show exhibits can be designed by a variety of companies however, it is important to find one that will determine what it is that you need by listening to you, design a creative and effective display to grab attention, and offer the support that is required to make it success. The companies listed in this article can do just that and much more however, there are several more out there that could also be researched. Trade shows are a crucial event for many businesses to feature new products and get the jump on competitors. Having a creative display and custom exhibit can help get you and your company noticed and looking unprofessional is the kiss of death.