There are several different types of portable banner stands, though they all perform the same function–they all display banners. Banner stands are some of the cheaper display stands you can buy. They are definitely very functional, but they do not offer as great protection for your promotional material as some other displays do. Still, they really do play a very important role in branding your company and advertising. Most are so small that you can virtually put them anywhere.
Retractable Banner Stands: These are also known as roller or roll up banner stands. They are very lightweight and extremely portable, with most coming with their own carry case and shoulder strap. They are perfect for taking with you to trade fairs, or for setting out the front of your shop or business to advertise a sale or special service. These types of stands are made specifically to stand on the floor, balanced on their base. Some accomplish this by having a wide and slightly heavy base, from which the banner rolls out of. Others have a small ‘foot’ on their base that twists around and out to give support. Some retractable banner stands are made for double sided advertising, while other are made for single sided advertising.
It is also possible to find a banner stand with fabric attached. You can add your own posters to this stand by using Velcro to attach them.
You can also find these stands that have the actual graphics or banner inserted into a cartridge, which is attached to the stand. If you want to change your graphic, or your advertising appeal, you simply switch to the cartridge that has the new style banner inside.
These are some of the simplest types of portable banner stands to use, as the banner simple rolls up or down.
Tensioned Banner Stands: These lightweight and easy to use stands are also inexpensive. They often have a steel base, which affords them better stability. They can use curved poles for different designs, to give the actual banner a different appearance and are often used in higher end advertising.
Pole Banner Stands: This portable banner stand is less automated than the retractable banner stand, although it is stabilized in a similar fashion. Of all of the different types of portable stands, these are usually the cheapest and the most lightweight and portable. Rather than storing the banner with the stand, you have to actually un-clip or otherwise undo the banner from the stand and roll it up separately to store it. They are very simple to put together, and usually come with a few parts that can be assembled without needing any screws or tools of any kind.
Counter-top Banner Stands: These are not really a specific type of stand per se, as much as a smaller, more compact version of either the pole or the retractable banner stands. They are designed to place small banners on desks or counter tops, and often come in adjustable sizes.
Counter-top stands are often used for smaller advertisements, or to give specific information about a product. They do not really grab the eye of passersby, as that is not what they were designed for. They are more to be used with informational banners.
When looking for a portable stands there are several things to keep in mind. One is that they really should be portable, not heavy or bulky to carry. If you are traveling with a portable stand you can often carry it on to the plane with you, as they simply swing over your shoulder.
Another thing to keep in mind is how easy the portable stand is to assemble. Most of the stands mentioned here are relatively easy to assemble, although the tensioned banner stands can be a little more complex, especially if you are aiming for a specific look or design with them. Ideally, you should be able to assemble these stands without needing to use any special tools, so look for ones that snap together or that are simply joined by inserting poles into drilled holes.
Many times, you can also have your graphic printed by the same companies that sell banner stands. This is especially helpful, for example, when buying the retractable banner stands that come with a cartridge. You can simply have the company print up several different banners at the same time, and then supply you with the stand, the removable cartridges with the different banners, and the carry case.
Keep in mind too that several of these banner stands, particularly the pole banner stands, are often offered in bulk at a much reduced price. If you are buying banners to display in a showroom, you may find that it is convenient and a real money saver to buy these stands in bulk.