Choosing between the best rental vs custom trade show exhibits

Jul 14, 2025 - 12:57
 2
Choosing between the best rental vs custom trade show exhibits

Trade shows are a great platform and opportunity for your business to showcase its offerings and attract potential customers. However, the input cost is often higher and can seem like a major marketing investment for small businesses.

Hence, businesses must carefully plan and assess ways to save on the costs. Hence, choosing between custom, modular and Trade Show Rental Exhibit is important. This is because an investment in custom trade show exhibits can be a significant investment but promises better ROI. Such booths offer better creative freedom, customisation and results especially for major industry events or product launches.

Modular displays offer flexibility with components that can be easily reconfigured to suit your event needs. These are ideal for smaller businesses that attend multiple events across the year.

On the other hand, Trade Show Rental Exhibits work wonders for small and medium businesses with limited marketing budgets. These remain a cost-effective solution for meeting short-term trade show participation requirements minus storage, handling and management costs.

Cost consideration for custom trade show exhibits

The custom trade show exhibits are ideal for businesses that aim to make a lasting impression on all. These are perfect for flagship events, new product launches, high-end Trade shows, etc.

These often require higher investment than the standard Trade Show Rental Exhibits but offer better returns in terms of brand recognition, visibility and engagement.

Hence, the cost factor for the custom trade show exhibits is often dependent on the following aspects -

  • Design and development costs -

The custom trade show exhibits are often more expensive than Trade Show Rental Exhibits. These are bespoke solutions that help to bring your vision to life.

The process is extensive and has multiple consultations with designers and reviews to get the best results. Further, unlike standard materials used in Trade Show Rental Exhibits, these use premium materials and construction to ensure an impactful exhibit.

Such costs on custom trade show exhibits and development are higher but offer significant results especially for businesses operating in highly competitive marketplaces.

  • Shipping and handling costs

The top custom trade show exhibits are often high on fixed costs. The larger and heavier the booth, the higher the shipping and handling costs.

The drayage costs are often borne by the suppliers in case of Trade Show Rental Exhibits but for custom ones, the same needs to be borne by you. Such costs can often add up quickly as custom exhibits require special handling.

  • Storage and maintenance costs

The custom trade show exhibits are often expensive than Trade Show Rental Exhibits as these have a higher storage and maintenance cost. Regular maintenance is important to ensure that your exhibits stay fresh for future shows.

Custom booths may also require specialised labor for setup and storage

Cost consideration for rental trade show exhibits

Unlike the cost-intensive custom trade show exhibits, the Trade Show Rental Exhibits are affordable and cost-effective.

Hence, the Trade Show Rental Exhibits are a practical alternative for small businesses looking to control their initial costs. This makes them affordable and more reliable than custom trade show exhibits.

Hence, the cost factor for the Trade Show Rental Exhibit is often dependent on the following aspects -

  • Cost range - The cost range is variable and depends upon the selected suppliers. These include a pre-designed or standard booth with basic graphics and lighting. The prices are higher for larger booths with complex designs or graphics.

  • Graphic design and printing - Unlike custom exhibits, the Trade Show Rental Exhibits require regular costs for customisation. Adding custom graphics on walls, signages, digital displays, etc. is Hence, even though the structure is rented, the graphics are costly and non-reusable.

  • Shipping and handling costs - Trusted professionals like Foster Display Group offer free shipping and handling. Minus this, you need to pay for the same apart from the rental fee.

  • Installation and logistic costs - For smaller trade shows, you need to hire labor for setup and dismantle. This can impact your overall trade show expenditure.

  • On-site support - Onsite technical or logistics support can be costly. This is higher for larger booths that use complex technology.

Conclusion

The choice between the custom trade show exhibits is often dependent on the overall budget and requirements of your brand. Thus, the Trade Show Rental Exhibits are a good idea for businesses that attend fewer shows each year. This also offers flexibility to experiment with layouts and sizes especially for attending diverse events across the nation.

Such solutions are also useful for brands looking to test new markets and brand messages.

Despite this lower initial costs, businesses end up paying higher for customisation, logistics and contingency. Ultimately, the Trade Show Rental Exhibit works well for businesses participating in fewer shows per year. For others, custom trade show exhibits are a great idea.

buildwithfoster Foster Display Group is an award-winning trade show display and experiential agency with offices in CA and NJ. We specialize in custom trade show booths, exhibit rentals, 3D booth design, logistics, and more. Our passion is creating unique and memorable experiential programs that resonate with your customers long after the event is over. We craft seamless events and experiential marketing campaigns tailored to impact your audience at the right time and place.