Budget Stretchers: More Ways to Save
The final group of responses was also one of the most popular areas for people to stretch those budget dollars. Using tactics that varied considerably but had the common effect of controlling the expenses these exhibitors maintained the power of their trade show marketing.
Decreased the amount of materials taken to the event and suggesting to the customer that we can send materials to them. This has saved on shipping costs, but the real advantage is that we have secured a lead for our database and potential future interaction.
-Terri Lupton, CFIDS Association of America
Don't order items you can bring with you. A box under the draped table is free, the wastebaskets they "rent" cost $20.00 each. Don't order chairs...the sales people need to stand up anyway, or they appear unapproachable.
-Dawn L. Mickens, Martin Marietta Composites
Instead of having giveaways for all attendees, we reserve higher-end giveaways for those prospects or clients that we have a good conversation with. This helps reduce the cost of wasted promo items. Also, we are always trying to be "organized shippers." We attend approximately 15-18 shows per year; by shipping from show-to-show we reduce the cost of shipping booth materials back to home office then on to the next show
-Kristine Cook, Westcore Funds
I always attend installation of our booth to monitor our labor hours. If set up takes place on Sunday, I request to do some of the set up on Saturday to reduce the amount of double time. Most of the time this option is available.
-Name withheld by request
Resist "add-ons" and have one decision maker that is responsible for the budget. If additional items are requested it must go through the responsible decision maker and be noted that it is not in the budget.
-Name withheld by request