Are you getting ready for a big event? Maybe a trade show or a product launch?
You’re probably thinking about everything. What will you show? Who will you talk to? But have you stopped to think about your exhibition stand?-
This is super important. It’s like your shop window at the event. It needs to look amazing and work perfectly.
Now, here’s a common question that pops into many people’s heads: Should I buy an exhibition stand or just rent one? This is a big decision; It can either save you a great deal or become an unexpected expense. It also affects how much stress you feel.
So, let’s talk about it. Is hiring an exhibition stand the best choice for you? We’ll look at all the ins and outs to help you decide. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s best for your next big event.
THE BIG QUESTION: BUY OR HIRE AN EXHIBITION STAND?
When you’re planning to show off your business, a stand is key. It’s where people see you first. For example, if you’re going on a trip, do you buy a car or rent one? It depends on how often you travel, right? The same idea applies to exhibition stands.
This is where many businesses hesitate. Is hiring actually more cost-effective than buying? Let’s take a quick look:
| Option | Initial Cost | Storage Needed | Maintenance Cost | Flexibility |
| Hire Stand | £500–£3,000/event | No | None | High |
| Buy Stand | £5,000–£15,000+ | Yes | Ongoing | Low–Medium |
WHY HIRING MAKES SENSE FOR MANY
Building a custom stand from the ground up? That’s time-consuming and expensive. Hiring one? Much simpler, faster, and easier than ever. Let’s discuss why lots of companies choose to hire their exhibition stands.
1. SAVING YOUR PENNIES: THE COST FACTOR
Buying a stand can be super expensive. It’s like buying a new house. You pay a lot upfront. With hiring, it’s more like paying rent. You pay for what you use, when you use it.
This means you save a lot of cash, especially if you only do a few shows a year.
| 🌟 Fact: A custom-built exhibition stand can cost tens of thousands of pounds. Hiring often costs a fraction of that, freeing up your budget for other important things like marketing or travel. |
2. NO STORAGE HEADACHES
Suppose you are buying a huge, beautiful stand. Where do you put it when it’s not being used? It needs a big, dry, safe space.
This often means renting storage, which costs even more money. And then you have to move it. Lifting heavy parts and organising transport can quickly become a logistical nightmare. When you hire, the company handles all that. They store it, they move it, they set it up. You just show up and shine.
3. FRESH LOOK EVERY TIME
Do you wear the same outfit to every party? Probably not. You like to mix it up. Your exhibition stand should be just as adaptable. If you buy a stand, it pretty much looks the same every time.
But when you hire, you can get a brand new look for each event. Different sizes, different colours, different layouts. This keeps things exciting for your customers and shows you’re always fresh and new.
| 💡 Tip: Using different stand designs for different types of shows can help you target specific audiences better. A stand for a tech show might look very different from one for a food festival. |
4. EASY SETUP AND TAKEDOWN
Setting up a stand can feel like assembling a massive LEGO set without the manual. It’s tricky and takes ages. And then you have to take it apart. When you hire, the company often does all this for you. They have experts who know exactly what to do.
This saves you so much time and effort. You can focus on what you do best: talking to customers and making sales.
5. ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE TECHNOLOGY
Exhibition technology changes fast. New screens, better lights, cool interactive displays.
If you buy a stand, your tech might get old quickly. But hiring means you can always access the newest and most advanced equipment. The hiring companies keep their equipment modern.
This makes your stand look cutting-edge and impressive.
Quick Insight: The average lifespan of exhibition AV equipment before it becomes outdated is about 3-5 years. Hiring lets you bypass this cycle.
WHEN BUYING MIGHT BE BETTER (BUT STILL THINK TWICE)
Now, while hiring is great for many, there are times when buying could seem like a good idea.
1. IF YOU GO TO LOADS OF SHOWS (LIKE, EVERY WEEK)
If your business attends trade shows almost every week of the year, then buying might start to look more sensible. The cost per show would go down a lot. But even then, remember the storage and transport issues.
2. IF YOU NEED A VERY SPECIFIC, FIXED DESIGN
Maybe your brand has a super unique look that never changes. And you want your stand to be exactly the same, every single time. In this rare case, buying might give you that exact control.
Reusing a purchased stand across different events can be tricky due to size restrictions & venue rules. However, even then, a good hiring company can often create custom designs of exhibition stands just for you.
| 📝Recommendation: Before buying, get a detailed quote from a hiring company for a custom-built rental stand. You might be surprised at the flexibility and cost-effectiveness. |
But most UK businesses exhibit just 3–5 times a year. That’s where hiring wins every time.
WHAT TYPES OF EXHIBITION STANDS CAN YOU HIRE?
Not all exhibition stands are the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular types you can hire:
- Shell Scheme Stands: Common at UK trade shows, with a basic structure that’s easy to customise using your own graphics.
- Modular Stands: Flexible and reconfigurable. Great for brands attending multiple events.
- Custom-Built Stands (for hire): Looks unique but still rented, ideal for a standout presence.
| 💭 Did You Know? Some rental companies like EMS Events offer all of these with full support, from concept to installation. |
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN STAND HIRE PACKAGES?
When you hire from a full-service company like EMS Events, you don’t just get walls and panels. You get a whole setup:
- Shell schemes and modular stands.
- AV equipment (screens, speakers, mics).
- Lighting (spotlights, LED strips).
- Furniture (counters, chairs, display tables).
- Flooring (carpet, vinyl, raised platforms).
- Display boards and signage.
- Graphic services and printing.
- On-site support and management.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN EXHIBITION STAND HIRE COMPANY
So, if you’re leaning toward hiring, how do you pick the best company? Because not all hire companies are equal. Look for:
- Years of experience.
- Wide equipment inventory.
- Full design and setup services.
- Positive client reviews.
- UK-based warehousing and logistics.
EMS Events ticks all the boxes with over 25+ years of experience and over 30,000 items in stock, including AV gear, furniture, and shell scheme exhibition stands in Central London, trusted by top UK brands.
IS HIRING THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU? THE FINAL WORD
For most businesses, big or small, hiring an exhibition stand is almost always the best choice. It saves you money, time, and stress. It lets you change your look and keeps your presence fresh and exciting. You get to use the latest tech without buying it. And you avoid all the headaches of storage and logistics.
Don’t let exhibition stand logistics hold you back. Hiring gives you a smarter, simpler way to show up with impact. Contact EMS Events today and discover how simple and amazing your next exhibition can be. We’re ready to help you make a lasting impression.
