by Trade shows are stressful events, but many people don’t worry about one of the most important details — shipping the portable displays. If the event you’re attending is out of town, you’ll likely need to make arrangements for your exhibit to arrive to the event venue. However, just getting there isn’t enough! Your exhibit needs to arrive safely! Here are some tips to ensure that your portable displays arrive on time and intact.
Shipping Tip #1: Attach Your Address Label With Clear Tape
Mishaps can happen when your exhibit is shipped and you can’t control that. However, you can take steps to make sure that your address label stays attached to the outside of the container. If possible, use clear packing tape to attach the label along all four sides. This can help ensure that the corners won’t get caught on any sorting equipment at the post office or with another carrier. It’s important to take care not to cover any barcodes, however. If these are covered, it could be difficult for the machines to read and it could delay your shipment.
Shipping Tip #2: Include A Business Card In Each Box Of Your Portable Displays
If your exhibit needs to be shipped in more than one container, it’s important that you include your information inside each one. A business card is a great way to do this, but you should make sure to include your cell phone number if it’s not already printed on your business cards. It won’t do you any good if someone finds a container and then tries to call your office if you’re already on your way to the trade show.
Shipping Tip #3: Add The Shipping Partner To Your Phone’s Contact List
What happens if you get to the event and find that you’re missing a container of your portable displays? If you’re like most people, you’ll get right on the phone and find out what’s going on. What happens, though, if you can’t find the number to your local office? An 800 number can give you a run around, while a local contact might be more likely to help. Add in a local phone number, as well as your contact’s name and extension so you can easily get a hold of someone in case of a problem.
Shipping Tip #4: Insurance!
Don’t forget about insurance! Many carriers will automatically include insurance up to a certain amount, especially if you’re shipping something through an expedited method. However, it’s vital that you ask about this amount to make sure that it’s enough to cover repair or replacement costs in case of a mishap. Portable displays can be expensive to replace and making sure you have insurance can help lessen the blow.
Shipping Tip #5: Add A Special Identifier To Your Containers
You may have to wait to have your containers sent to your display space, but if you have an identifier on them, you may be able to convince a trade show event staff member to help you get yours before someone else. Consider finding a fun and funky duct tape or colored ribbon to tie around your containers. This can help ensure that you have your containers — and no one else’s — before you start unpacking.
These tips can help ensure that you’re prepared for anything when it comes to your portable displays. Use them and you can almost guarantee a successful experience.
