Should You Rent or Buy a Tradeshow Display?

One of the toughest calls for exhibitors is deciding whether to rent or buy a tradeshow display. It’s a big choice—do you invest in something permanent or go for a short-term solution? At APG Exhibits, with 50 years of family-run experience, we’ve seen businesses wrestle with this question time and again. Renting is on the rise in the tradeshow world, but buying still holds strong. Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you figure out what’s right for your next show.

Renting vs. Buying: The Pros and Cons

Advantages of Renting a Display

When you rent a tradeshow booth, you’re keeping your options open. First off, it’s easier on your wallet upfront—no need to shell out thousands for a purchase. Renting lets you test different styles or sizes without long-term commitment. Want a 10x10 booth for one event and a custom setup for the next? You can do that. It’s perfect if you only exhibit once or twice a year or if you’re trying out a new market.

Plus, renting takes the stress off logistics. You don’t have to store a big display or worry about wear and tear—APG handles the heavy lifting, from shipping to setup. When the show’s done, just walk away. For many, this flexibility and convenience make tradeshow booth rentals the go-to choice.

Disadvantages of Renting

Renting isn’t perfect, though. If you exhibit often—say, 3-4 times a year or more—the costs can add up, sometimes matching or exceeding what you’d pay to buy. You also don’t own anything at the end of it, so there’s no asset to reuse or resell. And while you get variety, you might not get the exact same booth every time, which could affect brand consistency.

Advantages of Buying a Display

Buying a tradeshow display is all about ownership. If you’re a frequent exhibitor, it’s a solid investment—pay once and use it for years. You can customize it to fit your brand perfectly, ensuring a consistent look at every event. Over time, you’ll likely save money compared to renting repeatedly. Plus, you’ve got an asset you can tweak, store, or even sell later.

Disadvantages of Buying

The downside? It’s a big upfront cost, and not every budget can handle that hit. You’re also on the hook for storage—those booths take up space—and maintenance, like repairs or updates. If your needs change, you might be stuck with a display that doesn’t fit anymore.

So, Should You Rent or Buy?

It depends on your goals. Renting shines for flexibility, lower initial costs, and ease—great for occasional exhibitors or those who love variety. Buying wins for long-term savings and control, ideal for regular show-goers. Still deciding? Check out our Tradeshow Rental Displays for affordable, high-quality options. With 50 years of expertise, APG Exhibits can set you up with the perfect booth—rented or bought. Contact us to talk it over!