Banner stands are a popular marketing tool for many businesses and retailers. Their ease of use and compact design are one of the many reasons this type of display is a go-to for quick, punchy marketing and promotion.
You'll find many different types of banner stand available here at Printdesigns from retractable, tensioned and cassette styles, to mini, standard and even giant sized! We know that choosing the perfect banner stand for your exhibit or display can be a challenge, so we've created our handy Buyer's Guide to walk you through each step of the process.
Guide Contents
To help you navigate through the process, we've created our Buyer's Guide to make choosing your stand as quick and easy as possible. So, what do you need to consider when buying an exhibition stand?
Banner Stand Glossary
The term 'banner stand' sounds simple enough, however, there are many terms used to describe this type of display including:
- Pull up banner
- Roller banner
- Roll up banner
- Vertical banner
- Pull up sign
You can find some more industry terminology below that you might find useful on your journey to finding the perfect stand.
Graphic
The graphic is the printed material (the banner itself) that features your branding and/or marketing message.
EXPLORE RECONFIGURABLE STANDS
Cassette
A cassette banner stand uses a special base that allows the banner housed within to be changed quickly and easily.
EXPLORE SHELL SCHEMES
Support Pole
A support pole is the pole that fixes into the cassette or base of the banner stand and fixes to the top to hold it in place. The pole is commonly a bungee pole that comes in multiple pieces held together by an elastic running through the centre, which the user then assembles to form the full length pole.
EXPLORE MODULAR EXHIBITION STANDS
What is a banner stand?
The term 'banner stand' refers to a type of exhibition, trade or retail stand that features branding and/or marketing message printed onto a material (usually vinyl, polyester-based or fabric). A traditional style banner stand features a banner which is pulled up from the base of the stand and held up with a pole and fixings, however, this depends on the type of banner stand you are using.
Types of banner stand
Here at Printdesigns, you'll find an impressive range of banner stands. However, generally you will find 4 main types: roller banners, tension banner stands, fabric banner stands and cassette banner stands.
Roller Banners
Roller banner stands (also known as pull up or retractable banners) are the most common variation you will see. The printed graphic is rolled inside the base (protecting it in transit and storage) and is pulled up and fixed into place with a support pole or bungee cord. Assembly time is very quick and can be done by one person with no tools required. It's obvious why this type of banner stand is so popular!
ADVANTAGES
Quick and easy assembly
Lightweight & portable
Cost-effective
Compact storage
DISADVANTAGES
Graphics can't usually be changed/ replaced
Roller mechanism can malfunction with heavy use
Our most popular roller banner is the Budget Roller Banner.
Tension banner stands
Tension banner stands feature a graphic that is held in place by a tension cable or pole system. The tension generally prevents any unwanted curling at the edges. This type of stand is designed to have changeable graphics that can be easily removed from the frame. This makes them ideal for those who need to update their marketing message on a regular basis.
Some tension banner stands can be linked together to create a larger, custom display providing a versatile solution for those exhibiting in differing spaces such as shell schemes.
ADVANTAGES
Changeable graphics
Some stands can be linked to create a larger display
Taught graphics
Lightweight & portable
DISADVANTAGES
Longer assembly time than roller banner
Graphics have to be handled/stored carefully to avoid wear
Our most popular tension banner stand is the Bamboo X Banner Stand.
Fabric banner stands
Fabric banner stands are popular with those who are looking for a smart, modern look for their display. The stand comprises of a simple push-fit tubular aluminium framework that assembles in a few minutes, requiring no tools. Sublimated, high-stretch fabric is pulled over the framework quickly and easily to create the finished display. Frameworks can come in an array of interesting shapes that deliver an even more eye-catching appearance.
ADVANTAGES
Changeable graphics
Quick & easy to assemble
Graphics can be washed
Lightweight & portable
DISADVANTAGES
Generally a more expensive option
Can be less stable than traditional banner stands
Graphics can fade over time
Our most popular fabric banner stand is the Monolith Fabric Banner Stand
Cassette banner stands
Similar to the traditional roller banner stand, cassette banners feature a printed graphic that is pulled up from the base and held into place with a support pole. The big difference with this type of stand is that the graphic is contained inside a cassette which is inserted into the base of the stand, and can be removed/replaced as necessary. This means you can change your marketing message or branding quickly and conveniently.
Cassette banner stands offer a great ROI if you plan on exhibiting regularly. These stands are usually high quality, hard-wearing and stable.
ADVANTAGES
Graphics can be quickly & easily interchanged
Quick & easy to assemble
Sturdy & heavy-duty
Great ROI for regular exhibitors
DISADVANTAGES
Generally higher cost initially
Roller mechanism can malfunction on lower quality models
Graphics can fade over time
Our most popular cassette banner stand is the Rollbat Banner Stand.
Eco-friendly banner stands are also available
Printdesigns offer a range of eco-friendly banner stands for businesses that like to keep things green! You'll find a selection of recyclable cardboard and paper displays in a variety of styles and sizes, including the popular three-sided Cardboard Toblerone Display.
Our range of bamboo banner stands use natural wood for the majority of the frame components rather than plastic and metal. The bamboo is farmed from sustainable sources and is a natural and environmentally friendly product that is easy to recycle.
Banner stand accessories
The first thing to consider is the exhibit space you have available. It is a good idea to map out your space, including where your stand will be positioned, and then add any other features and accessories. Ensure that you include everything you need to achieve your goals, whilst also giving visitors enough room to feel welcomed into your space.
What features to look for in a banner stand
Quite simply, banner stands are an ideal option for quick and effective marketing due to their price and ease of use, as well as the diverse range of styles and sizes available. Whatever your requirements, you're sure to find a banner stand that fits the bill.
Ease of use
Of all the types of displays available, banner stands are undoubtedly the easiest to use. All of our banner stands are relatively easy to assemble by a single person with no special tools required. As we've discussed, different types of banner stands are assembled in different ways and so it is a good idea to practice assembling yours before your first event.
Portable
The majority of banner stands available pack away into a compact case which makes them extremely easy to transport and store.
Versatile
The numerous sizes and styles of banner stand available mean that whatever look you're going for and whatever your application, you'll find a banner stand to meet your requirements perfectly.
- Trade shows
- Retail displays
- Business reception areas
- Conferences
- Shopping centres
- Even desktop displays!
Cost-effective
Banner stands are a cheap marketing tool when compared to other forms of advertising and promotion. Their low cost and reusable nature makes them a popular choice with many businesses. However, it is important to consider how often you plan on using your stand as it may not always be the smart option to go for the cheapest one.
Looking after your banner stand
Banner stands are generally hard-wearing with graphics printed onto durable materials that can withstand normal use. Care should be taken when assembling/dismantling your stand and also when storing it. It is also important to position your stand somewhere with little risk of damage from passers-by.
It is advisable to gently clean your stand after each use, removing any dirt or dust from the graphic and base, ensuring no chemicals or abrasive materials are used.
Provide your artwork or use a graphic design service
Whether you'd like to provide the artwork for your exhibition stand, or let Printdesigns do it for you - we have you covered!
Providing your own artwork
Design templates and general guidelines for each display are featured under the Downloads section on the applicable product pages. Check out our Artwork Guidelines page for information on how to send us your artwork.
Using the Printdesigns graphic design service
If you can't provide us with ready to print artwork and need some support, we can offer a full artwork design service at a competitive rate. Simply send an email to [email protected] outlining your requirements in as much detail as possible and we'll come back to you as quickly as we can with an estimate.
If you have any logo files, pictures or other content that you want to include in the design of your graphics then please send the files to us along with your design brief and we will check to ensure that they are suitable for inclusion in the final design.
Why choose Printdesigns?
Personal service
Unlike large companies, we pride ourselves on providing a personal service to all of our customers. We are always on hand during normal working hours for any support you may need.
Small or large orders requirements accommodated
Whether you’re looking for a single banner for a display or a run of banner stands to distribute between multiple premises, we’re happy to meet your needs.
Best price promise
Found the same product advertised cheaper elsewhere? Let us know and we'll aim to beat that price (T&Cs apply).
Minimum 12-month warranty
All of our exhibition display stands are backed by a minimum 12-month warranty, with further warranty options available.
Trusted supplier
We are the supplier of choice for many, from small businesses to confidential trade work for agencies and print management firms.
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