There's a certain moment when this happens to the majority of companies that exhibit frequently in Dubai, typically following an event, the 3rd or 4th show that uses the same banner roll-up setup, and the banner is beginning to curl at the edges, and the entire display is beginning to appear tired in comparison to a rival's more crisp backdrop.
This is usually when the question is asked when we are asked if we should change to a backdrop made of fabric?
It's a valid question, and the answer must be honest. Being clear about the real changes, not simply repeating the same marketing statements that every company that uses fabric displays does, however, addresses the actual changes a company actually experiences when switching to this method in the beginning. This guide is designed specifically for that specific momentan organization that has been using roll-up banners for a long time and is considering whether a fabric display is worth the investment.
What Genuinely Improves, Beyond the Obvious Visual Upgrade
The aesthetic improvement of a fabric pop-up display over a tired roll-up banner is often apparent the first time you look at them side-by-side. However, there are a few less obvious useful improvements that are equally when you've made the change.
It's no longer a concern to worry about the display looking worn at the end of day three of a multi-day event. Banners that roll up, especially the cheaper ones, do indeed get curled and have a slightly less polished appearance when you look at the course of a longer event, and a lot of companies don't even notice until in the middle of a brand new display by a competitor on day three of a five-day show. Fabric, if properly maintained between events, won't exhibit the same visual fatigue over the duration of a single event.
Storage between events is significantly less complicated. Banners that roll up need to be handled with care to avoid the vinyl from forming permanent wrinkles, which can be a major issue for companies that do not have dedicated, well-organized storage systems. Fabric graphics, when stored on rolls, are a bit more tolerant of poor storage conditions; however, they still require the proper treatment.
You can have real flexibility in the width of your display that roll-up banners can't. A roll-up banner is essentially limited to the size that the unit is manufactured at. A fabric pop-up stand system is typically able to span more expansive configurations- ideal if your space for exhibitions or needs for brand visibility are greater than the width that a typical banner will be able to provide.
What Doesn't Automatically Improve, Being Honest About the Switch
It's worthwhile to clarify some issues that switching to fabric won't immediately solve, as businesses frequently assume that the upgrade will solve issues it doesn't.
Poorly designed graphics look awful on fabric also. Fabric backdrop printing can give a more vivid colour and superior quality than traditional banner printing. However, in the event that the original design has unclear messaging, unsuitable colors, or an ambiguous brand hierarchy, the switch to fabric won't solve these fundamental design flaws. You should be re-evaluating your designs, and not only the display technology, prior to making the switch.
Fabric is still in need of proper care to keep its appearance pristine throughout a variety of occasions. The greater durability of fabrics over vinyl is real; however, it's only a slight improvement and not total protection from wear. Fabric that's been haphazardly folded or stored damp or handled roughly in transport will exhibit signs of wear; the need for care changes; however, they won't disappear.
The change is a real cost increase that must be considered in relation to actual use frequency. If a company attends just a few exhibitions a year, the difference in cost between using quality banners with roll-ups or investing in a fully-fibre pop-up system might not be a significant value. The argument for switching increases substantially for those that have a regular exhibition schedule and where the investment is utilized and is paid for itself over several more occasions.
Practical Differences in the Actual Experience of Using Fabric vs Banners
Beyond the aesthetic and durability comparisons that a majority of the information on this subject covers, there are some real-world daily differences that are worth examining prior to making the change.
The setup process is more complicated than a roll-up banner; however, it's incredibly simple. A typical roll-up banner can be set up in a matter of seconds using essentially just one move. A pop-up system made of fabric is still assembled in just a couple of minutes, requires the assembly of frames and then fitting the fabric onto it, a bit more complex procedure that is worth practicing first before using it for an actual occasion, particularly if it falls to a person who isn't familiar with the process.
Carry cases are typically heavier than the case for a roll-up banner. Fabric pop-up systems, especially larger ones, generally require a bigger carry case than a roll-up banner. It's an important consideration for companies who have limited space for vehicles or storage space in their offices between events.
Graphic replacement functions differently with the different systems. The process of updating a roll-up banner usually requires replacing the entire mechanism of the cassette as well as the image. Pop-up banners made of fabric typically allow the graphic to be changed independently of the frame, meaning that seasonal or campaign-related messaging changes require changing the order of the skin of the fabric, not the entire system. This could result in significant savings to businesses that regularly update their messages.
Multiple roll-up banners may be placed more easily around an exhibit stand than one large backdrop. For exhibits that benefit from the smaller display areas placed strategically around a stand, such as directing traffic and marking various zones, a set of roll-up banners may offer more flexibility for configuration than a large backdrop made of fabric, which can be used as a dominant, single backdrop.
A Practical Way to Decide Whether Fabric Makes Sense for Your Business
Instead of thinking that fabric is always the best alternative, asking some honest questions can help to determine whether the fabric is the best choice for your particular situation.
How many events or exhibitions are you likely to take part in every year? An exhibitor at more than four occasions annually typically makes the investment payoff much faster than if you attend at times, and high-quality banners with roll-ups could be the better option.
Are your current displays wearing out, or does it appear to be time for an upgrade? If your current roll-up banners that roll up are displaying nicely, it could be more about aesthetics instead of a performance issue that is worth addressing.
Does your usual stand setup require a larger background than what standard roll-up banners offer? If your space for exhibitions regularly exceeds the roll-up banner's width can cover the fabric's versatility in size can be an important, useful reason to choose a different fabric than just a preference for visuals.
Who will be accountable for setting up, and do they feel at ease with a more complex assembly procedure? If the responsibility for setup falls to one with little experience It's important to consider the relatively low learning curve that fabrics require when compared to the quick and easy of a banner that rolls up.
Making the Transition Smoothly If You Do Decide to Switch
For those businesses who decide fabric is a good idea, some practical steps will ensure that the transition is without a hitch, rather than causing unexpected surprises during the first time you use the new method.
You should place your order in time to try the system prior to your event instead of deploying a brand new pop-up fabric system in the very first instance under real event stress.
Consider reviewing your design for the medium of fabric because the quality of reproduction and appropriate resolution requirements are different from traditional banner printing. A design that performed flawlessly on vinyl could require some adjustments for production on fabric.
Be sure to confirm the storage and care requirements prior to time, so the person who manages the display during events is aware of the (relatively minimal, yet real) actions to take in keeping the fabric's appearance in top condition over many years of usage.
Make the Switch for the Right Reasons, With the Right Expectations
Fabric backdrops are substantial, tangible enhancements over roll-up banners for businesses that have a regular display presence in Dubai. However, it's worth making the change with realistic expectations of the kind of changes that occur and what doesn't, instead of assuming that it will solve every issue related to display instantly.
In Deluxe Printing Dubai, we create both fabric backdrops and high-quality roll-up banners and our staff will aid you in determining which one is best suited to your budget and exhibition schedule instead of just recommending the more expensive option, regardless of its fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you think changing from roll-up banners to an actual backdrop of fabric for the occasional exhibitor? In general, the cost increase is less difficult to justify for companies with a regular schedule of exhibitions that includes attending multiple occasions each year, where the investment is utilized enough times to show an obvious worth. Some exhibitors might find that roll-up banners are the most appropriate option.
- Do pop-ups made of fabric display take a lot more time to set up than an up-to-date banner? It generally takes slightly longer than a roll-up's instant extension, yet it generally is assembled within minutes for people who are comfortable with the procedure. The differences are worth practicing before you use it in the actual occasion.
- Do I have to keep my roll-up banners from the past with a new backdrop fabric? Yes, and a lot of businesses are doing exactly that by employing a backdrop made of fabric as the primary prominent display element, while also using roll-up banners for additional positioning around a stand, directional signage, or for smaller events.
- What is the process of keeping a fabric backdrop's design updated when compared to an up-to-date banner? Fabric systems typically allow the graphics to be changed without regard to the frame, unlike roll-up banners, which typically require replacement of the cassette mechanism as well as the graphics. This implies that fabrics can be more affordable for companies who update their message frequently.
- Can Deluxe Printing help businesses decide whether switching to fabric would make sense in their particular situation? Yes. Our team will be able to talk about your exact exhibition frequency and stand layout requirements and budget in a transparent manner to decide if fabric is truly the best value for your particular situation, instead of believing that it's the best selection for every business.
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