Whether it’s a one-off event or a full calendar of shows, knowing the pros and cons of exhibition stand hire vs. purchase puts you in control. At Tecna, we’ve spent almost 20 years helping brands navigate this decision – and push what’s possible on the exhibition floor. This guide pulls that experience together to help you make the right decision for your business.
Advantages of buying exhibition stands
Buying an exhibition stand is all about playing the long game. Here’s why it could be the right move for your business:
1. Cost-effective for frequent exhibitors
If you exhibit regularly, buying your stand could be a smart move. The upfront investment pays off show after show. You avoid ongoing costs for future events and gain a stand that’s always ready to go. Over time, it’s a decision that frees up your budget for other areas of the business.
2. Adaptable for a range of exhibitions and environments
Choose a modular stand, and you unlock serious flexibility. Expand it, reconfigure it, or scale it back – all without starting from scratch. Graphics can be updated, sections reworked, or layouts completely changed to suit the floor space, the audience, or the message you want to deliver.
3. Ready when you are with no lead times
Owning your display stand means you’re exhibition-ready whenever the opportunity arises. No waiting on production schedules or hire availability.
That said, exhibition stand designers like Tecna, also offer quick turnaround times on hired stands, so speed doesn’t always have to be the deciding factor.
Advantages of hiring or renting exhibition stands
Hiring keeps you light on your feet, ready to seize new opportunities without the weight of ownership as you simply pay for each project as you go. It’s flexible, fast, and built to take the stress out of exhibiting. Here’s why hiring could be the right option for you:
1. Flexible and stress-free exhibiting
Hiring takes much of the logistical pressure out of exhibiting. With the right hire company, it’s a straight forward way to keep the focus on the event itself, the stand can be set up and waiting when you arrive and then dismantled for you at the end.
2. Ideal for multiple locations
Managing multiple events at once? Hiring an exhibition stand keeps things simple. There’s no need to race against tight schedules. Everything is delivered where it’s needed, ready to go, helping you stay agile, even when the calendar’s full.
3. Access to custom design without long-term commitment
Hiring still means having a stand that speaks for your brand – bold, professional, and designed to perform. Custom modular exhibition stands bring all the benefits of a fully bespoke build, whilst also being designed for reuse. You can redesign for every show should you wish.
4. Budget-friendly for occasional exhibitors
There’s no large upfront investment with hired equipment, giving you the freedom to explore new opportunities or test the waters without long-term commitment. You also don’t need to worry about space to store your stand.
Key Questions to help you decide – hire or buy?
The decision to hire or buy your exhibition stand depends on many elements. Thinking through these questions helps shape the right choice for your brand, your budget, and your ambitions.
Is this your first time exhibiting?
If you’re new to exhibitions, hiring is a low-risk way to find your feet. It gives you the space to experiment – to see what works, test layouts, and explore what draws attention.
Are you planning to exhibit overseas or in multiple locations at the same time?
If international events are part of the plan, buying a modular exhibition stand can be a smart investment. Modular systems are lightweight, packable, and ready to handle the demands of different venues. Owning the stand means you’re always ready to ship and build yourself, wherever the opportunity takes you.
Sticking to events across the UK? Hiring often keeps things simpler, with no need to move or store your own stand between locations. Plus our team of expert installers will build your stand, allowing you to simply turn up ready to sell.
Have you considered storage?
If you purchase your stand, you’ll need to think about storage. Modular stands offer a lot of flexibility here, often packing down small enough to fit in a flightcase. But if storage space is tight, some providers – like Tecna – can store your purchased stand for you.
Prefer not to think about storage costs or what happens after the event? Hiring takes it off your plate entirely. Everything’s packed away at the end and reused, leaving you free to focus on what’s next.
Common myths about hiring vs. buying exhibiting stands
Choosing between hiring and buying often comes with assumptions. We’re here to challenge them and open up new ways to think about your exhibition strategy.
Is buying always cheaper in the long run?
It depends on how often you exhibit. If you’re out there regularly, buying might deliver stronger ROI over time. But if exhibitions are occasional or unpredictable, hiring keeps costs low and flexibility high.
Does hiring limit design options?
Hiring doesn’t mean you’re boxed in. Modular hire stands are designed to be flexible, offering the look and feel of a custom build while using reusable components behind the scenes. You still get a stand tailored to your brand and your goals, with the added bonus of sustainability built in.
Does hiring come with lower quality?
Quality isn’t tied to ownership. Hired stands use the same professional-grade materials, precision builds, and clean finishes as purchased ones. Modular systems are designed to last and built for multiple events without losing impact.
The right exhibition stand for you, sorted
Exhibiting should feel exciting – not exhausting. But when you’re up against tight deadlines, endless choices, and pressure to deliver something that turns heads, it’s easy to feel stuck. That’s where Tecna steps in. Whether you’re looking to hire or purchase your stand, we’ll guide you through what works best for your project, your budget, and your goals.
From bold design ideas to precise planning and flawless execution, we handle the heavy lifting – logistics, sourcing, install – so you can stay focused on the bigger picture.
Fierce creativity. Brave ideas. Everything built around your objectives, your budget, and your ambition to make an impact. Whether it’s your brand on show or a project for your client, we make sure you’re proud to stand beside it.
Hire or Purchase Exhibition Stands
