When you work with Freeman, the official contractor at the SHOT Show, you know that you are working with a dependable company that provides quality service. Go outside of those channels, and you may be taking a chance. And it could cost you a lot of money.
Simply stated, “Know your contractors.”
Exhibitors sign a form that basically guarantees payment by the exhibitor in the event that the SHOT Show has been unable to attain payment from the independent contractor.
At the 2009 SHOT Show, three exhibitors used and paid, collectively, more than $85,000 to an outside contractor that declared bankruptcy after receiving payment. Now, Freeman is going to seek payment from those companies, as it has been unable to attain payment from the independent contractors.
Along these lines, Freeman offers some advice on one of those needs—carpeting—for which you will enter into a contract. The comments are sobering:
Did you know?
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Carpet rented from an outside, non-official company is subject to material-handling charges. A 20’x20′ carpet would cost approximately $137.50 in additional charges to have it delivered to your booth.
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Carpet rented from Freeman includes the first night cleaning. That is a savings of $128 for a 20’x20′ booth.
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Carpet rented from Freeman is installed before you arrive. Your booth is ready to install when you are.
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Watch out for outside carpet rental “deals” in Las Vegas. They may not be such a good deal.
Buyer beware is great advise for any exhibitor who is looking for either better services or better rates for what they need. As an outside service provider to the exhibit industry for over 21 years, we find that the educated exhibitor will benefit from using a reputable company that provides a higher level of service and products not found at each event.
Although the cost of outsourced carpeting includes shipping, you do have material handling and labor to install to consider. The benefits of outsourcing carpet is you get more colors to choose from, a better grade, it’s NEW and you can keep it if you like. It’s pays for itself the next time you use it. The saves go up the larger your size.
Know you vendors, and the good one’s will help you make good decisions, and save you money.