Tricks of the Trade Show
May 15, 2015 – Small Business Growth Alliance (SBGA) Discounted Shipping Program Offers Support for Trade Show Participants
At the height of trade show season, many businesses wonder whether they can participate in these events. While the benefits to attending trade shows are undeniable – according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, 81% of trade show attendees have purchasing power for their companies, meaning 4 out of every 5 people walking the floor are potential customers – the planning and cost can be prohibitive. Members of the Small Business Growth Alliance (SBGA), however, don’t have to worry about whether or not to attend a show with help from their discounted shipping program.
“Trade shows are great places for businesses of every size to share their products and services with the world,” Nathan Jurczyk, Vice President of SBGA, commented. “Our goal as a company is to help businesses increase profitability and grow, which is why our suite of program offerings includes opportunities such as trade show assistance through our discounted shipping partner to do just that.”
SBGA’s discounted shipping program offers exhibit shipments, proactive shipment tracking, and on-time delivery guarantees for less-than-load (LTL) shipments, all at reduced rates. In addition, members also have access to dedicated account representatives to help with all of their trade show needs, from filling out paperwork to offering helpful trade show tips. All shipments are sent with top national shipping providers such as FedEx®.
“Attending a trade show for the first time can be stressful for a business,” a project manager for the discounted shipping program explained. “SBGA’s discounted shipping program offers a helping hand and some much needed peace of mind to these already busy merchants.”
Some tricks of the trade show that SBGA’s discounted shipping partner recommends include:
- Order utilities such as electricity and water ahead of schedule to avoid pricing hikes.
- Ship important materials such as tape, scissors, and permanent markers with your boxes to ensure you have everything you need when you arrive.
- Purchase low-cost furniture instead of renting items to reduce trade show booth costs.
- Include carpet and a portable interlocking floor system to ensure you and your customers are comfortable during a long day of standing.
Members using SBGA’s discounted shipping program save on average $430 a month on shipping costs, with the largest shipping members saving over $155,000 last year. Discounted shipping program benefits also include sizeable discounts for small package and less-than-load freight services SBGA’s discounted shipping program comes complimentary with enrollment in any one of SBGA’s payroll services, electronic payments, or web management programs.