We plan to purchase several fabric lightboxes for our stand. What factors should I consider when choosing a vendor and selecting products?

Stroll through any exhibit hall and you'll likely discover countless colorful LED lightboxes in every shape and size. And most of the examples are backlit, tension-fabric constructions, or what many people call silicone-edge graphics (SEG).

The popularity of the medium stems from the fact that fabric is more durable than direct-print graphics, and given the structure's lightweight aluminum frame, it's cheaper to ship and easier to maintain than most other graphic options. Plus, depending on the print process, the colors are usually incredibly vibrant and the details nearly photographic, and there are numerous suppliers capable of delivering a wide array of choices.

When shopping for fabric lightboxes, it's easy to assume that all options and suppliers are similar, and the only real differentiator is price. But that assumption, like many others, is wrong. To set you right, here are a host of other factors that should play a role in your purchasing decisions.

1. Rigidity and Durability
LED lightboxes start with an SEG aluminum frame, and its degree of durability varies according to the manufacturer. Less expensive lightboxes use softer aluminum because it's cheaper than harder varieties. But low-cost aluminum also scratches easily and tarnishes quickly; plus, the thinness of the walls means structural rigidity is compromised.

If you're going to mount your lightboxes and/or assemble them at multiple trade shows, you want aluminum with a 6063 specification, which offers better structural integrity and scratch resistance compared to inexpensive varieties.

2. Availability
Just because you see a product on a manufacturer's website doesn't mean it's readily available. Inquire whether the manufacturer has the extrusions, LED lights, hardware, and accessories in stock to construct your lightbox types and sizes. Also ask about the availability of various extrusion options, such as one-sided versus two-sided, freestanding versus wall mounted, etc., and investigate the manufacturer's capabilities regarding multiple quantities, speed of shipments, and availability of individual components. If one piece is damaged or missing, you'll need to purchase a replacement quickly, easily, and affordably.

3. Customization
If you have standard problems, then standard solutions will suffice. But what if you need a width or height larger than a supplier's in-stock offerings? When you pose this question, most suppliers will tell you "Oh, sure! We can do custom!" But your immediate follow-ups should be: "How complicated is this customization process, how long does it take, and how much does it cost?" Also ask about nontraditional angles and shapes. It's easy to create squares and rectangles, but odd shapes and sizes are often head-scratchers for companies used to constructing mostly standard kits.

4. Print Quality
What type of printing process does the supplier use, how old is the printing equipment, and what type of fabric is employed? These criteria can have a significant impact on the quality of your lightbox. While there are likely entire books on the fabric-printing process, the following generalizations will help you select a quality provider.

Most of the time, dye-sublimation printing is the best, as it ensures the colors are infused into fabric, not just printed on the surface. Beware of any suppliers that brag about "fabric printing" because they may not actually be talking about dye sublimation, which requires printing to a paper material and then heat fusing the image to fabric. When it comes to the printers' age, look for machines that are no more than two years old. Anything older than that means the print resolution is usually just OK, not photographic. And finally, fabric quality can vary, so ask each supplier to speak about the pros, cons, and pricing of all materials.

5. Sewing, Sizing, and Experience
Experienced manufacturers have sewing and sizing down to a science. They've done the calculations thousands of times with varying fabrics, and they know how to print, cut, and sew the fabric so it fits perfectly – not too loose nor too tight.

Less-experienced manufacturers, however, can turn sewing and sizing into a puckered and overstretched nightmare. While I don't have any magic-bullet questions to suss out a manufacturer's experience level, a smattering of queries about sewing and sizing processes can help you separate the experts from the rookies. Also ask to see real examples so you can touch the handiwork, and then talk with previous customers to discuss whether graphics have retained their shape and fit over time.

6. LEDs
If print-quality info could comprise an entire book, LED lighting could fill a college course. Just understanding the various color temperatures, lenses, certifications, module constructions, etc. requires some serious research. Your best bet is to ask each supplier to explain the various LED options as they relate to these aforementioned criteria and your specific needs.

And just as with fabric, there are multiple ways to make LEDs cheaper. Skipping Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) certification is one shortcut. Similarly, exposed connections can cut costs for manufacturers, but these have a tendency to break during transit. And if an LED module breaks, there's rarely an easy way to fix or replace it. Therefore, if you're considering a low-cost option, inquire about product certifications and how the supplier can deliver a lower price. When it comes to LEDs, you get what you pay for. If you feel yourself leaning toward an inexpensive light, ask yourself: What's a lightbox without its light? Then make your purchase accordingly.

7. Packaging
Most manufacturers use disposable one-way shipping materials, which means the chances of your lightbox arriving damaged are fairly high. And after the first show, when it comes time to ship the lightbox to the next event or back to the warehouse, you rarely have any solid packaging to protect it and keep its components organized.

Insist that your supplier provides reusable shipping materials, which excludes cardboard, shrink wrap, and thin foam, as all three will be destroyed after one use. While you may have to pay a little more for sturdy shipping containers, it's an investment that keeps giving show after show.

8. Assembly
Finally, never overlook assembly. Some products require tools and a bag of loose parts. Others have push-button connectors. And still others are mostly tool-less, but the hardware may be cumbersome and/or complicated.

Before you buy, ask to see the instructions or an assembly video. Could you put it together based on the instructions in a reasonable amount of time? Remember, time is money, especially on the show floor. And don't assume that a lightbox is better just because it's tool-free.

Overall, the key to wise purchasing is to ask the right questions and buy from a vendor you trust. This is a marketing structure that represents your brand. Allot your time appropriately.