Banner stands are portable signs printed with graphics and used to promote a business. While there are many different types of banner stands, they are almost always free-standing and designed to be portable and flexible. However, not all banner stands are created equal. If you’re in the market for a banner stand to promote your business, here’s what to look for.

Ease of set-up. Part of the attraction of a banner stand is that it’s easy to set up. Look for a banner stand that you can snap into place easily, without a lot of complex components or heavy lifting. Your banner stand may be going on the road with a single salesman or a small team, so look for something that can be set up easily by one or two people. Many businesses use banner stands as a supplement to a larger trade show display, so chances are you’ll be busy enough setting up the rest of your stand and will be grateful for the quick-and-easy banner stand. Banner stands are also commonly seen in traveling exhibits, so you’ll want one that can be disassembled and reassembled easily.

The right size for the job. Banner stands come in many different sizes. The size you want depends on the job. If you’re relying on your banner stand to make up the bulk of your trade show display, you may want something quite large—possibly a banner stand that includes literature racks. However, a series of narrower banner stands may be a better choice than a long, wide single stand. You can angle the banners to give visual interest, and they’re much more flexible in terms of use. There are also wide tri-fold or tri-panel stands that will give the same effect, and may be more cost-effective. If you simply need something to make your table or countertop display more professional, a countertop banner stand may be ideal.

A shape that stands out. Long, rectangular banner stands are everywhere at trade shows. Why not do something a little different? There are lots of creatively-shaped banner stands on the market today that will make your business stand out from the crowd. Look for a shape that’s sturdy as well as creative—you don’t want a top-heavy or ill-balanced stand that will fall over easily, as chances are it will be exposed to heavy traffic.

A good price. You shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good banner stand. Banner stands are a less expensive method of advertising than more complex display set-ups. It’s not necessarily true that the most expensive banner stand is the best choice—you can find a perfectly functional, flexible, and portable one without breaking your budget.

A light load. Another of the banner stand’s selling points is its portability. Buying something heavy defeats the purpose. You can find well-balanced banner stands that won’t tip over at the slightest breeze—but that also won’t be a hassle to carry in. Look for a banner stand that can be slung under an arm and carried easily, and your salespeople will thank you.

A carrying case. Many banner stands come with a portable carrying case that makes transport easier. These are a good buy, because the carrying case protects the banner from wear and tear during transport. It’s never ideal to transport a banner stand with the banner itself exposed, as the paper or vinyl can become torn or stained during its travels. Some banner stands retract into a metal or plastic tube built into the stand itself—these built-in carrying cases can be a great feature. A carrying case protects your valuable graphics as well as making the stand easy and convenient to carry.

Flexibility. Another important feature all banner stands should share is flexibility. You should be able to change the graphics on your banner stand quickly to change shows, change themes, or make adjustments to your display. Look for a banner stand that allows for easy installation of graphics. This is a crucial feature for any useful banner stand.

Your banner stand is an effective advertising tool that should be able to go everywhere you do, change with your needs, and all without costing a fortune. When looking for a banner stand, shop for convenience as well as size and shape—you’ll want something that effectively conveys your message while being a breeze to transport and set up. The wrong banner stand can be a hassle—but the right one is a flexible, helpful tool you won’t want to go without.