Take a walk around any trade show floor, and most of the displays you’ll see are probably pop-ups. Businesses large and small love pop-up displays because they provide a professional look and a lot of visual impact, all without difficult set-up or a big price tag. Most pop-up displays can be set up easily by just one employee, and collapse into a compact carrying case for easy transport. In short, they’re perfectly suited to trade shows. If you’re looking for a pop-up display for your next trade show appearance, here’s what to look for.

Portability vs. durability. There’s always a bit of a trade-off when it comes to lightweight convenience vs. the ability to stand up to handling. Most standard pop-up displays are made from lightweight aluminum or PVC; they’re very easy to set up and manage, even for a single employee.

Commercial pop-ups tend to have heavier, sturdier steel frames and can take considerably more abuse, although they’re a bit less convenient to transport. Generally speaking, commercial pop-ups are recommended more for companies making frequent trade show appearances. Most companies attend trade shows only once or twice a year, and for them, the standard pop-up is fine.

Price. Pop-ups are generally excellent entry-level displays because of their price; they’re much more economical than flashy modular or custom displays. However, the price for a good pop-up can vary widely. This depends on the type of frame—steel tends to be more expensive—as well as the type of fabric and printing for your graphics.

The price you’ll pay depends on whether you need more than the standard pop up display and graphics. Photo mural displays with high-impact graphics tend to cost more because of the printing, while sturdier commercial grade pop-ups are pricier because of the steel frame.

Printing. The type of printing available for your graphics can make a big difference in your display’s visual impact. Most big banners and signs can get away with lower-quality printing under normal circumstances, because big signs are usually meant to be seen from far away.

A not so with trade show graphics—you’ll have a lot of people seeing your graphics from close up, so even the tiniest flaws become obvious. However, the type of printing you use can add considerably to the price of your pop-up. Make sure your vendor has a wide variety of options for printing and is willing to consult with you on the best technology to match your budget.

Extra features. The extras can make all the difference. When you buy a pop-up display, a set of halogen lights is usually included. A carrying case should also come standard, and many include a graphic wrap that converts it into a podium. You can also find extras that aren’t usually included in the price, such as literature racks, matching banner stands, shelving, and long tables.

Visual impact. You’ll see a lot of pop-up displays on the trade show floor—so how do you make sure yours stands out? Many businesses choose high quality photo mural graphics, which can be very effective—if you can afford the printing. If not, look into 3-D pop-ups in unique shapes. These can cost about as much as a standard pop-up, depending on your vendor and the printing process used, and a good one makes a strong impression. Creative lighting is another way to draw attention—some pop-ups incorporate luminescent fabric and interior lighting to give the display an eye-catching glow.

Ease of set-up. No matter what type of pop-up display you buy, you should be able to set it up quickly and easily—that’s the pop-up’s big selling point. Even though there are several different types of pop-ups on the market, they all should include a collapsible frame that expands to full size without the use of tools. Fabric should either be draped easily over the frame in panels, or come pre-attached.

A warranty. Many trade show display vendors offer one-year warranties on their pop-ups—either the frame or the entire display. Some offer lifetime warranties included in the price, or as an extra cost. Trade show displays can encounter wear and tear during transport, set-up, and as a result of trade show traffic, so it’s a good idea to check your vendor’s warranty policy before buying.

For most companies, the pop-up easily wins out over other displays. They tend to be the most common entry-level displays, and while some businesses may upgrade to modular booths, custom booths, or panel displays, many elect to stay with the more convenient pop-up. Consider these factors before buying, and you’re likely to have a display that will serve your company for a long time.