Are You Interested Or Not?

  If you follow me on LinkedIn at all, you know how much I dislike the people that connect and then pitch their product or services immediately.

Here at Total Displays we build more than trade show exhibits. We build relationships. You cannot build a relationship with someone through email, or LinkedIn messages.

This month I connected with someone that does website development. The first message was pretty generic asking to connect because we had some "synergies" (a word I dislike, but that is another story). 

Since connecting with this person, I have received 5 messages since connecting on August 7th. 

Today I received this message.

Now, I am all about responding to salespeople that I have engaged to provide us with product or services. I do NOT feel the need or responsibility to respond to people that have sent unwanted or unsolicited pitches. I don't like being ghosted by a customer or a prospect any more than the next person, but this felt a little aggressive considering I have never replied to a single one of his 5 messages.

I will say it until my dying day. Provide value. Build relationships. Treat people with respect. 

People buy from people they like.

Would You? - Quality Matters

Here at Total Displays, we have always been proud of representing good quality products. The trade show world is full of online "stores" where you can buy, as we call it, CCC or cheap China crap.

I will talk more about these online trade show "stores" later, but today I want to focus on something very specific.  

As a small business owner, trust me, I understand the need to keep costs down. I also understand that trade shows are extremely expensive.  It is so important that you execute your trade show with intention, purpose and a plan. But I digress.

This tidbit is very simple.  Why, when you have a 100k plus gorgeous custom exhibit, would you put a bunch of $234.99 accessories in your exhibit. (Does that just not SCREAM .99 round up retail pricing?)  I am sure there are going to be people that say, what is wrong with that? Why do I have to buy the most expensive option out there.

There are always choices. I have seen these CCC accessories. They are flimsy.  The cords are visible. They are wobbly, they honestly, don't look good. Many break after one use.  

So, this is your choice, buy ours with a lifetime warranty, that are made in the US and are good quality, for $445 or take your chances with CCC.  Order it online with no interaction with an actual person, or order it from your rep that will walk you through the entire process to be sure you are getting exactly what you want?  

I recently received an email from a client that speaks to this very issue. They had purchased some retractable banner stands online and they were breaking.  She reached out to us for some help. That can get costly when you have to replace broken items. Isn't it better to just buy the good one up front?

I know, $$$$ matters, but so does your brand.  You may think you are the hero saving your company money, but in the end are you really?

BTW, I could get them one of these accessories for $110. BUT I would never recommend this product because it is not good quality!

Bonus? You are supporting our local economy by buying US made, not CCC.

You have a choice to make.  #yourbrandmatters #buyamerican