---
title: 7 Things a Potential Customer Should Never See in Your Booth - ARC
description: Between travel, budgeting, booth setup and breakdown, post-show events, and the rest of it, even the best trade show marketer knows there’s bound to be a snafu or two.  Many of these little miscues are out of your control.  But those aren’t the mistakes you need to worry about. What you should be worried about […]
image: https://blog.e-arc.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/minimasthead-003.jpg
---

[![ARC](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ARCDocumentSolutions_November2020/images/arc-logo.png?width=1000&height=47&name=arc-logo.png "ARC")](https://www.e-arc.com/)

- [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/locations/)
- [Equipment & Supplies](https://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/default.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01)
- [Scanning & Imaging](https://www.e-arc.com/services/scanning/)
- [Printing Services](https://www.e-arc.com/services/scanning/#) 
    - 2020 Holiday Gifts & Graphics
    - [Cube Mate Desk Screens](https://www.e-arc.com/cubemate/)
    - [Return to Work COVID-19 Graphics](https://www.e-arc.com/return-to-work-covid-19-graphics/)
    - [School Graphics – COVID-19](https://www.e-arc.com/school-graphics-covid-19/)
    - [COVID-19 Customer Resources](https://www.e-arc.com/covid-19/)
    - [Order COVID-19 Signs](https://healthandwellnessposters.myprintdesk.net/DSF/SmartStore.aspx?SITEGUID=0af86288-83db-45dc-945f-3245fc8194f0#!/Storefront)
    - [Enterprise Customer Solutions](https://www.e-arc.com/enterprise-customer-solutions/)
    - [Office Backdrops](https://www.e-arc.com/office-backdrops-banner/)
    - [The ARC Print App](https://www.e-arc.com/arc-app/)
    - [Franchise Printing Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/franchise/)
    - [Color Prints](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/color-signage/)
    - [Construction Signage](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/construction-site/)
    - [DIY Design & Print Tool](https://www.e-arc.com/diy-design/)
    - [Digital Storefront](https://www.e-arc.com/services/digital-storefront/)
    - [Environmental Graphics](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/color-signage/)
    - [Small Format Color](https://www.e-arc.com/small-format-printing/)
    - [Mounting, Binding & Finishing](https://www.e-arc.com/services/binding-services/)
    - [Onsite Managed Print Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/managed-print-services/)
    - [Reprographics](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/reprographics/)
    - [Smart Color](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/smart-color/)
    - [Vehicle Graphics](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/color-signage/)
    - [Fabric Prints](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/soft-signage/)

- Quick Links 
    - [Return to Work COVID-19 Graphics](https://www.e-arc.com/return-to-work-covid-19-graphics/)
    - [COVID-19 Customer Resources](https://www.e-arc.com/covid-19/)
    - [Place Order](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx?data=SUlDL1jf5EsZSXVsgv3rBs9fd/z9rt9M0w+IU+V3VT4+M1Hy8jPnny3XwD8LpzUI24b0aVAyWNvR8C06g25uBg==)
    - [Pickup Order](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx?data=SUlDL1jf5EsZSXVsgv3rBs9fd/z9rt9M0w+IU+V3VT4xFEKqxtrYCegdgxU5bNhfX+GSqDRcV2mMRE50svK3zw==)
    - [Request Quote](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx?data=SUlDL1jf5EsZSXVsgv3rBs9fd/z9rt9M0w+IU+V3VT7DDiCt/v4AGnvoWE76+ac/5zXwcpSsH6MNGAE2gVK9o8dPdcRGUjtKmxD7tkxa0pw=)
    - [Send Files](https://www.ishipdocs.com/Filetransfer/TransferFiles.aspx)
    - [Track Orders](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFilesTracking.aspx)
    - [Order Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/default.aspx)
    - [Public Planroom](https://order.e-arc.com/arcEOC/ARCPlanRoom.aspx)
    - [MPS Client Portal](http://www.e-arc.com/equipment-service/)
    - [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/locations/)
    - [International Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/locations/international-locations/)
    - [Credit Application](https://www.e-arc.com/arc-customer-credit-application/)
    - [COD Application](https://www.e-arc.com/arc-customer-cod-application/)

[Order Prints](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx)

[Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/location/)

- [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/locations/)
- [Enterprise Customer Solutions](https://www.e-arc.com/enterprise-customer-solutions/)
- Managed Print Services 
    - [Managed Print Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/managed-print-services/)
    - [Savings Calculator](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/mps-savings-calculator/)
    - [Abacus – software](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/abacus/)
- Scanning & Imaging 
    - [Scanning and Document Management Services](https://www.e-arc.com/services/scanning/)
    - [Archives](https://www.e-arc.com/technology-solutions/archives/)
    - [HIPAA Compliant](https://www.e-arc.com/services/hipaa-compliance/)
- Design & Construction Solutions 
    - [3D Laser Scanning](https://www.e-arc.com/services/3d-laser-scanning/)
    - [3D Printing](https://www.e-arc.com/services/3d-printing/)
    - [Archives](https://www.e-arc.com/technology-solutions/archives/)
    - [BIM](https://www.e-arc.com/services/bim-and-rendering/)
    - [Drone Services](https://www.e-arc.com/services/drone/)
    - [Linking](https://www.e-arc.com/services/hyperlinking/)
    - [Productivity Suite](https://www.e-arc.com/design-and-construction-technology/)
    - [Project Closeout](https://www.e-arc.com/services/close-outs/)
    - [Project Management](https://www.e-arc.com/services/project-management/)
    - [SmartScreen](https://www.e-arc.com/services/smartscreen-displays/)
- Equipment & Supplies 
    - [Art & Drawing Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-8-art-drawing.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01)
    - [Drafting Furniture](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-5-furniture.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01)
    - [Drafting Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-1-drafting.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01)
    - [Filing & Storage](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-3-filing-storage.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01)
    - [Measuring Tools](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-6-measuring.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01)
    - [Office Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/Store/c-4-office.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01)
    - [Paper & Printing Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/Store/c-7-paper-printing.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01)
    - [Printers, Plotters & Scanners](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-908-equipment.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01)
    - [SmartScreens](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-912-smartscreens.aspx)
- Software 
    - [Abacus](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/abacus/)
    - [SkySite](https://www.skysite.com/)
- [Green Initiative](https://www.e-arc.com/green-initiative/)
- About us 
    - [About Us](https://www.e-arc.com/about-us/)
    - [Careers](https://jobs.jobvite.com/arc/jobs/)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/)
    - [Customers](https://www.e-arc.com/customers/)
    - [Ethics & Compliance](https://www.e-arc.com/ethics-compliance/)
    - [Investors](https://ir.e-arc.com/investors/overview/default.aspx)
    - [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/location/)
    - [Press Releases](https://www.e-arc.com/press-release/)
- Contact us 
    - [Corporate offices](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/)
    - [All Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/#contact_form_section)
    - [Send us an email](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/#contact_form_section)
- Resources 
    - [Blog](https://www.e-arc.com/blogs/)
    - [Collateral](https://www.e-arc.com/collateral/)
    - [Customer Stories](https://www.e-arc.com/customer-story/)
    - [Customer Resources](https://www.e-arc.com/resources/)
    - [Green Initiative](https://www.e-arc.com/green-initiative/)
    - [Events](https://www.e-arc.com/events/)
    - [Videos](http://www.e-arc.com/video/)
    - [Webcasts](https://www.e-arc.com/webcasts/)

# 7 Things a Potential Customer Should Never See in Your Booth

### ARC| September 20, 2019 Subscribe to ARC's Blog

Between travel, budgeting, booth setup and breakdown, post-show events, and the rest of it, even the best trade show marketer knows there’s bound to be a snafu or two. 

Many of these little miscues are out of your control.  But those aren’t the mistakes you need to worry about. What you should be worried about are the completely avoidable mistakes, especially if they’re related to your booth. 

To that end, here are the 7 things your potential customers should never see in your booth.

 

**1- Low-quality materials and/or poor workmanship**

Regardless of your industry, the product you sell, or the charisma of your salespeople, your booth is an extension of your brand. In other words, the way people perceive your booth is how they’ll perceive your brand. A booth that looks cheap or feels flimsy because of poor workmanship reflects a cut-rate, flimsy brand. 

That’s far more costly to your business than paying a little extra for high-quality materials and expert booth construction. So, fortunately, this mistake is fairly easy to avoid.

 

**2- Misfit flooring**

We’ve written about the [flooring at most trade shows](https://www.e-arc.com/blog/5-best-practices-for-filling-your-tradeshow-booth-with-potential-customers/) before, but long story short, it often leaves a lot to be desired. But it’s a mistake to think that you have to accept the trade show floor as the flooring for your booth. You can use vinyl flooring, floor mats, or other high-quality materials to serve as your booth’s flooring. That way, the dull carpet of the trade show doesn’t reflect poorly on your brand.

 

**3- Dull colors**

Designing artwork for your booth is one thing, but ensuring that artwork is translated from your screen to the booth without color degradation is easier said than done. And like poor materials or misfit flooring, dull colors will make people less likely to want to learn more about your company. To avoid this mistake, make sure you’re working with a print vendor who can guide you through the process of executing your designs effectively for display on a tradeshow booth. 

 

**4- Blurry, pixelated, or distorted graphics**

Like dull colors, blurry, pixelated, or distorted graphics are often caused by failures in the production process. Regardless of the cause, though, given the short amount of time you have to capture trade show attendees’ attention, graphics that don’t clearly communicate your message to your potential customers must be avoided at all costs.  

 

**5- Distractions**

We’ve written before about the importance of [creating a booth with your objective in mind](https://www.e-arc.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-trade-show-booth-and-layout-that-attracts-visitors/). The most effective booths have design elements, layouts, and features that all work together to support your objective. But when distractions find their way into your booth, it becomes difficult to keep your audience focused on the actions you want them to take. 

By all means, make your booth fun and interactive. But remember that things like loud colors, too many monitors, or strobe lights—though they might attract attention—will ultimately distract your potential customers from meaningful interactions with your salespeople.

 

**6- Typos**

Put yourself in a potential customer’s shoes for a minute. Would you trust your business to a company that can’t even bother to double-check their spelling on a booth that’s going to be seen by thousands of people? Typos are completely avoidable, so double and triple check, and don’t be caught with this mistake at your next trade show.

 

**7- Pointless promotional giveaways**

This one could fall under the category of distractions, but it’s such a common mistake, it deserves its own number. When you don’t think through your promotional giveaways, they won’t help support your trade show goals. Plus, if your giveaways don’t fit within your strategy in some way, they’re simply a waste of money that could be more effectively used elsewhere in your trade show budget. 

For example, if you run a commercial carpet cleaning business, your giveaway should be relevant to your business. In that case, giving away carpet cleaner samples makes more sense than giving away a branded bottle of sunblock. 

 

**Looking for Examples of Excellent Booths?**We talked a lot about what it looks like when trade show booths go wrong. For a look at what happens when trade show booths go right, head over to [Riot’s Flickr page](https://www.flickr.com/photos/87180412@N02/albums/72157635208560162) where you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next trade show booth design project.

[« Previous Post](https://blog.e-arc.com/blog/how-to-prepare-your-design-files-for-the-print-shop) <https://blog.e-arc.com/blog/the-beginners-guide-to-managed-print-services-mps>[Next Post »](https://blog.e-arc.com/blog/the-beginners-guide-to-managed-print-services-mps)

## Search Blog

### Blog Categories

- [Printing (64)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/printing)
- [Technology (29)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/technology)
- [Construction (18)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/construction)
- [Company (11)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/company)
- [Facilities (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/facilities)
- [Equipment (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/equipment)

## Recent Posts

- ![Four Reasons to Centralize Your Print Infrastructure](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Abacus_general_image%20%20Mini.png?width=767&name=Abacus_general_image%20%20Mini.png)
  
  #### [Four Reasons to Centralize Your Print Infrastructure](https://blog.e-arc.com/four-reasons-to-centralize-your-print-infrastructure)
- ![ARC’s GSA Contract Makes the Impossible Possible](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mini_gsa.jpg?width=767&name=Mini_gsa.jpg)
  
  #### [ARC’s GSA Contract Makes the Impossible Possible](https://blog.e-arc.com/arcs-gsa-contract-makes-the-impossible-possible)
- ![Three Reasons Top Companies Are Adding Print Rooms to the Their Offices](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/minimasthead-133.jpg?width=767&name=minimasthead-133.jpg)
  
  #### [Three Reasons Top Companies Are Adding Print Rooms to the Their Offices](https://blog.e-arc.com/are-print-centers-dying)
- ![Three Reasons Top Companies are Abandoning Their Print Rooms](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/minimasthead-135.jpg?width=767&name=minimasthead-135.jpg)
  
  #### [Three Reasons Top Companies are Abandoning Their Print Rooms](https://blog.e-arc.com/are-print-centers-dying-0)
- ![You Create, We Print - Custom Holiday Gifts & Displays](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blog-img.png?width=767&name=blog-img.png)
  
  #### [You Create, We Print - Custom Holiday Gifts & Displays](https://blog.e-arc.com/blog/you-create-we-print-custom-holiday-gifts-displays)

### Blog Archive

- [August 2019 (8)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/08)
- [April 2014 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2014/04)
- [February 2015 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2015/02)
- [August 2017 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/08)
- [April 2019 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/04)
- [May 2019 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/05)
- [January 2020 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/01)
- [February 2020 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/02)
- [April 2016 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/04)
- [December 2017 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2018 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/11)
- [January 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/01)
- [February 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/02)
- [June 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/06)
- [September 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/09)
- [October 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/10)
- [November 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/11)
- [March 2020 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/03)
- [May 2016 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/05)
- [February 2017 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/02)
- [June 2017 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/06)
- [October 2018 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/10)
- [December 2018 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/12)
- [March 2019 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/03)
- [July 2019 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/07)
- [April 2020 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/04)
- [February 2016 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/02)
- [October 2017 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/10)
- [January 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/01)
- [February 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/02)
- [June 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/06)
- [August 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/08)
- [September 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/09)
- [December 2019 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/12)
- [August 2020 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/08)
- [October 2020 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/10)
- [November 2020 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/11)
- [January 2021 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2021/01)
- [February 2021 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2021/02)
- [March 2015 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2015/03)
- [January 2016 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/01)
- [March 2016 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/03)
- [December 2016 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/12)
- [March 2017 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/03)
- [May 2017 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/05)
- [September 2017 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/09)
- [November 2017 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/11)
- [March 2018 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/03)
- [May 2018 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/05)
- [July 2018 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/07)
- [May 2020 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/05)
- [July 2020 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/07)

See all

×

![newsletter image](https://blog.e-arc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ARCDocumentSolutions_November2020/images/newsletter-image.png)

### Get the latest industry news!

---

 For information on designing, building and   
 operating structures, we invite you to join   
our community.

#### Solutions

- [Printing Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/color-signage/)
- [Managed Print Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/managed-print-services/)
- [Scanning & Imaging](https://www.e-arc.com/services/scanning/)
- [Equipment & Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/default.aspx)

#### Corporate

- [About Us](https://www.e-arc.com/about-us/)
- [Careers](https://jobs.jobvite.com/arc/jobs/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/)
- [Customers](https://www.e-arc.com/customers/)
- [Ethics & Compliance](https://www.e-arc.com/ethics-compliance/)
- [Investors](https://ir.e-arc.com/investors/overview/default.aspx)
- [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/location/)
- [Press Releases](https://www.e-arc.com/press-release/)

#### Service Centers

- [Place Order](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx)
- [Track Order](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFilesTracking.aspx)
- [Send Files](https://www.ishipdocs.com/Filetransfer/TransferFiles.aspx)
- [Order Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/default.aspx)
- [Public Planroom](https://order.e-arc.com/arcEOC/ARCPlanRoom.aspx)

#### Resources

- [Blog](https://www.e-arc.com/blogs/)
- [Collateral](https://www.e-arc.com/collateral/)
- [Customer Stories](https://www.e-arc.com/customer-story/)
- [Customer Resources](https://www.e-arc.com/resources/)
- [Green Initiative](https://www.e-arc.com/green-initiative/)
- [Events](https://www.e-arc.com/events/)
- [Videos](https://www.e-arc.com/video/)
- [Webcasts](https://www.e-arc.com/webcasts/)

#### ARC Companies

- [ARC Facilities](https://www.arcfacilities.com/)
- [Riot Creative Imaging](https://www.riotcolor.com/)
- [SKYSITE Document Management](https://www.skysite.com/)

#### FOLLOW US

- <https://www.facebook.com/pages/ARC-Document-Solutions/174818889314709?ref=hl>
- <https://twitter.com/ARCDocSolutions>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/318884/>
- <https://www.youtube.com/user/ARCtvHD>
- <https://www.instagram.com/arcdocumentsol>

 ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Certified   |

[![GSA\_Schedule](https://blog.e-arc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ARCDocumentSolutions_November2020/images/GSA_Schedule-_w_Contract.png)](https://www.e-arc.com/document-scanning-and-archiving/) [![GSA-Advantage](https://blog.e-arc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ARCDocumentSolutions_November2020/images/GSA-Advantage_Color_only_2020.png)](https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advantage/ws/search/advantage_search?searchType=1&q=19:5GS-03F-142DA)

© ARC Document Solutions, LLC 2020 All rights reserved. Various trademarks held by their respective owners.