Picture it: It’s Wednesday, February 21, 2018. The final day of The Rental Show 2018. You are walking away with amazing savings on some new tents, tables, and chairs guaranteed to make you money for years to come. The only problem? Logistics. How do you get all these new toys home if they aren’t shipping from the vendor headquarters?
Some vendors will bring inventory to sell at the show or offer discounts if you purchase their display items or booth components. If you take advantage of these savings, you are could run into logistical challenges to get your purchases home. Large items like tents, tables, or large equipment can present a logistical nightmare, especially if you flew in for the show.
Avoid Logistics Nightmares with Advice from Allstate Tent
Luckily, Allstate Tent is here to help! We have some tips and advice for making your rental show buying experience as headache free as possible.
The best way to have a smooth experience is planning ahead. Most show specials are advertised ahead of the show. If you know you will be buying large items like heavy equipment, display tents or demo products which will need to be transported from the show, you can save yourself some headaches by planning ahead.
Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential.
-Winston Churchill
If you are driving to the show, the easiest way to get your purchases home is in your own truck. Most attendees are not within driving distance of New Orleans. However, there are other options to get your new toys from The Rental Show home. If you have a preferred shipping provider you should call ahead to find out if they ship from New Orleans and the rates you’ll be looking at. UPS and FedEx are also options depending on shipment size. With a large shipment, you will need to look at LTL shipping. Most major LTL freight operators have service centers in New Orleans.
Picking up Purchases
Once you’ve made your purchase you will want to take possession of your purchases when you buy, if possible. If your purchases aren’t available until after the show ends you will need to find out from the vendor where and when to go for pickup and loading as the convention center staff and ARA have set schedules for an efficient takedown after the show ends. Come with patience and kindness–the process will be smoother for all.
I don’t know what the hell this ‘logistics’ is that Marshall is always talking about, but I want some of it.
-Admiral E. J. King
If you plan to purchase from Allstate Tent go ahead and let us know so we can put together the best solution for your individual situation. Most vendors will be happy to aid in logistics. The Rental Show 2018 is an amazing resource for purchasing new equipment. Follow these tips to ensure a relaxed worry-free buying experience. Feel free to reach out to our experienced staff with any questions!
For more insight and tips from Allstate Tent take a look at The Rental Show 2018 Survival Guide Part 1: Best Practices.