Parting Ways with Your Vendor

Posted by Bill Barrett in Planning, Tips, Trends

Parting ways with your trade show vendor will happen at some point in everyone’s marketing career. Exhibitors typically terminate their contracts with vendors because they outgrow the exhibit house or have trust issues with the vendor.  In Candy Adams’ article for Exhibitor Online, “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” she provides a list of the reasons for ending business with an exhibit house.

• The Wrong Size. Clients outgrow some exhibit houses because of acquisitions and/or mergers.
• Win-Win vs. Win-Lose. When a relationship becomes lopsided and is no longer equally beneficial for both parties.
• Internal Staff Changes. Starting a relationship with an exhibit house’s “A” team, then “B” and “C” players replace the people you used to love working with.
• Location, Location, Location. Not in close enough proximity to your office. Changes in booth design can demand frequent visits. If the vendor is too far away this can become very troublesome.
• Trust. Business relationships are based on the premise that all parties involved will be committed and carry out their respective duties. When trust is broken, it can be very difficult to mend the relationship.
• Poor Business Ethics. Encountering scenarios that are questionable and unethical.

Be prepared to cut ties with your vendor. Terminating an agreement can easily become a big legal issue. Ensure you have completely read your contract and understand the terms of your agreement. Before you start the termination process, you may want to search for a new vendor for your next trade show.

Read the full article.