Help / FAQ

Tradeshowdirect is the trade name of Bell Creative, Inc., based at 794 North Main St., Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802. We have been building trade show displays and supplying graphics since 1998, including portable displays, backlit displays, banner stands, counters, kiosks, desks, and replacement graphics.

We build our Twist counters, kiosks, desks, pedestals, and charging stations at our shop in Harrisonburg, Virginia, from U.S. and imported materials: a U.S.-extruded aluminum frame, imported birch plywood cut in our shop, and graphics printed in the USA. The other displays we sell come from established manufacturers, and each product page describes the product. You can browse everything we build on our Built in Harrisonburg, VA page. If U.S. sourcing is important to you, tell us and we'll recommend options.

Tradeshowdirect is based in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where we design and build our Twist line. We're an online business, so we don't have a showroom, but our product galleries show real customer displays. Call 540-438-9933 or email sales@tradeshowdirect.com with any questions.

Most displays are priced with full-color printed graphics included. If you send print-ready artwork there is no added design charge; we review your files and send a digital proof before anything is printed. Design help is optional (see Graphic Design Services). Please note, our line of Twist counters, desks and kiosks are typically priced with unprinted panels.

Yes. Ordering online is the fastest way to get into production, but we're happy to send a written quote or an invoice with a secure online payment link. Email sales@tradeshowdirect.com with the products and options you want, your billing and shipping addresses, and your event date.

Written quotes are valid for 30 days unless the quote states otherwise.

We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay at checkout or through an emailed payment link. We can also accept ACH, wire transfers and checks; contact us for instructions. Production begins once payment is received, so a card is the quickest option when your deadline is tight.

Our products are made to order, so full payment is required before production begins. Your card is charged when you place your order.

We don't typically run coupon codes.

Sales tax, where it applies, is calculated at checkout based on your shipping address. If your organization is tax exempt, email your certificate to sales@tradeshowdirect.com before you place your order, along with your company name, and we'll apply it to your order.

Yes. We've completed hundreds of orders for federal, state and local agencies, schools and nonprofits. We can provide formal quotes, accept tax-exempt certificates, and consider purchase orders case by case. Email sales@tradeshowdirect.com to get started.

Place your order online and describe the change in the order notes on the checkout page, or email sales@tradeshowdirect.com. We'll confirm the details and invoice any difference in cost. Custom sizes and modifications are often possible on our Twist counters and kiosks.

Yes. Place the same order again online and email sales@tradeshowdirect.com with your company name and previous order number. We can usually locate your past artwork and will send a fresh proof before printing.

Contact us as soon as possible at 540-438-9933. Orders cannot be changed or cancelled after you approve your proof.

Your order confirmation email is your receipt. You can also sign in through the Account link to view your orders, or contact us and we will send a copy.

Please use the Upload Art link at the top of every page. You can upload before or after you order; most customers order first. Include your company name or order number in the file name or notes so we can match it to your order. You won't be prompted to upload during checkout. If your network blocks the uploader, email a file-sharing link to sales@tradeshowdirect.com.

Files should follow our File Setup Instructions.

Have them upload through the Upload Art page using the same company name that's on the order, plus the order number if you have it. Add both email addresses in the upload notes if you both want to receive the proof.

Adobe Illustrator files are preferred. Please package them so all fonts and linked images are included, and upload the whole folder. High-resolution CMYK JPG files are also accepted. We do not accept PSD or PDF files. Please keep files below 1,000 MB. Full details are on our File Setup Instructions page.

Images should be at least 75 DPI at actual print size, and no more than 200 DPI. Around 100 DPI at full size is ideal for backwalls and banners. Higher resolutions only make files larger without improving the print. Work at full size so you can see how the image will look before you upload.

Most products need 1/2" of bleed on all sides, and most dye-sublimated fabric graphics need 2". Retractable banner stands also need extra at the bottom because that part rolls into the base. The template for each product shows the exact bleed, the visible area, and the safe area for text and logos.

Templates are on each product page in the Graphic Templates tab. Can't find the one you need? Email art@tradeshowdirect.com or call 540-438-9933 and we'll send it.

Yes, always. After you order and upload artwork, our design team checks your files and emails a digital PDF proof, usually the same business day and almost always within 24 hours. Production starts only after you approve the proof. The first round of proofs is free, and each additional round is $30. A hard copy proof is $75 plus shipping.

We don't produce mockups or 3D renderings before an order is placed. Your proof is created after ordering and shows your artwork laid out on the product template. Many customers place their artwork on a product photo to visualize it. Digital proofs show layout only and are not an accurate representation of color or resolution.

We print in CMYK. If you provide Pantone (PMS) values with your artwork, we'll match them as closely as CMYK printing allows; some Pantone colors can't be reproduced exactly. Digital proofs show layout only and are not an accurate representation of color. When precise color is critical, we recommend ordering a test print first.

We review files for print readiness, not for spelling, grammar, or design. Please check your proof carefully before approving it.

It can, but Canva often can't export a file large enough for a backwall at good resolution. Export the highest-resolution file you can at actual size and upload it; we'll review it and let you know if it will print well. Converting to a CMYK JPG at full size usually gives the best result.

Build it as one continuous layout on the product template; we'll divide it for printing. Keep text and logos away from the small gaps between panels or banner stands. If you plan to swap individual panels later, design each panel to stand on its own so new panels don't have to line up with old ones.

Yes. Our designers can polish a rough layout or create your design from scratch. Placing your logo on a template is no charge. Larger designs are billed at $100 per hour, and we estimate the time before starting. Typical estimates are 2-4 hours for banner stands and table top displays, 4-6 hours for a 10 x 10 display, 6-8 hours for a 10 x 20, and 8-10 hours for a 20 x 20. See Graphic Design Services.

Order the display with the design option, or email sales@tradeshowdirect.com and we can invoice estimated design time first. A designer will contact you to gather your logo, images, text and colors, then send digital proofs for your approval. Vector logos (AI or EPS) and a clear idea of what you want help keep design time down.

Each product page lists its turnaround time, typically 6-7 business days. Turnaround starts after your proof is approved and payment is received, and it doesn't include shipping time. Order quantity usually doesn't change the turnaround. Tell us your event date when you order and we'll help you plan backward from it.

Often, yes. Call 540-438-9933 or chat with us with your deadline and delivery ZIP code. Depending on the product, we may be able to expedite production for a rush fee, ship overnight, ship the hardware and graphics separately, or recommend a similar in-stock product that's quicker to produce. Banner stands are usually the fastest option.

Approving your proof and completing payment promptly is the best way to stay on schedule.

Work backward from your in-hand date: allow a day for proofing, the production time listed on the product page, and shipping time to your location. To be safe, have artwork ready at least 3 weeks before your show. Artwork that needs corrections or design work will add time.

No. Turnaround times are business days and don't include weekends or holidays. Some graphics are printed by overseas partners, so international holidays can occasionally affect timing; we'll let you know if that applies to your order.

Orders ship via FedEx, UPS or freight, depending on size. All shipments are sent signature required, so please make sure someone can sign at the delivery address. Delivery dates are estimates. See our Shipping Policy.

Add the product to your cart and enter your state, ZIP code and whether it is a business or residential address. The cart shows live rates for each shipping option. For large or multi-item orders, call 540-438-9933 or email sales@tradeshowdirect.com for the most accurate quote.

It depends on the product. Our Twist counters, kiosks, pedestals and monitor stands ship from Harrisonburg, Virginia. Many other displays ship directly from the production partner that makes them, in locations across the U.S., so parts of a multi-item order may arrive in separate shipments.

Yes. We can ship to the show's advance warehouse, directly to the venue, or to your hotel or a FedEx/UPS location for pickup. Shipping to the advance warehouse is usually the safest choice because carriers can't guarantee a single-day delivery window. Use the show's exact address formatting from your exhibitor kit. Whenever possible, please send us the shipping labels from your exhibitor guide.

Yes. Leave a note at checkout with your account number. We'll provide box dimensions and weights. If shipping was charged at checkout, we'll refund it.

No. We don't include an invoice or pricing in the package, so you can ship directly to your client or event.

We don't recommend it. Most hard shipping cases for full-size displays exceed airline size and weight limits and get expensive oversize fees. Shipping by UPS or FedEx to the show is usually easier and less expensive. Table top displays and banner stands in soft bags are the most travel-friendly.

We primarily ship within the United States. Canadian shipments can be arranged when you provide your own UPS or FedEx account or shipping label, which keeps duties and brokerage fees billed to you directly. Customs can add a few days, and transit times can't be guaranteed. We don't ship beyond Canada.

We don't build shipping into our prices, so shipping is calculated at checkout at our carrier rates. Because many products ship directly from our production partners, local pickup usually isn't practical.

You will receive an email with tracking information when your order ships. You can also sign in through the Account link and open the order.

Check the tracking link in your shipping email first. Because all shipments require a signature, the carrier may be holding the package if no one was available to sign. If tracking shows it delivered or it has stopped moving, contact us.

Inspect your order when it arrives. Report shipping damage to us promptly so we can help with a carrier claim. Some orders ship in more than one package, so check tracking for each one. Tell us within 72 hours of delivery if you received the wrong product or parts are missing.

Stock merchandise can be returned within 14 days of delivery in new condition and original packaging, less a 25% restocking fee. Contact us before sending anything back, and you pay return shipping. See our full refund policy.

Printed graphics and custom printed products, Twist products (counters, desks, kiosks, pedestals, and charging stations, which are built to order), truss systems, design time and proofing fees, and shipping charges are not refundable.

Approved refunds are issued to your original payment method within 10 business days, less the restocking fee. Your bank may take additional time to post it.

Our products are warranted against manufacturing defects. The warranty period varies by product and is listed on each product page. The warranty does not cover damage from improper storage, improper shipping, shipping transit, misuse, or normal wear, but replacement parts are usually available. Call 540-438-9933 to start a claim. See Warranty Information.

Yes. Replacement graphics for most of our displays are in our Replacement Graphics section. If you don't see yours, email sales@tradeshowdirect.com with your company name or previous order number and we'll look up your display. For products purchased elsewhere, we'll need the brand, model and exact measurements because graphics are frame specific.

Usually. Connectors, poles, casters, light bars, case wheels and complete frames are often available. Email a photo of the part along with your company name or order number to sales@tradeshowdirect.com and we'll find the right replacement.

Often, yes, if you already have a graphic made for that exact frame. Frames come in many sizes from different manufacturers, so we'll need to confirm your graphic's dimensions. Keep in mind the printed graphic is most of the cost of a display, so a complete new display is sometimes the better value.

Most portable displays are designed to be set up by one person. In many cases, no tools are needed, and if required, all tools are provided. A tube display takes about 15 minutes, and most backlit SEG displays take 30-45 minutes. The first setup always takes a little longer. Twist counters assemble in 5-10 minutes with the included Allen wrench, or tool-free with aluminum caps.

Visit our Display Set-Up Instructions page. Find your product by category or search by name, then download the PDF. The same file is also linked on each product page. If you need a copy or a video, email sales@tradeshowdirect.com or call 540-438-9933 and we'll send it or walk you through setup by phone.

Yes. Check the Display Set-Up Instructions page first. If your product isn't listed, call us at 540-438-9933 and we will help you find the right file.

Replacement graphics use the same set-up instructions as the display they fit. Look up the display on the Display Set-Up Instructions page.

Our displays are designed for exhibitors to set up themselves, so we don't provide on-site labor. Your show's general contractor can arrange installation labor if you need it.