Exhibition stand builder with a small workshop

Small and mid-sized businesses exhibiting at trade shows, exhibition and event companies, and marketing agencies buying on behalf of clients.

Fixed quote per stand covering design, materials, build and install, with extra income from repeat show work, storage, refurbishment and hire of stands you own.

• Carpentry or fabrication basics
• Drawing up designs, with simple CAD or 3D software
• Quoting and project management to tight show deadlines

• Zoning and council approval for running a workshop at your unit, check with your local council
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire (rules vary by state)
• Venue rules on fire safety, rigging and electrical work, which often must be done by a licensed electrician
• Work health and safety around dust, power tools and heavy lifting
• Lumpy income tied to the trade show calendar, and deadlines that cannot slip

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your workshop rent, tools, materials and design software. The figure also depends on how much equipment you already own and the size of the stands you plan to build.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many stands you build and their size. Plan for at least about 30 hours a week. Income can be lumpy because it is tied to the trade show calendar.

Check zoning and council approval for your unit, and public liability and product liability insurance. Also check workers compensation once you hire (rules vary by state), venue rules on fire safety, rigging and electrical work, and work health and safety around dust, power tools and heavy lifting.