Qualifications to Consider when Hiring an Exhibit Firm
Qualifications to Consider when Hiring an Exhibit Firm
December 10, 2009 by Taylor Studios
When looking for an exhibit firms, here are a few qualifications you might want to consider.
1) In-House Capabilities
If nothing else is known about an exhibit firm, their in-house capabilities may be quite telling. If it’s a small one or two person firm, they can’t offer interpretive planning, project management, exhibit design, graphic design, and fabrication. If they do, you know they are hiring subcontractors or are teaming with another firm to complete the work. In this type of situation, single source accountability is lost. By hiring an experienced turnkey firm, clients know exactly who to call if a problem arises and the firm won’t be able to pawn the problem off on another company.
2) Warranty
The warranty an exhibit firm provides speaks to their quality and customer service. Typically, firms cover their exhibits for a year. When spending several hundred thousand dollars on exhibits, shouldn’t they be covered for more than just a year? I only know of one firm, however, that provides a five year warranty.
3) Bonding Capacity
Bonding capacity is important because it shows the financial stability of a company. If a firm is not capable of getting a bond, that’s a red flag. The firm could potentially close its doors before completing the project. It might also mean they delay payment to the subcontractors they used to finish a project. For more information about Performance and Payment Bonds, read Betty’s blog post Why Performance Bonds are Important.
4) Processes and Procedures
It seems many “creative” firms resist implementing processes and procedures. Processes and procedures are paramount in keeping both projects and staff organized and on schedule. Clients should ask firms to see the plan the firm intends to follow. Reviewing the firm’s methodology for completing the a project before the project begins can answer questions and alleviate some problems or concerns earlier rather than later potentially saving time and money.
When you hire an exhibit firm, what qualifications are most important to you?
Posted by: Kara