This is what you get when you spend $40 on a banner stand. This after one use. The aluminum on this unit is so thin that I can twist the stand by holding each end. What has happened in this photo is the receptacle that holds the pole upright, is now bent out of shape. When placed into the hole, the pole now wobbles and the graphic will lean back too far. Spend your money wisely. Spending a little more up front will save you a lot in the future.

If you look at the ends of your banner stand, you will notice a small rectangular “tab” sticking out of one end. This “tab” is what keeps your graphic retracting. What happens is this. You have taken down your display, graphic neatly rolled up inside, soft shipping bag in hand, and you slip the end into the bag and drop it in. Innocent enough. When your banner stand came to that abrupt stop on the floor, you drove that tab into the banner stand and released the tension of the spring inside. Now, at your next event, your graphic suddenly will not retract. The tab is probably still in place and looks normal, but what has happened inside can only be repaired with the proper tools and patience. Most are repairable.

When purchasing banner stands, look for designs that have the ends protected. Spending a little more now will save you costly repairs and frustration in the future.