Sometimes you get this urge to promote something fast, maybe a store event, a small expo booth, or a weekend sale, and you think a banner will do the job. It sounds simple enough. But once you actually try to order custom printed banners, you realize there are a few small things that can go wrong. And honestly, most of those problems are avoidable if you know what to look out for.
People in Dubai use custom printed banners everywhere, from outdoor shop fronts to mall events, so quality really shows. A badly designed or poorly printed banner stands out for the wrong reasons. To help you avoid that headache, here are the most common mistakes people make and how you can stay far away from them.
Mistake 1: Using Low Quality Images
This one happens a lot. Someone grabs a picture from their phone or downloads a small image online and thinks it will look fine on a big banner. But when it goes through banner printing, it turns blurry or pixelated. And once it is printed, there is no fixing it.
If you want your banner to look clear, try to use high resolution images or original artwork. If you are working with a designer, just ask them for a print ready file. It makes a huge difference.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Material
Dubai weather can be pretty harsh. The sun, heat, humidity, and sand can all damage your banner. Some people order custom printed banners without checking the material and end up with a banner that fades or tears too quickly.
Here is a quick guide that might help:
| Banner Type | Best For | Notes |
| PVC Vinyl | Outdoor use | Strong, durable, handles sunlight well |
| Mesh Banner | Windy areas | Allows airflow, great for large outdoor signs |
| Fabric Banner | Indoor events | Softer look, not ideal for harsh weather |
Choosing the right material depends on where your banner will hang. If it is outside, go for something strong. If it is inside a store or a mall, fabric is usually enough.
Mistake 3: Overcrowding the Design
When people try too hard to say everything in one banner, the design becomes messy. Too many colors, too much text, or too many icons make it difficult to read.
A simple rule: if someone cannot understand your banner in three seconds, it is too crowded.
Try sticking to these basics:
- Short headline
- Clear call to action
- One or two main visuals
- Enough white space so everything feels balanced
Banners are meant to catch attention fast, not tell the whole story.
Mistake 4: Forgetting About Size
Ordering the wrong size is more common than you think. Some clients order something too small for an outdoor location, thinking it will be cheaper. But when it finally hangs on the wall, it looks tiny and ineffective.
Before you order, measure the space. Stand at a distance and imagine how big the banner needs to be so people can actually read it. If you are unsure, ask your printing company for advice. They usually know what size works best for different places.
Mistake 5: Not Checking the Bleed and Safe Area
A lot of first time buyers do not know what bleed means. It is basically extra space added around the design so the edges do not get cut off during printing. If your design goes right to the edge without bleed, you might lose text or part of your image.
Most professional printing teams, like Color Print, will guide you on bleed size, but it is still good to know. Make sure important text stays inside the safe area so nothing gets trimmed accidentally.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Installation Requirements
Some customers order a banner and only later realize they need eyelets, pole pockets, or strong ropes. When ordering custom printed banners, think about how you plan to install them. If the banner is going on a metal fence, get eyelets. If it is going on a stand, choose the right finishing option.
A little planning here can save you time and hassle during installation.
Mistake 7: Choosing a Company Without Proper Experience
In a big city like Dubai, there are many options for printing. But not every printing shop understands outdoor durability, color accuracy, or scaling for large formats. A reliable advertising company in Dubai will guide you on materials, design quality, installation, and finishing.
If you end up choosing a random vendor based only on price, you might receive low quality prints or materials that do not last. Working with the right team, like Color Print, gives you more confidence because they know what works well for Dubai conditions.
Mistake 8: Not Asking for a Proof
A proof is a quick preview of how your banner will look before it goes to final printing. Some people skip this step because they are in a rush. But this is where you catch mistakes like spelling errors, alignment issues, or missing images.
Taking two extra minutes to review a proof can save you money and time. Even the best advertising company in Dubai will ask you to approve a final design before printing. Think of it as your last chance to fix anything.
Mistake 9: Not Planning Ahead
Sometimes people wait until the last minute to place their order. Then they expect same day delivery, and while some teams try their best, good banner printing takes a bit of time. Rushing can lead to mistakes or limited design changes.
If you have an event coming up, try to place your order earlier so you get exactly what you want.
The Bottom Line
Ordering a banner might sound simple, but when you understand all these small details, it becomes easier to get a banner that actually works well for your event or promotion. A little planning and a few smart choices will help your banner look neat, clear, and professional.
Dubai has a fast moving market, so having a strong, good looking banner can really help your business stand out. Whether it is for a shop opening, a trade show, or a sale announcement, taking time to avoid these mistakes will give you much better results.
