In partnership with Admiral Staging.  

For rigging and staging companies, managing expenses while maintaining high-quality results is a constant challenge. If you are looking to cut costs without cutting corners, here are 8 helpful tips.  

1. Energy Efficient Solutions

One of the most effective ways to reduce long-term operational costs is by investing in energy-efficient equipment. For rigging and staging companies, this often starts with lighting systems. Switching to LED fixtures or other low-energy alternatives not only lowers electricity bills but also reduces the need for frequent replacements thanks to their longer lifespan. 

But energy-efficiency isn’t just about lighting. Motorised rigging systems that use power efficiently can offer both precision and cost savings, while also demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, something more and more clients value when selecting suppliers. 

Eco-conscious solutions don’t just help the environment; they can also set your company apart in a competitive market.  

2. Investing in Durable Equipment 

 
When it comes to spending money, everyone loves a "good deal." But what if what seemed like a "good deal" at the time carries a lot of hidden costs? To avoid these unexpected expenses, it's important to prioritise quality and invest in "future-proof" products. 

This is especially important for rigging and staging equipment, which must withstand frequent setups, varying loads, and regular transportation. Given the demanding, heavy-duty nature of their use, choosing robust equipment ensures it can handle these applications year after year. While high-quality equipment may have a higher initial cost, the long-term value it offers is significantly greater. In addition to lasting longer and reducing the need for frequent replacements, it also requires fewer repairs and less maintenance, resulting in reduced downtime. 

Good examples of durable equipment can be found in Admiral Staging’s product range, with products largely built from strong, long-lasting materials such as aluminium, steel, or rubber. With these materials, you can expect a structurally sound product that doesn’t easily degrade over time, ensuring the safety of both crew and audience. Moreover, these materials can be treated and coated to further enhance their durability. Admiral’s Grid Tubes, for example, are available with a scratch-resistant Pantser coating. This coating features a black matte finish that effortlessly blends your rigging setup into the background. 

No matter the application, investing in well-built, durable equipment helps reduce unexpected costs and delivers greater long-term value.  

3. Streamlining Operations with Modular Systems 

No event or project is the same. Each brings its own requirements and challenges. Equipment must be adaptable and reusable to maximise convenience and get the most value from an investment. In these situations, having equipment that can be tailored to the specific application is essential.  

Modular staging and rigging systems enable venues, event production companies, and rental firms to achieve more with a smaller inventory. Choosing modular products offers several advantages. Not only does it save money by making localised upgrades, repairs, and replacements easy and convenient, but it also enhances the flexibility of the setup, allowing for new and unique configurations.  

Admiral's Flex Ramp, for example, can be adjusted to suit virtually any stage height, without being limited to fixed increments. With modular solutions such as the Freedom System, staging equipment can be configured with few, if any limitations. 

4. Optimising Transport and Storage 

Knowing what you need, where it needs to be, and when, is only part of the puzzle. The logistics involved in making that vision a reality are just as important. Transporting large volumes of equipment over long distances and storing it properly afterwards can be both expensive and time-consuming. It may seem unavoidable, after all, the equipment needs to get from point A to point B one way or another. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no way to reduce transportation and storage costs.  

It’s well known that the fuller and heavier a vehicle’s load is, the more fuel it consumes during transit. By choosing compact and lightweight equipment or ideally, a combination of both you can transport more gear at a lower total weight. Selecting compact equipment like Admiral's Storage Cart allows users to line up multiple carts or dollies efficiently in a truck. Further stacking is made possible thanks to the scratch-resistant top lid on the Storage Cart, or by fitting the Baseplate Dolly with a flight case cover, ensuring minimal unused space. Read more about Admiral’s transport solutions here and see how Protec reduced their costs by investing in the Strong Boy truss dollies.

When stacking truss, opting for Admiral's Brick or Truss Carriers helps you maximise the number of trusses per truck without risking damage.  

5. Maximising Workforce Efficiency 

When it comes to setting up an event, time and money are of great importance. Delays or having too few people for the job can quickly lead to rising costs. Fortunately, it's possible to make these processes more efficient with the right products. To move equipment more effectively, using transport carts and dollies that allow gear to be rolled directly onto the stage rather than carried piece by piece can save valuable time.  

No two stage setups are the same, and having the ability to customise the rigging configuration allows users to fully realise their creative vision. Admiral's Freedom System features length profiles and hanging tubes that are easy to assemble and available in a wide range of sizes. Once the rigging is mounted, fixtures can be installed in a matter of seconds using the Qwiqr Clamp.  

6. Preventative Maintenance Practices 

"Better safe than sorry" is a rule of thumb that applies to just about everything including equipment. Taking the time to care for your gear as intended can save you from having to order costly replacements or pay for emergency repairs, ultimately saving you money in the long run. Ensuring that your equipment performs to the highest standards helps avoid stressful downtime and reduces safety risks for both crew and audience. 

Regular inspections allow damage or structural issues to be identified early, giving you the chance to intervene before they become hazardous. "Time is money" is often used to justify working faster but investing time in routine inspections and proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your equipment, making it time well spent every single time. 

7. Training and Upskilling Staff 

Whenever equipment is used in professional applications, operating it safely is of utmost importance. Training employees to competently operate and oversee equipment without putting themselves, their colleagues, or the audience at risk is always the better course of action. Investing in training ensures that staff gain the skills and knowledge required to use equipment both efficiently and safely.  

8. Leveraging Technology for Efficiency 

In an industry where equipment is constantly moving between venues, events, and storage, staying organised is essential. Digital tools such as inventory management software, maintenance trackers, and scheduling platforms can significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs. 

By keeping track of where each item is, how often it’s used, and when it requires servicing, companies can minimise losses, avoid over-ordering, and extend the lifespan of their equipment. These tools also support better planning and faster turnaround times between events, helping crews stay on schedule and within budget. 

Automating inventory and logistics processes not only reduces the risk of human error but also frees up your team to focus on delivering high-quality events making your operation leaner, smarter, and more profitable. 

Bonus tip -  

Building strong relationships with trusted suppliers such as Stage Electrics isn’t just good business it’s a smart way to cut costs without compromising on quality. Buying in bulk or as part of a group purchasing agreement can significantly reduce per-unit costs and open the door to additional perks such as priority service, faster delivery times, and flexible payment terms. 

For staging and rigging companies that rely on consistent equipment standards across events, investing in durable, frequently used items in larger quantities can yield long-term savings. These robust transport solutions are not only essential on-site, but buying in volume ensures uniformity across your fleet and better deals from your supplier. 

Developing a strong supplier relationship also means being the first to hear about product updates, clearance offers, or limited-time bundles, giving you an edge over competitors who stick to one-off purchases. 

If you would like to talk to a member of our team about improving your efficiency or investing in Admiral products please contact a member of our team today.