Custom cardboard displays are an ideal solution for businesses looking to enhance product presentation, engage customers, and improve brand visibility. However, before making an investment, it’s important to ensure that the display will meet your specific needs and align with your brand’s goals. Here are five essential questions to ask before ordering custom cardboard displays, with expanded details on each point to help guide your decision.
1. What Is the Weight Capacity of the Display?
When designing or choosing a cardboard display, it’s crucial to determine whether the display can adequately support the weight of your products. Many factors contribute to the weight-bearing capacity of cardboard, such as the type of corrugated cardboard used (single-wall, double-wall, or triple-wall), the design, and the layout of the display itself. Whether you plan to display lightweight items such as cosmetics or heavier products like electronics or bulk items, the display must be designed accordingly to ensure safety and functionality.
What to Ask:
- What material is the display made from?
Single-wall cardboard is suitable for lightweight products, while double-wall or triple-wall cardboard offers increased strength for heavier items. Discuss which material is the best choice for your specific product requirements. - What is the maximum weight the display can support?
Some displays are designed to hold only a few pounds, while others can support more substantial loads. Be sure to confirm the weight limits for each section or shelf within the display to avoid overloading. - Can additional reinforcements be added for heavier products?
Consider whether the display can be enhanced with extra structural supports, such as metal bars or thicker cardboard layers, to accommodate products with greater weight. For example, integrating a metal frame or additional fluting within the cardboard can improve weight distribution and prevent sagging.
Choosing the correct weight capacity ensures that the display remains stable and secure, and that your products are well-supported throughout the display’s lifespan.
2. How Will the Display Be Delivered and Assembled?
Understanding the logistics of delivery and assembly is essential, as these factors can impact the timeline and costs associated with your display order. Some displays arrive flat-packed and require assembly, while others may be pre-assembled. Flat-pack displays are more cost-effective and easier to ship, but they might take longer to set up depending on the complexity of the design.
What to Ask:
- Will the display come pre-assembled, or will I need to assemble it myself?
Some suppliers offer pre-assembled displays that are ready to use right out of the box, while others provide displays in a flat-pack format that requires assembly. Determine whether your team will have the time and skills to assemble the display. - How easy is the assembly process?
If assembly is required, ask for a detailed description of the process. Will you need special tools or adhesives to put the display together? Is the assembly straightforward, or does it require expertise? - What are the shipping costs and packaging details?
The packaging will affect how much shipping costs, especially if your display is large, heavy, or requires special handling. Consider whether the display’s design will make it difficult to ship or store until it arrives. Additionally, ask about the materials used for packaging—are they eco-friendly, and will they protect the display during transportation?
Knowing how the display will arrive and how easy it is to set up will help you plan ahead and avoid delays when using the display in your retail space.
3. Can the Design Be Customized to Match My Brand?
Custom displays offer the opportunity to create a visual extension of your brand in retail spaces. However, ensuring that the display matches your branding in terms of color, design, messaging, and style is crucial. When discussing customization options, you should consider how the display will fit within your existing store environment and align with your broader marketing efforts.
What to Ask:
- Can the display be printed with my brand’s colors, logo, and graphics?
Ensure that the display can be customized with high-quality graphics that match your branding guidelines. Some suppliers may offer digital printing, which can achieve vibrant, full-color designs, while others may provide more basic printing options. - Are there specific design restrictions based on the display type or material?
Certain materials and display types may have limitations in terms of print quality or design complexity. Ask about any potential design restrictions and how they might affect the overall aesthetic of your display. For example, large-format prints on cardboard might not have the same sharpness as those printed on other materials. - Can you incorporate interactive or functional elements into the design?
If you want to include interactive elements, such as QR codes, lights, or digital displays, confirm whether these can be integrated into the cardboard display without compromising its structural integrity or design. It’s important to clarify whether additional hardware or materials will be needed.
A display that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic will not only catch customers’ attention but also enhance their overall shopping experience.
4. What Is the Display’s Durability and Lifespan?
The durability of your custom cardboard display is essential, especially if it will be used in high-traffic areas or exposed to environmental factors like moisture or sunlight. Cardboard is a recyclable material, but it can degrade over time if it’s not properly designed or treated. Ensure that the display you order will last for the intended duration of your campaign and perform well in the retail environment.
What to Ask:
- How long can I expect the display to last under typical retail conditions?
The lifespan of the display will depend on several factors, including the material used, the weight of the products, and the environment in which it’s displayed. For example, a display in a dry, climate-controlled store will last longer than one placed outdoors or in an area with high humidity. - Is the cardboard treated for resistance to moisture, tearing, or fading?
Some cardboard displays are treated with protective coatings or moisture barriers to increase their durability. Ask if the display material is resistant to moisture or UV rays, particularly if you plan to use it in outdoor settings or areas with fluctuating temperatures. - Can the display be reused or recycled?
Since sustainability is a growing concern in retail, inquire about the possibility of reusing or recycling the display once the campaign ends. This helps to reduce waste and aligns with eco-friendly business practices.
Durability considerations will help you determine whether the display can withstand the rigors of retail life, maintaining its form and function for as long as needed.
5. What Is the Cost of Customization and How Does It Fit Into My Budget?
Custom displays can be more expensive than standard off-the-shelf solutions, but they also provide a higher level of customization and branding potential. Before proceeding with an order, it’s crucial to understand the full cost, including design fees, customization costs, and shipping expenses. This will help you stay within your budget while still achieving the desired impact.
What to Ask:
- What is the cost breakdown for design, materials, and customization?
Understand how costs are allocated across different aspects of the display. Does the cost include full customization, or are there additional charges for certain design elements? In some cases, advanced customization, such as printing logos or using special finishes, may increase the price. - Are there discounts available for bulk orders or long-term commitments?
If you plan to order a large quantity of displays or need them for multiple events, ask if there are volume discounts. Many suppliers offer reduced rates for larger orders, which can help stretch your budget further. - What are the shipping and handling costs?
Larger displays or more complex orders may incur higher shipping and handling fees. Ask for a complete cost estimate, including shipping, to avoid unexpected expenses.
By fully understanding the costs and how they align with your budget, you can make a more informed decision and ensure that your investment in custom cardboard displays is both effective and cost-efficient.
Conclusion
Ordering custom cardboard displays requires careful planning to ensure they meet your functional, aesthetic, and budgetary needs. By asking these five key questions, you can make informed decisions that will help enhance your product visibility, improve customer engagement, and ultimately drive sales. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight, branded display or a durable, weight-bearing structure, taking the time to clarify these details will ensure that your custom display is a success.
