Cardboard displays are an essential tool for retail success, but producing them comes with its own set of challenges. From design issues to logistics, brands and manufacturers must navigate obstacles to ensure their displays are not only eye-catching but also functional and durable. Here are six common challenges in cardboard display production and practical ways to overcome them.
1. Ensuring Structural Durability
The Challenge:
Cardboard displays must be sturdy enough to hold products without collapsing or warping, especially in high-traffic environments. Flimsy designs risk damaging products and reducing customer trust. As Beistle also encountered.
Solution:
- Use high-quality corrugated cardboard with appropriate thickness and strength.
- Incorporate structural reinforcements, such as internal supports or metal bars for heavier products.
- Conduct weight testing during prototyping to ensure the display can handle the required load.
2. Designing for Visual Impact
The Challenge:
Creating a design that captures shoppers’ attention while remaining functional can be a complex task. Poor design can result in displays that fail to stand out or align with the brand’s identity. As you can see in Cardboard Display Company.
Solution:
- Work closely with experienced graphic and structural designers.
- Prioritize bold colors, unique shapes, and clear messaging to grab attention.
- Use digital prototyping tools to visualize the final display before production.
3. Customization Without Compromising Cost
The Challenge:
Brands often want highly customized displays, but extensive customization can drive up production costs, making it difficult to stay within budget.
Solution:
- Opt for modular designs that can be adapted for different campaigns.
- Standardize certain display elements, such as base structures, while customizing graphics.
- Collaborate with a supplier that offers cost-effective customization options without sacrificing quality.
4. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials
The Challenge:
Many brands now prioritize sustainability, requiring displays to be made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. However, balancing eco-friendliness with durability and affordability can be challenging.
Solution:
- Choose corrugated cardboard made from recycled materials.
- Use soy-based inks and water-based adhesives for printing and assembly.
- Partner with manufacturers who specialize in eco-friendly production methods.
5. Meeting Tight Production Deadlines
The Challenge:
Retail campaigns often have strict timelines, leaving little room for delays in display production. Any holdups can disrupt the entire supply chain.
Solution:
- Plan ahead and communicate deadlines clearly with your manufacturer.
- Partner with a reliable supplier that has streamlined production processes.
- Use flat-pack designs to simplify logistics and reduce shipping delays.
6. Effective Assembly and Setup
The Challenge:
Even well-designed displays can fail if they are too complicated to assemble or require excessive time and effort from store staff.
Solution:
- Design displays with simplicity in mind, using pre-assembled parts or easy-to-follow instructions.
- Offer training videos or guides for store teams.
- Test the assembly process during development to identify and address any pain points.
Conclusion
Producing cardboard displays involves navigating a variety of challenges, from ensuring durability and visual impact to meeting sustainability goals and tight deadlines. By implementing smart design practices, collaborating with experienced suppliers, and focusing on quality materials, brands can overcome these obstacles and create displays that drive retail success.
