What Costs Go into Producing a Retail Display?

Setting the budget for a store display project should be checked off early in the planning process. Knowing what factors go into pricing can help brands prevent scope creep, delays, and unexpected expenses as well as anticipate the full retail display program cost and any potential cost savings.

Pricing a Retail Display Program: A Phase-by-Phase Cost Breakdown

Designing and deploying retail displays involves many stages, all of which contribute to the final price. Below are costs that go into producing a store display program.

Research, Development, and Design

This phase involves conceptualizing and designing the display program, often considering market trends, consumer preferences, competitor’s offerings, and of course, the client’s requirements. Through this process, multiple designs may be drawn and revised to align with the brand’s vision.

Engineering

Engineering pertains to the technical aspects of the display program, ensuring the design can be effectively translated into a functional product. This involves evaluating things like structural integrity, material selection, manufacturing processes, and whether desired features can be incorporated into the final version.

Prototypes

Prototyping is fabricating a preliminary version of the retail display. Costs for this stage include sourcing materials to assemble the prototype as well as the labor involved. During this phase, several iterations might be necessary to refine the design, test functionality, and guarantee the prototype meets the required standards before presenting to the client.

Production

During production, costs from materials, labor, and assembly are rolled into the program’s final price tag.

Safety Certification

Sometimes UL testing or other safety tests are required to adhere to industry regulations. These certifications add their own expenses to the program.

Packaging

Good packaging is essential to protecting display units during transit and storage. Costs include packaging materials like cartons, pallets, crates, boxes, and more.

Freight Costs

Freight costs cover the transportation of the finished displays to distribution centers, retail sites, or to the client. These costs can vary based on distance, mode of transportation, and shipping volume.

Warehousing

If the retail displays aren’t immediately distributed, brands will also need to budget for warehousing costs. This involves renting storage space until they’re ready for shipment.

It’s worthwhile to note that costs in each of these categories is interconnected and can vary significantly based on factors like the complexity of the design, quantity of units produced, scope of distribution, and other influences. Effective optimization of these expenses can ensure the retail display program costs stay within budget.

Ways to Save on Program Costs

A reputable retail display manufacturer will offer suggestions where clients can cut back on costs during the process.

Below is a short list of examples for practical methods to manage or reduce spend without sacrificing quality.

• Opt for simple designs, like an L-shape countertop display or floor stand.
• Stick with fewer material options to save money.
• Consider finishing choices. Some, like flame polishing acrylic edges, can be expensive.
• Choose the maximum quantity of displays to produce all at once. This will provide the most efficient pricing.
• Pick stock materials and colors versus custom paints, acrylics, and laminates. This will also shorten lead times.
• Incorporate updateable graphics so the display life can be extended in the field.
• Consider producing displays using semi-permanent materials instead of permanent options.
• A display manufacturer’s logistics department can coordinate shipments, but a brand should use their own carrier to save on shipping and freight costs.
• Carton costs can add up. Consider bulk shipping to a fulfillment center for eventual distribution.

While not exhaustive, this list highlights a variety of ways brands can stretch their display budget dollars.

Understand Your Retail Display Budget

Understanding all cost phases empowers brands to make informed design decisions and budget wisely. By carefully evaluating each step, from planning to shipping, brands can spot ways to save money while still creating eye-catching displays that connect with customers.

Connect with Frank Mayer for a tailored cost estimate for your custom retail display program.