Struggling to make your product pop in-store? A generic display stand can mean missed sales. The right printing and customization options are key to grabbing customer attention.

For cardboard floor displays, you can choose from offset, flexo, or digital printing for vibrant graphics. Customization includes unique shapes and sizes, special finishes like lamination or UV coating, and structural additions such as shelves, hooks, or even LCD screens to create a truly bespoke presentation.

The world of display customization is vast, and knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. I've spent 16 years navigating these options, helping clients find the perfect fit. To make it easier, let's break down some of the most common questions I get from designers. Answering these will give you a solid foundation for your next project.

How to make a display stand from cardboard?

Thinking about a custom cardboard display but the process seems complicated? This doubt can halt a great project. Let me show you how simple it can be with the right steps.

Making a cardboard display involves several key stages. It starts with your concept, then moves to structural design for strength, and graphic design¹ for visuals. Next comes printing, cutting, and any finishing touches. Finally, the display is either shipped flat or pre-assembled for use.

I believe the creation process should be a partnership. It all starts with a clear idea and a good conversation. I remember a product designer, much like yourself, came to me with a brilliant plan for a display shaped like a large tree. His main worry was whether it would be strong enough to hold his products.

Step 1: Concept and Design

We began with his concept and focused on the structural engineering² first. We decided to use a thick, reinforced corrugated board for the trunk and a lighter grade for the little branches. This early collaboration is so important. We use special software to build a 3D model³, which lets us see potential problems before we ever cut a single piece of cardboard. Once the structure is approved, the graphic design¹ team takes over to apply the artwork.

Step 2: Prototyping and Production

After the digital design is complete, we always make a physical prototype⁴. For me, this step is not optional. It’s our chance to test the display's stability with the actual products on it. It also lets us see the colors and graphics in the real world, not just on a screen. Once everyone is happy with the prototype, we move to the full production run.

What are cardboard displays called?

Ever struggle to describe the exact display you need? Using the wrong terms leads to confusion and wasted time. Knowing the industry language makes the whole process smoother.

Cardboard displays are often called 'Point of Purchase' (POP) or 'Point of Sale' (POS) displays. Specific types include floor displays⁵, counter display units (CDUs)⁶, pallet displays⁷, and dump bins⁸. The material itself is typically corrugated cardboard, not simple paperboard, for strength.

In my early days, a client kept asking for a 'cardboard seller.' It took us a few calls to figure out they meant a free-standing floor display unit. This experience taught me how vital a shared vocabulary is. It removes guesswork and helps us get straight to the perfect solution. The most common term you will hear is a 'POP Display' because its main job is to influence a purchase right where it happens. But we get more specific with names to define the display's location and function in the store. For a designer, knowing these terms is a big advantage when you talk to a manufacturer. It shows you understand the business and helps us bring your vision to life much faster.

Here is a simple breakdown of the most common terms you will encounter.

What is cardboard printing called?

Your display graphics look great on screen, but will they look good on cardboard? The wrong printing method can ruin a great design. Let's cover the key options.

Printing on cardboard is generally done using three main methods: offset lithography⁹ (litho), flexography¹⁰ (flexo), and digital printing¹¹. Each has its own benefits regarding color quality, cost per unit, and suitability for different order sizes. Choosing the right one is crucial for your project's success.

I always advise designers to think about the printing method early in the design process. It can make a huge difference in the final look and budget.

Offset Lithography (Litho)

For a high-end cosmetics launch, we used offset printing. The client needed photo-realistic images on their displays, and offset was the only way to achieve that premium quality. This process involves printing the graphics onto a separate sheet of paper, which is then glued, or laminated, onto the corrugated board. It's the best choice for complex, beautiful artwork.

Flexography (Flexo)

On the other hand, for a large run of simple shipping boxes that only needed a one-color logo, flexo is the perfect solution. It works like a rubber stamp, applying ink directly to the cardboard. It is very fast and cost-effective for large quantities with simple graphics.

Digital Printing

Recently, digital printing¹¹ has become a game-changer. It's ideal for smaller orders, prototypes, or when you need different graphics on each display. It's like a giant inkjet printer that prints directly onto the board. We've used it for seasonal promotions where a client wanted a unique QR code on each display. It's all about matching the technology to your specific goal.

What is a PDQ display¹²?

Retailers want products on shelves instantly. Standard shipping boxes just slow them down. Using non-compliant packaging can hurt your retail relationships¹³. PDQ display¹²s solve this exact problem.

A PDQ display¹² stands for 'Pretty Darn Quick' or 'Product Display Quickly.' It is a type of shelf-ready packaging (SRP)¹⁴. This means the shipping box itself is designed to convert into a retail display in seconds, often just by tearing off a perforated panel.

The growth of PDQ display¹²s is one of the biggest changes I've seen in my 16 years in this industry. It's a design that benefits both the brand and the retailer.

I once worked with a snack food company that was struggling to get good shelf space in a major supermarket chain. Their products arrived in plain brown boxes, and store employees had to unpack each bag and place it on the shelf. This took time and looked messy.

We redesigned their packaging into a PDQ display¹². The new box arrived fully loaded with product. The store employee just had to tear away the perforated front panel and place the entire tray on the shelf. Everything was perfectly arranged and branded.

Benefits for Everyone

The retailer loved it because it saved them a huge amount of labor time. My client loved it because their sales in that store increased by over 20%. Creating a good PDQ display¹² requires smart structural design. It needs to be tough enough to survive shipping but simple enough for any store employee to open easily without needing a box cutter. It is the definition of working smarter, not harder.

Conclusion

From printing methods to display types like the PDQ, your options are extensive. Understanding these basics helps you create cardboard displays that protect your product and powerfully boost your sales.