Ordering custom displays can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. You need a great result but worry about the process. I'll show you how simple it can be.

The process for ordering custom floor displays involves six key stages: Initial Consultation, Design and Dieline Creation, Quotation, Prototyping, Mass Production, and finally, Logistics and Shipping. Following these steps with your supplier ensures your project runs smoothly from concept to the retail floor.

Getting a custom display made for your product shouldn't be a headache. Over my 16 years in this business, I've refined this process with hundreds of clients, just like you. It's designed to be clear and predictable, so you always know what's next. This guide will walk you through everything, making sure no detail is missed and your final display is exactly what you imagined. Let's break down each part so you feel confident from start to finish.

What are the 5 steps to creating a display?

You have a product but no display idea, leaving you staring at a blank page. This uncertainty can be frustrating. I will give you a clear 5-step creative process.

The five creative steps are: defining your goals¹, brainstorming concepts², creating the structural design³, applying the graphics⁴, and building a prototype⁵. This framework turns your initial idea into a functional, eye-catching display ready for the store. It ensures what you design can actually be built.

As a designer, you know that a good process leads to a good result. It's no different with floor display⁶s. Before we even talk about ordering, you need a solid concept. I've seen many projects succeed or fail right at this stage. It’s all about building a strong foundation.

Step 1: Clarifying Your Objectives

First, you must know what you need the display to do. How many products will it hold? What are their dimensions and weight? Where will the display be used—a large supermarket or a small local shop? What is your budget? Answering these questions first saves a lot of time and prevents major revisions later.

Step 2: From Concept to Structure

Next, we move from ideas to a physical plan. This is where your skills in CAD software come in. We create a "dieline," which is the flat template for the display. This structural design³ must be strong enough to hold your products securely. I always double-check the material specs here to prevent any collapses on the retail floor. A weak display is worse than no display at all.

This table breaks down the creative journey:

What is the first step in product display?

Starting a new display project can feel like a huge task. You wonder where to even begin. I'll show you the single most important first step to get you started right.

The very first step is to define your project's objectives clearly. You need to know your product, your target customer⁸, the retail environment⁹, and your budget inside and out. Without this foundation, your design will lack direction and might fail to meet your marketing goals¹⁰.

I can't stress this enough: a project without a clear goal is set up for failure. I once had a client who was so excited about a creative idea that they skipped this step. They designed a beautiful, large display without first confirming the store's size restrictions. In the end, half of the displays couldn't be used because they simply didn't fit in the smaller retail locations. They lost a lot of time and money.

Understanding Your Product's Needs

Start with the basics. What is the size and weight of each product? How many units do you want on a single display? This information directly impacts the materials we choose and the structural engineering of the display. A display for light cosmetic boxes is very different from one for heavy beverage bottles.

Analyzing the Retail Space and Audience

Think about where this display will live. Is it for a high-traffic area in Walmart or a quiet corner in a boutique? The environment dictates the display's durability, size, and even the style of the graphics. At the same time, who are you trying to attract? The design should appeal directly to your target customer⁸'s tastes.

This simple table shows why this step is so critical:

What is a floor display?

You hear "floor display⁶" all the time in our industry, but what does it really mean? The term can feel a bit general. I'll give you a simple, clear definition.

A floor display is a standalone point-of-purchase (POP) fixture that sits directly on the retail floor. It is designed to grab a shopper's attention, promote specific products, and encourage impulse buys, separate from the standard store shelves. Most are made from corrugated cardboard.

Think of a floor display as your brand's salesperson in the aisle. Its job is to interrupt the customer's normal shopping pattern and say, "Hey, look over here!" For the 16 years I've been making these, their purpose has always been the same: to make a product stand out in a crowded store. They are powerful tools for new product launches, seasonal promotions, or clearing out inventory. Because they are temporary and cost-effective, brands can use them to create excitement for a short period without committing to expensive permanent fixtures¹².

Common Types of Floor Displays

Not all floor displays are the same. They come in different shapes and sizes, each suited for different needs.

• Standard Shelf Displays: These are the most common type. They look like a small shelving unit and are great for displaying various products in an organized way.
• Dump Bins: These are large, open bins. They are perfect for small, individually wrapped items like candy or small toys, encouraging shoppers to "dump" them into their carts.
• Pallet Displays: These are large displays that come pre-stocked on a pallet. Retailers can move them directly onto the sales floor with a forklift, making setup incredibly fast.

Here’s a quick comparison:

What are floor fixtures?

The term "floor fixtures" sounds very technical, maybe even permanent. Does it mean the same thing as a floor display⁶? Let's clear up any confusion with a straightforward explanation.

Floor fixtures are a wide category of retail equipment that sits on the floor to hold and present merchandise. This includes permanent structures like metal gondola shelving and wooden tables, as well as temporary units like the cardboard floor displays¹³](https://gifts-pack.com/how-to-make-a-corrugated-cardboard-box-stronger/)[^6]s we specialize in.

When you walk into a store, almost everything that isn't part of the building itself is a fixture. The key is understanding the difference between permanent and temporary options, as this choice has a big impact on budget, strategy, and logistics. As a product designer, knowing this difference helps you guide your clients to the right solution for their specific campaign goals.

Permanent vs. Temporary Fixtures

The main distinction comes down to material and intended lifespan.

• Permanent Fixtures: These are the workhorses of the retail world. Think of the metal gondola shelving that makes up the aisles, heavy-duty clothing racks, or wooden display tables. They are made from durable materials like steel, wood, or heavy plastic and are designed to last for years. They are a long-term investment for the retailer.
• Temporary Fixtures: This is where cardboard floor displays¹³](https://gifts-pack.com/how-to-make-a-corrugated-cardboard-box-stronger/)[^6]s shine. Made from corrugated paperboard, they are designed for short-term use, typically from a few weeks to a few months. They are perfect for seasonal promotions, new product launches, or any marketing campaign with a limited timeframe.

I have helped many clients save thousands of dollars by choosing a temporary cardboard display for a three-month promotion instead of a more expensive semi-permanent unit.

Here’s how they compare:

Conclusion

Ordering custom displays¹⁴ is a clear process when you follow the steps. Start with defined goals, understand the fixture types, and you will achieve great results for your brand.