7 Things Procurement Managers Overlook in POP Display Orders

How to Bridge the Gap Between Cost, Usability, and Brand Impact
By Yan Luo | Samtop Display

Procurement mistakes in POP display orders can cost brands far more than they save. A low quote that ignores material grade, shipping fit, installation logic, and QC can lead to scratched surfaces, high freight bills, or in-store chaos. This guide lists 7 often-overlooked procurement checks that ensure your POP and VM displays arrive on time, on brand, and ready to impress.

You’ve sourced a display at the right price — but it arrives scratched, too heavy to ship affordably, and confusing to assemble. Procurement success shouldn’t stop at the quote.

What seems like a savings up front can become rework, damage claims, or a campaign fail in-store — especially when key display factors are skipped.

This guide outlines 7 easy-to-miss but critical questions every procurement team should ask — before approving a custom POP or VM display order.

7 Common Procurement Gaps in POP Displays — and How to Close Them

✅ 1. Material Grade & Surface Durability

🛑 Common Miss: Accepting “acrylic” or “MDF” without knowing grade or coating.

✅ Ask for:

• 5mm cast acrylic (not extruded)
• FSC plywood + 2K matte lacquer
• UV-resistant, fingerprint-proof coatings

💡 Impact: Less scratching, better color retention, longer shelf life.

✅ 2. Packed Weight, CBM & Shipping Fit

🛑 Common Miss: No data on how many displays fit on a pallet or in an air box.

✅ Request:

• CBM + packed unit weight at quoting
• Flat-pack options
• Foldable or knock-down design if needed

💡 Impact: Avoids surprise freight costs, ensures delivery timeline feasibility.

✅ 3. Assembly Time and Tools

🛑 Common Miss: Beautiful render — impossible install.

✅ Ask:

• Can 2 store staff set this up in under 30 min without tools?
• Require PDF + video setup guides in multiple languages

💡 Impact: Reduces install complaints, avoids VM team escalation.

✅ 4. Branding Method vs. Surface Logic

🛑 Common Miss: Great logo file, poor material match = faded print or peeling decal.

✅ Ask:

• Will branding be silk screen, laser, or UV printed?
• Can I see adhesion test on real material?

💡 Impact: Sharp, lasting visuals; no smudging or brand distortion.

✅ 5. Lifecycle & Reuse Planning

🛑 Common Miss: Displays tossed post-campaign — when parts could be reused.

✅ Ask:

• Can the base be reused with seasonal topper?
• Can graphics be magnetized or slotted in?

💡 Impact: Saves money and aligns with ESG/sustainability goals.

✅ 6. Packaging Protection Level

🛑 Common Miss: Low-cost display = low-cost packaging = high-cost rework.

✅ Request:

• Crate photos + packaging spec (foam, wrap, corner guards)
• Past damage rates / claim policy

💡 Impact: Prevents breakage delays, increases delivery confidence.

✅ 7. Pre-Shipping QC Proof

🛑 Common Miss: No visuals until 1000+ units arrive — and it’s too late to fix.

✅ Ask for:

• Photo checklist: full unit, logos, lights, carton, QR label
• Video demo of sample assembly (for internal review)

💡 Impact: Faster approvals, fewer returns, zero surprises.

📊 Procurement Gap Quick Reference Table

🔍 Real-World Case: Display Built Smarter

🟨 Project: Seasonal fragrance glorifier (5 SKUs across 3 continents)
🟨 Initial Risk: Client focused on price, skipped sample-level surface review
🟩 Samtop Fix:

• Provided side-by-side spray panels + branding adhesion test
• Reduced shipping crate volume by 27% via knock-down redesign
• Added sample approval + full QC photo set before shipment

✅ Result:
Fewer claims, 0% installation confusion, on-time launch in all regions

💬 FAQ

Q: Isn’t this Creative’s job?

A: Procurement needs to validate feasibility and total cost — including setup, damage rate, and reusability — not just visuals.

Q: Do I need to fly to the factory for QC?

A: Not if your supplier provides detailed video + photo reports, sample sign-off, and compliance documentation.

Q: How much more does “good packaging” cost?

A: Often just $2–4 extra per unit — but prevents $50–100 in damage or delay.

🎯 Conclusion: Ask Better Questions. Get Better Displays.

✔️ Don’t stop at unit price — look at durability, logistics, and reuse potential
✔️ Confirm install logic and protective packaging
✔️ Use proactive QC tools — not post-shipment panic
✔️ Align with suppliers who think like VM, not just vendors

📩 Want help reviewing your next POP display quote?

👉 Email: yan@samtop.com
🌍 Visit: www.samtop.com

• Retail Dive – Cost vs. Experience in Display Procurement
• Bain & Co – Total Cost of Ownership in Sourcing
• Display & POP Trends – Shop! Global