Choosing between Chinese and Vietnamese production for your retail fixtures isn’t just about cost — it’s about complexity, speed, finish quality, and rollout scale. If you’re a brand sourcing for 2025, this is your essential guide to navigating both markets.
Table of Contents
✅ China = fast prototyping, complex finish, multi-material control
✅ Vietnam = cost-efficient volume, simple metal/wood builds
At Samtop Display, we work with both markets — often combining strengths to optimize outcomes. Let’s break it down.
✅ Summary: China vs. Vietnam — What’s Best for Your Fixture Project?
| Factor | China ✅ | Vietnam ⚙️ |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling speed | 7–14 days | 10–20 days |
| Multi-material capability | MDF + metal + acrylic + LED | Usually 1–2 materials only |
| Finish complexity | High: PU, powder, UV, anodizing | Mostly powder / matte laminate |
| MOQ flexibility | Low–mid MOQ | Often >300 units |
| Labor cost | Medium | Lower (esp. Bình Dương, Đà Nẵng) |
| Logistics system | Mature ports, stronger freight lanes | Improving (HCMC, Hải Phòng) |
| Certification access | FSC, UL, CE easily accessible | May require lab testing / longer lead |
📌 Related: How to Reduce POP Display Cost Without Sacrificing Visual Quality
🧱 Fixture Type — Which Country Fits Which Category?
| Fixture Type | China | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Premium plinth with light + logo plate | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Corrugated floorstand with metal frame | ✅ | ✅ |
| Backwall with integrated LED header | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Simple gondola unit, single metal body | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Multi-market perfume or cosmetics display | ✅ | 🚫 |
| High-volume shelf rollout for electronics | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sustainable display (PETG, RPET) | ✅ | ⚠️ |
📌 Pro tip: Use China for prototyping and Vietnam for rollout when speed + cost align.
📦 Logistics & Export Documentation: What to Expect
| Category | China | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Port Access | Strong: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen | Growing: HCMC, Hải Phòng |
| Freight CBM cost | Slightly higher, better optimization | Lower, but more crate consolidation |
| Labeling quality | Export-ready, region-coded | May need export agent assistance |
| Customs documentation | Experienced with 9403, 3926, UL | Buyer may guide or provide templates |
📌 Check: Documentation Checklist for Retail Fixture Export
🧪 Risk Control: What Brands Should Watch For
| Risk | China | Vietnam | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish mismatch | ✅ Possible | ✅ Possible | Stage-based sampling, finish board |
| Timeline fluctuation | ⚠️ Peak seasons | ⚠️ Holidays | Lock PO + materials 8 weeks in advance |
| Material sourcing delay | Rare | More common | Pre-stock acrylic, LED |
| Communication breakdown | Low risk | Higher risk | Use bilingual coordinator |
📌 Use our Fixture QC Checklist Template to align both suppliers before mass production.
🌍 Strategic Tips: How to Leverage Both Countries Together
- Prototype in China, mass produce in Vietnam (cost savings + brand-level detail)
- Split rollout by region: USA from China, EU from Vietnam for port proximity
- Align BOMs across factories to prevent spec drift
- Use shared packaging parts (screws, trays, labels) to save tooling and speed sourcing
- Standardize crate labeling and QA formats for better rollout reporting
📌 See: How to Align Design & Factory Logic
💬 FAQ
Q: Is Vietnam always cheaper than China?
✅ For labor and structure, yes. But for multi-layer builds or LED integrations, China may still win on timeline and rework cost.
Q: Can Vietnam match China’s finish level?
⚠️ Only for basic powder or matte laminates. China still leads in soft-touch, ribbed acrylic, PU spray, etc.
Q: What about certification support (FSC/CE/UL)?
✅ China has better internal access. Vietnam may outsource to labs, adding time and cost.
Q: Can I use both countries in one global rollout?
✅ Absolutely. Many of our clients use China for high-touch VM and Vietnam for volume shelving.
✅ Conclusion: It’s Not China or Vietnam — It’s “Which for What”
✔️ Choose China when:
- You need visual merchandising polish
- Your design includes LED, engraving, multi-materiality
- Timeline speed or revision flexibility matters
✔️ Choose Vietnam when:
- Your fixture is simple, repeatable, and cost-sensitive
- You need bulk rollout to 500+ stores
- Freight optimization is a top priority
At Samtop Display, we offer hybrid sourcing strategies — blending China’s finish mastery with Vietnam’s cost advantage — tailored for brands scaling globally.
📩 Need Advice on Where to Produce?
We provide:
✅ Factory matching (material x product type)
✅ Prototyping + rollout balancing across markets
✅ Dual-market QA system setup
✅ BOM standardization + freight optimization
