What Increases the Cost of a Display Unit the Most?

A Cost Breakdown Guide for Custom POP, VM, and Visual Prop Projects

Why does a custom display unit cost more than expected? In this guide, we present a practical custom display cost breakdown — including material choice, structural design, and packaging types — to help you stay on budget while achieving premium look.

Table of Contents

Why Do Custom Display Units Cost What They Cost?

“Why is this display unit more expensive than I expected?”

Buyers, estimators, and project managers often underestimate cost drivers hidden beneath the surface: expensive finishes, complex fabrication, or even packaging standards.

This guide breaks down 7 key cost drivers and shows how to control them while achieving premium brand aesthetics.

1. Material Choice: Premium ≠ Cheap, Display Cost Breakdown by Component

Material	Cost Level	Notes
Real Marble	🔴 Very High	Heavy, hard to machine
Stainless Steel	🔴 High	Expensive + polishing labor
Acrylic (Thick)	🟠 Medium	Depends on thickness and clarity
MDF + Laminate	🟢 Low	Great wood-look value
Resin	🟠 Medium–High	Mold and finish-dependent
Fiberglass	🟠 Medium–High	Complex shaping, labor-intensive
Metal Tubing	🟢 Low–Medium	Structural, low visual load

💡 Pro Tip: Ask suppliers for material alternatives during design to lower cost without losing appearance.

2. Complex Structures = Higher Labor & Assembly Time

Intricate display designs cost more because they involve:

• Curved or layered panels
• Hidden compartments, drawers, hinges
• CNC-precision angles
• Movable/mechanical elements
• Mixed material (e.g., metal + acrylic + wood)

🧠 Strategy: Opt for simple internal structures with high-end exterior finishes to maximize value.

3. Surface Finish: Gloss, Chrome, Mirror = $$$

Finish Type	Cost Level	Notes
High-Gloss Spray	🟠 Medium	Requires sanding + multiple coatings
Mirror Chrome	🔴 High	Requires vacuum plating or special coating
Textured Metal Look	🟠 Medium	Cheaper than real metal
Matte Paint	🟢 Low	Clean, efficient, durable
Laminate/Vinyl Wrap	🟢–🟠 Low–Med	Cost-effective, versatile

💡 Chrome or mirror finishes look great but significantly increase production cost and QC complexity.

4. Tooling & Mold Costs (Especially Resin or Fiberglass Projects)

Projects with resin or fiberglass may require custom molds.

💸 Mold cost range: $300 – $1500+

Affected by:

• Size and complexity
• Material and finish
• Project quantity (used once vs. repeatable)

🧩 Tip: Use one mold across similar SKUs or amortize cost over larger orders.

5. Lighting, Electronics & Motion Systems

Electronics instantly add:

• 💡 Component cost (LEDs, wiring, PCB, batteries)
• 🔧 Labor time (soldering, testing, QC)
• 🧪 Failure risks (post-sale support)
• 🧾 Compliance cost (CE, RoHS, UL)

📊 Example: An LED glorifier may cost $15–$30 more per unit than a basic version.

🔁 Alternative: Use reflective materials or ambient store lighting to simulate the same visual effect.

6. Packaging Requirements for Fragile or Oversized Units

Packaging Type	Cost Impact	When Used
Standard Carton	🟢 Low	Basic, durable units
Foam-in-Box	🟠 Medium	Acrylic, resin, or fragile components
Wooden Crate	🔴 High	Sculptures, oversized window props
Drop-Tested Package	🟠–🔴 Med–High	Global brands, e-commerce requirements

🎯 Packaging can add 5–15% to the total cost, but it saves money by preventing damage.

7. Order Quantity (MOQ) and Production Efficiency

Quantity	Approx. Cost/Unit
50	$38
500	$19
1000	$14

Why?

• Tooling/setup costs are distributed
• Raw material purchasing becomes cheaper
• Labor scheduling is more efficient

📈 Tip: Plan volume tiers in advance to benefit from better price brackets.

🎯 Conclusion: Know What Affects Price = Better Cost Control

Understanding these cost factors empowers retail buyers and project leads to:

• Make better design choices
• Allocate budget wisely
• Reduce unnecessary expenses
• Avoid surprises in quotes and revisions

At Samtop, we support brands by recommending cost-effective display strategies without sacrificing luxury, style, or campaign goals.

🧪 Real Project Example

Client: Luxury fragrance brand, NYC
Challenge: LED-lit resin glorifier with mirrored finish
Initial Cost: $49/unit for 100 pcs
Optimized: Switched to acrylic, simplified shape, used external LED
Final Cost: $29/unit — Saved 40%

🙋 FAQ: Custom Display Pricing Questions

Q1: How can I reduce the cost of a custom POP display?
A: Simplify structure, select cost-effective materials, and increase order quantity.

Q2: Why are mirrored or chrome finishes so expensive?
A: They require special vacuum plating and multi-layer coating, increasing labor and quality control costs.

Q3: Does lighting increase the risk of after-sales problems?
A: Yes. LEDs and electronics increase QC workload and potential failure rates.

Q4: What’s the best quantity for cost-efficiency?
A: MOQ of 300–500 units is usually the sweet spot for large cost reductions.

Q5: Can Samtop help suggest material alternatives?
A: Absolutely. Our engineers routinely help clients redesign for lower cost without sacrificing appearance.

✉️ Ready to Reduce Your Display Cost?

📩 Contact us at [email protected]
🌐 Explore more: www.samtop.com

Knowing the real display cost drivers can reduce your project quotes.