Most fixture mistakes don’t come from poor-quality factories — they stem from vague, incomplete briefs. Without clear specs, even the best vendor will miss the mark.
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✅ Want faster quotes?
✅ More accurate prototypes?
✅ Fewer back-and-forth emails?
Then it’s time to upgrade how you brief your fixture supplier. At Samtop Display, we help brands reduce prototyping time by up to 40%, just by improving how they communicate.
✅ Quick Summary for Teams
To avoid costly delays and sampling errors, your fixture brief should include:
- 📐 Exact dimensions & materials
- 🎨 Surface finish + gloss level
- 💡 Lighting, logo, and accessories
- 🧰 Packaging logic + assembly reference
- 🌍 Region-specific electrical / safety info
- 📎 Linked 2D/3D drawings + visual examples
Keep reading for templates, CN–EN glossaries, and file folder naming best practices.
1. Why a Good Fixture Brief Saves Time & Money
Let’s compare a bad brief vs. a good one:
| Weak Brief | Strong Brief |
|---|---|
| “Matte black top” | “400×400×500mm MDF base with electroplated steel top, RAL9005, matte <15%” |
| “Add LED” | “3000K LED strip, back-entry cable, EU plug, 12V driver included” |
| “Add logo” | “CNC-engraved aluminum plate, 100×30mm, brushed finish, 3M adhesive” |
The clearer the brief, the faster the quote. Better briefs also reduce QC failure, miscommunication, and delays.
📌 Download our sample fixture brief format (PDF)
2. What to Include in a Complete Fixture Brief
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Project Info | Campaign name, fixture type, target region |
| Dimensions | All sizes in mm (W × D × H), incl. riser or tray if modular |
| Materials | MDF, metal, acrylic, KD structure? Hybrid frame? |
| Finish | Color code (Pantone/RAL), gloss %, anti-fingerprint? |
| Logo | Material, placement, size, attachment method |
| Lighting | Type, color temp, voltage, plug cert, wiring path |
| Assembly | Exploded view or PDF step-by-step |
| Packaging | Foam, carton, pallet, label position |
| Accessories | Tools, screws, magnetic strip, spare parts |
| Compliance | UL/CE/SASO, FSC wood, flame retardant? |
| Expected Lifespan | Temporary promo, multi-use, travel display? |
📎 Add exploded diagrams, finish references, or sample fixture photos for better clarity.
3. Optional (But Powerful) Add-Ons
- 🔧 Exploded View: Great for modularity and packing logic
- 🛠️ QR-Based Video Link: Install time drops by up to 50%
- 🧪 Finish Sample: Gloss sheet + Pantone panel + anti-fingerprint texture
- 📐 Tolerance Specs: ±1mm for joints, ±0.5mm logo alignment
- 📦 Reusability Target: Single-use? Multi-season? Impacts cost/material
4. Common CN–EN Terms (Glossary)
| English | 中文术语 | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| MDF | 中纤板 | Core wood for painted panels |
| KD | 拆装结构 | Knock-down for shipping |
| Powder Coat | 粉末喷涂 | Durable steel finish |
| UV Print | UV打印 | Logo, surface art |
| Brushed Metal | 拉丝金属 | Logo plates, frames |
| EVA Foam | EVA泡棉 | Interior protective packaging |
| Gloss Level | 光泽度 | Visual/tactile match control |
| Load Capacity | 承重要求 | Test before production |
✅ Use bilingual labels in drawings if factory team includes non-English technicians.
5. File Structure: Naming & Folders
Structure your files before sending to China-based vendors:
mathematicaCopyEdit/[BrandName]_HolidayDisplay_2024/
├── 1_BriefSheet.pdf
├── 2_Drawings/
│ ├── Tech_Drawing_2D.pdf
│ ├── Render_3D.jpg
│ └── Exploded_Diagram.dwg
├── 3_Logos/
│ └── BrandLogo.ai / .png
├── 4_Packing/
│ └── Pallet_Photo_Reference.jpg
├── 5_Finish_Spec/
│ └── RAL_Sheet_Gloss10.jpg
📌 File names should match BOM part names for traceability. Avoid “Final_v4_REAL_OK_FINAL_FINAL.pdf”
✅ Check out our folder templates here
💬 FAQ
Q: Do I need CAD drawings to send a brief?
✅ No, you can use annotated photos + exact dimensions. We can help convert to CAD.
Q: Can I use Pantone only for finish reference?
⚠️ Pantone is just a start — lighting & gloss affect perception. Provide photos or physical panels.
Q: Should I send samples from old displays?
✅ Yes! Clearly mark which parts to copy vs. improve.
✅ Conclusion: Good Brief = Good Result
✔️ A good fixture brief includes specs, visuals, and compliance
✔️ Vendors quote faster and sample cleaner when everything’s clear
✔️ Add diagrams, gloss data, and folder control for max clarity
✔️ Treat your brief like a blueprint — not an email thread
At Samtop Display, we help sourcing teams and designers translate creative direction into production specs — across languages, regions, and formats.
📩 Need a Custom Brief Template?
We offer:
✅ Editable fixture brief templates (PDF/Excel)
✅ Gloss + finish photo guides
✅ QR-install manual generation
✅ Factory-ready quote kit setup
