Understand Pricing, Key Drivers & Smart Budget Strategies for Retail Fixtures
Custom POP displays are not one-size-fits-all. Pricing depends on several factors, including the materials used (acrylic vs. cardboard vs. metal), quantity and complexity of the structure, branding and finishing techniques, packaging, assembly, shipping method, and the country of origin and factory capability. At Samtop, we help brands find the right balance between visual impact and cost-efficiency, providing transparent cost structures from design to dock.
Table of Contents
What Affects the Cost of a Custom POP Display?
The cost of a custom POP display is determined by a variety of factors, such as the materials chosen, the complexity of the design, and the quantity of units being produced. Higher-end materials like acrylic or metal, complex features like lighting, and intricate branding will increase the cost. Understanding these key drivers can help you make smarter budget decisions while ensuring the display meets your visual and functional needs.
1. Typical Price Ranges by POP Display Type
| Display Type | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Countertop Display | $5 – $50 | Depends on material + branding |
| Floor Stand (FSDU) | $30 – $200 | MDF/metal hybrid vs. corrugated |
| Glorifier Display | $15 – $80 | Acrylic + LED = higher end |
| Tester Tray | $8 – $30 | Based on insert materials |
| Inline Shelf POP | $0.5 – $8 | PET, sticker, or blister type |
| Window POP Props | $20 – $200 | Depends on sculpting, size, lighting |
📌 Pro Tip: Large quantity (1000+ units) will reduce cost/unit; high-complexity samples may cost more than small batch production.
2. Key Cost Components in a Custom Display
| Cost Element | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Raw Materials | MDF, metal, acrylic, PET, PU foam, LED, print media |
| Finishing & Branding | Spray, wrap, lamination, silk screen, UV print, laser engraving |
| Engineering & CAD | Structural drawing, weight tolerance testing |
| Tooling / Mold Fees | Die cuts, vacuum forms, CNC jigs (one-time or per part) |
| Assembly / Labor | Screws, glue, alignment, QAP |
| Packing & Protection | Foam wrap, crate, knock-down parts, box printing |
| Shipping & Logistics | Size/CBM, carton strength, freight class |
✅ Tip: Always ask for a detailed costed BOM (bill of materials) from your supplier.
3. Sample Cost Breakdown Example (Countertop Display – 100 units)
| Item | Cost (USD/unit) |
|---|---|
| Acrylic base (clear) | $4.50 |
| Silk screen logo | $0.60 |
| Printed back panel | $1.20 |
| LED strip + battery pack | $3.50 |
| Assembly labor | $2.00 |
| Polybag + foam wrap + box | $1.10 |
| Ex-factory total | $12.90 |
📌 Note: Shipping not included. For FOB quote, add packaging + pallet cost.
4. Factors That Increase Costs
⚠️ Keep an eye on the following red flags for price creep:
- Low order quantity (MOQ below 100 sets)
- Excessive part count or hand assembly required
- Non-standard materials or imported finishes
- Real metal nameplates or luxury wood veneers
- Fragile structures that require custom crates
- Complex lighting (e.g., dual-color LED, dimmer switches)
📌 Rule of thumb: If a display takes more than 20 minutes to assemble, labor costs will spike.
5. How to Reduce POP Display Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
| Strategy | Savings Potential |
|---|---|
| Use standard base + custom top | Save on mold/tooling cost |
| Replace metal with powder-coated MDF | Similar look, cheaper handling |
| Simplify branding technique | Switch from metal plate to UV print |
| Design knock-down (KD) format | Save on shipping + carton size |
| Combine campaigns into 1 frame | Reuse structure across 3 promotions |
| Batch-sample + commit to scale | Get tiered pricing & faster TAT |
✅ Tip: Collaborate with your supplier early to balance form, function, and freight.
FAQ: Your POP Display Pricing Questions Answered
Q: What’s the MOQ for custom POP displays?
✅ Typically 50–100 sets for acrylic/MDF. Corrugated may allow 300–500 units due to die cut setup.
Q: Can I request itemized quotes?
✅ Yes — always. Ask for cost per material, branding, packing, and assembly labor.
Q: Does lighting add a lot of cost?
⚠️ Yes — especially if powered. Consider light guide panels or battery-only options for cost control.
Conclusion: Understand the Cost Behind the Display
✔️ Know your key cost drivers: material, structure, branding
✔️ Align design ambition with production logic
✔️ Request transparent BOM and sample quotes
✔️ Ask your supplier for optimization options
✔️ Plan volume smartly to reduce cost per unit
At Samtop, we help trade buyers and brand teams design displays with impact per dollar in mind.
Need Help Pricing or Quoting Your POP Project?
We offer:
- 📊 Cost breakdown by design type and material
- 🧾 Quotation templates with transparent BOM
- 🔧 Design-to-cost engineering advisory
- 📦 Freight estimation & KD format conversion
📧 [email protected]
🌍 www.samtop.com
