Choosing the right display case is a strategic decision that directly impacts product presentation, security, and overall cost. This guide breaks down the two main options – custom-made cases and off-the-shelf (standard) cases – to help you decide which fits your business model.
What You'll Learn
- Design flexibility differences between custom and standard cases
- Cost structure and budget considerations
- Delivery timelines for each option
- Best use cases for custom vs standard solutions
- Key decision factors for your business
1. Design Flexibility
The most significant difference between custom and standard cases lies in design options:
- Custom Cases: Tailored dimensions, glass thickness, lighting integration, branding embossing, and unique internal compartments. Ideal for flagship stores or high-value collections requiring a distinctive visual identity.
- Standard Cases: Fixed sizes and configurations with limited branding options. Suitable for rapid rollout across multiple retail locations.
2. Cost Structure
Understanding the cost implications helps with budget planning:
| Factor | Custom Cases | Standard Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Price (USD) | $1,200 – $3,500 | $400 – $900 |
| Tooling/Engineering Fee | $500 – $1,200 (one-time) | None |
| Bulk Discount | 10% – 15% (≥50 units) | 20% – 30% (≥100 units) |
3. Delivery Timeline
Timeline considerations are crucial for project planning:
- Custom Cases: 4–8 weeks (design → prototype → mass production)
- Standard Cases: 1–2 weeks (in-stock inventory)
4. Best Use Cases
Different business scenarios call for different approaches:
- Luxury Flagship Stores & Museums: Require unique designs and lighting solutions → Recommend Custom
- Chain Jewelry Retail & Fashion Accessories: Need rapid deployment and cost control → Recommend Standard
- Temporary Exhibitions & Events: High flexibility requirements → Standard or Small-scale Custom
5. Key Decision Factors
Before making your choice, evaluate these critical factors:
- Brand Positioning: Does your brand require a distinctive visual identity?
- Budget & ROI: Can the additional cost of custom cases be recovered through increased sales or brand value?
- Time Window: Is there sufficient design and production time before your project launch?
- Supply Chain Capability: Do you have access to reliable custom manufacturers?
Conclusion
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach is often a hybrid strategy – using custom cases for core flagship stores while deploying standard cases in other locations. This achieves both brand consistency and cost efficiency.