A Complete Guide for Retail Display Engineers & Sourcing Leads
Table of Contents
Every flawless fixture starts with a flawless BOM — but most are missing the data that makes mass rollout safe, accurate, and cost-efficient.
Too often, engineering teams provide “wood + screws,” while procurement needs surface finish codes, compliance specs, and crate breakdowns. Without these, displays arrive wrong, delayed, or unapproved.
The solution? Build a professional, version-controlled fixture BOM that includes everything from screw size to gloss level — ready for sampling, production, QA, and global shipping.
✅ Summary: What Goes Into a Professional Fixture BOM?
A complete BOM (Bill of Materials) for retail fixtures should include:
- Full part name, spec, material & thickness
- Surface finish, gloss %, color codes (Pantone / RAL)
- Join method, unit quantity, reusable Y/N
- Accessories: screws, tools, lighting, branding
- Packaging method & store kit breakdown
- Compliance (e.g. UL plug, CE LEDs, FSC wood)
Used correctly, your BOM becomes the foundation for costing, prototyping, production, quality control, and global shipment.
Why You Should Keep Reading
If your current BOM says “MDF + screws” — it’s not enough. This guide will show you what engineers, sourcing managers, and quality teams really need to build a smooth rollout plan.
1. How to Structure a Retail Fixture BOM
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Item No. | 1, 2, 3… |
| Component Name | Top Shelf, Light Box Frame, Steel Leg |
| Material | MDF, PETG, Powder-Coated Steel |
| Material Code | E1 MDF, RAL9003, Plexiglas XT |
| Dimensions | Length × Width × Height (mm) |
| Thickness | 2.0mm, 18mm, etc. |
| Surface Finish | Matte PU, Mirror Polish |
| Gloss Level (%) | <10% (matte), 30–60% (semi-gloss), >70% (glossy) |
| Color Code | Pantone 426C, RAL 7047 |
| Join Method | Screwed, Glued, Slot-in |
| Accessories | Screws, LED driver, sign plate |
| Quantity | How many units per display |
| Unit Type | PCS, M², SET |
| Reusable? | Yes/No |
| Remarks | Packing notes, install instructions |
2. Easily Overlooked but Crucial BOM Details
Surface Finish & Gloss Control
Most BOMs under-spec finish. That leads to mismatched color or texture during prototyping.
Example of a complete spec:
RAL 7047 powder coat, gloss level <10%, anti-fingerprint
Always include:
- Coating type: PU / powder / acrylic
- Gloss percentage
- Function: anti-fingerprint, UV-stable
- Texture: brushed, hammered, soft-touch
Use gloss meters or side-by-side reference panels for QC.
Accessory & Store Kit Checklist
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Screws, feet, brackets |
| Lighting | LED strip, driver, plug type |
| Branding | Logo plate, print, sticker |
| Tools | Hex key, tape, gloves |
| Packaging | Foam sheet, carton insert, label |
Add a “store installation kit BOM” listing how many kits per region/store.
Standard vs. Custom Components
Indicate clearly:
- Standard = off-the-shelf (screws, hinges)
- Custom = logo plate, bent acrylic
- Certified = FSC wood, UL plug, CE LED
This helps streamline both sourcing and compliance audit.
3. BOM Sheets That Support Production & Rollout
Add these to your master BOM pack:
| Sheet Name | Function |
|---|---|
| Crate BOM | What goes inside each crate or pallet |
| Store Kit BOM | One kit per store with tools + stickers |
| Spare Part BOM | Add 5–10% buffer stock for rollout |
| Visual Spec Sheet | Color, gloss, texture with photos |
| QR Install Sheet | QR code link to setup video per region |
All BOM files should be in both Excel + PDF with version control.
FAQ
Q: Should electrical items have a separate BOM?
✅ Yes. Plug, voltage, and regional spec (CE, UL, SAA) require a separate Power BOM for clarity.
Q: Can gloss level be approved by eye?
⚠️ Risky. Use gloss meters or sample swatch. Gloss level deviation is often more noticeable than color mismatch.
Q: Can I replace BOM rows with images?
✅ Images are great, but not enough. Pair images with written specs, labels, and dimensions for clarity.
Conclusion: A BOM is Your Engineering & Sourcing Backbone
- List every component — including glue, feet, LED modules
- Define surface finishes with gloss, coating type, and color logic
- Separate standard parts from custom or certified items
- Build crate- and store-level BOMs for rollout execution
- Always version-control your files and attach to CAD packs
At Samtop Display, we help brands build professional, multilingual BOM systems — linked directly to QC and shipping docs.
📩 Need help formatting your BOM or adding installation kits?
We offer:
- Excel BOM templates with validation
- Gloss level + surface finish reference guides
- Crate-level packing lists
- Dual-language (EN–CN) BOM packs
