Two POSM suppliers can quote for the same retail display and leave your team with very different amounts of work. Before appointing a supplier in Malaysia, find out who owns each stage, what the price covers and how the supplier will handle problems after the displays leave the factory.
1. Have you handled a POSM project like ours?
Ask for an example with a similar store count, display format or deadline. Find out what the supplier was responsible for and what problem they solved. A photo is more useful when they can explain, for instance, how they adapted the same campaign for a supermarket and a convenience store.
2. Will you design a custom structure or adapt our artwork to a template?
Either can work. If the quote is for custom design, ask who is responsible for the structure and how they’ll check that it fits the store space, carries the full product load and stays stable as shoppers take products off it.
3. Which parts of production do you handle in-house?
Ask who handles printing, fabrication and finishing. If any work is subcontracted, establish who checks it and who takes responsibility if a part arrives late or fails to meet the specification.
Flatbed cutting at INK Marketing.
4. What is excluded from the quotation?
Ask for a written list of anything priced separately, such as samples, artwork revisions, spare units, freight to East Malaysia or installation. Compare the cost of getting the displays ready for use in store. If your team is handling setup, make sure that’s clear in both quotes.
5. Will production match the sample we approve?
Ask for a physical sample and load it with the actual products. Check for sagging, movement and awkward access. Record the material specification, including board grade, thickness and finish where relevant, and agree that any substitution needs your approval.
6. What will you check during production?
Agree on a colour reference and use the signed-off sample to check fit and finish. Ask when checks happen and what the supplier will do if production units differ from what you approved.
7. Can you meet our in-store date?
Ask for a schedule that works backwards from launch, with dates for artwork approval, sampling, production, dispatch and installation. If the campaign is close to Raya or Chinese New Year, confirm that production and installation slots are available.
8. How will you handle delivery to all our stores?
Share the full store list and ask for a delivery plan by region. If it includes Sabah or Sarawak, confirm freight arrangements and lead times separately. Ask how you’ll track which outlets have received their units and which are still waiting.
9. Who handles assembly and installation?
Confirm whether store staff, merchandisers or an installation crew will do the setup. If store staff will assemble the display, ask to try the instructions on a sample. If a crew is installing it, agree who arranges access and how completed work will be recorded.
10. What happens if a display arrives damaged or incomplete?
Agree on who receives the report, what spare parts or units will be available and how quickly they can reach the store. Confirm who covers the cost of replacement and delivery.
11. Who will manage our project after appointment?
Ask for a named contact and agree how often you’ll receive updates. Find out how they’ll flag a delay early enough for you to act, and who will follow up if a particular store is missed.
12. What do you still need from us before we commit?
Ask which assumptions the quote relies on. A store list that isn’t final or a pack size that’s still changing can affect quantities, delivery or the structure. Agree which details need confirming before you approve the sample or place the order.
Compare the answers alongside the quotes
Give every supplier the same brief so you can compare their answers fairly. If you’re still preparing it, see our guide to briefing a display rack supplier.
You don’t need every detail settled before the first conversation. At INK Marketing, we can help you work out what needs to be decided before quoting and what can be confirmed when you review the sample.
