Behind the Scenes: The Art of Crafting our Handmade Wooden Boxes

CJS Display provides a bespoke design service that has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Clients are recognising the value of ordering timber display products that have been designed and created for their individual use and purpose.

CJS Display owner and product designer Paul took the time out of his busy day to answer some of the most pressing questions about this growing aspect of the business.

Q: When did you start providing a bespoke design service?

I first started providing bespoke designs almost 20 years ago, when I was still working for the family business Charles Jackson and Sons. At the time I held lots of other responsibilities in the business so the design aspect wasn’t something I was able to fully focus on.

Since launching CJS Display, I’ve been able to listen to what customers want, and the bespoke design service is often top of their list. It’s been fantastic to have the time to make our bespoke design service a real focus for the business.

Q: Can a customer ask for any design specifications?

Pretty much! Customers come to us with all kinds of base ideas and we then work together to create their bespoke timber display product. We are able to accommodate different sizes and dimensions. Clients are also able to request that their company logos and branding be printed onto the timber ensuring that the design is totally unique.

The design specifications are not just limited to the appearance of the bespoke order. For example, we have recently created a large unit which has been designed to allow it to be transported easily in fewer loads. This means that not only has our customer got a fantastic personalised display product, but their order has saved them money on transport costs and kept the carbon footprint low!

Q: What materials do you use when creating a bespoke design product?

All of our products are created using high-quality planed Scandinavian timber. All timber is from a sustainable source, meaning our customers are earning some green credentials. Although our source material is the same, we can provide a different finish for customers depending on their needs.

Traditionally our display products have been created to have an authentic, rustic look, in keeping with the natural displays they are used for. Recently, some customers have used our products for food displays and sales. We are able to provide a more sophisticated, sleek ‘shop finish’ which is better suited to these kinds of displays. If customers are unsure about the finish they require they just need to call and speak to us for our expert advice.

Q: What is the process of creating a bespoke design for a product?

The process always starts with a really detailed conversation with the client. First, I need to know exactly what they need in terms of what the unit is going to be holding and displaying. I also need to establish how the bespoke unit is going to be transported and assembled – for example, will it be in sections or will it be built on-site? Establishing this is crucial so that we can ensure that the unit is affordable and easy to transport.

Next, it’s really important to identify any specific needs or demands the client may have. Do they have any ideas that they would like to contribute about how they would like their products presented?

At this stage, I produce a drawn concept with the products on it. I tend to provide a couple of options to give the customer some choices. Ideally, we would agree on a concept and price at this stage as it’s the most cost-effective way of designing.

Finally, we would create a physical sample of the bespoke design product. We would hope to only do this once, as again we are always striving to keep costs down.

Q: What are the benefits of ordering a bespoke design product?

The clear benefit of ordering a bespoke design product is that you are able to tailor your display solutions specifically to your needs. Your displays will look unique and can be created with your business brand and logo which looks eye-catching and memorable. Producing displays that have been designed for your needs is also cost-effective.

Q: What is the feedback from customers who have used your bespoke design service?

I think one of the key things we hear from customers is that they are amazed at how cost-effective the bespoke design service is. It’s definitely something that has encouraged them to use the service again. The other feedback – which we love to hear – is that they are blown away by the quality of the products they have had designed and created.

Q: How popular is your bespoke design service?

The short answer is… very popular! Since launching CJS Display and being able to spend more time focusing on it as one of our key services, the bespoke design service is just getting better and better. Customers love being able to create bespoke display products which cater specifically for their individual needs.

I would encourage anyone who is interested in the service to get in touch and have a chat about their requirements.