Custom Front Cut Out Display Tray
Lowering the front panel of a tray sounds trivial and it changes how the unit performs completely. Product becomes visible from a standing position rather than only from directly above, and shoppers can reach in without lifting anything. On a shelf below eye level, that difference decides whether a product sells. We produce a lot of front cut out display tray work at ZEE Packaging and the cut height is where the thinking goes.
Visible From The Front
A front cut out display tray shows product at eye level.
- A full height wall hides everything from a standing shopper
- Lowering the front reveals the product face on
- It matters most on shelves below eye height
- Shoppers reach in without lifting or tilting anything
- Branding on the sides stays intact and visible
- The tray still contains product at the back and edges
Most brands ordering a front cut out display tray do so after realizing their product was invisible on a lower shelf.
The Cut Height Is A Balance
Too low and the tray stops working.
- A low cut shows more product and holds it less securely
- A high cut protects better and hides more of the range
- Roughly half to two thirds of product height usually works
- The remaining lip must hold the front row upright
- That lip needs reinforcing, since it takes handling
- Sloping the cut gives visibility without losing all support
- Straight front cut the standard front cut out display tray
- Sloped side cut angling down toward the front
- Curved cut out a softer shape on the front panel
- With a removable lid shipping sealed then opening
- Tiered stepped version rows visible behind the front
- Divided tray compartments for several SKUs
Sizes We Print Regular
Every front cut out display tray is built to your product, though these run often:
- 10" x 8" x 4" for a standard counter unit
- 12" x 9" x 5" for a larger display
- 8" x 6" x 3" for a compact tray
- 14" x 10" x 5" for a mixed SKU unit
- 16" x 12" x 6" for a bulk format
- 6" x 4" x 2" for small items
Send us the product height, since the cut is set relative to it rather than to the tray.
Board And Print
- E flute corrugated for lighter counter trays
- B flute where the tray carries real weight
- Litho laminated corrugated for full color retail print
- Kraft corrugated for a plain economical build
- Reinforced front lip, which matters more on this format
- Die cut dividers where several SKUs share a tray
The front lip is the one thing we would not compromise on. It takes every knock and it holds the front row upright as stock sells through.
Materials Worth Choosing
- Recycled corrugated, standard across these grades
- FSC certified board, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Slightly less board than a full height tray
- No lamination, so it recycles after the campaign
- Right sizing so you ship product rather than air
How We Handle Your Order
- 100 unit minimum, so a small brand can test the format
- Free 3D mockup and flat proof before anything prints
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Physical sample on request to check the cut height
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
How low should the front be?
Around half to two thirds of the product height. Lower shows more, though the front row starts falling forward.
How much does a front cut out display tray cost?
Rough estimate is $0.55 to $1.40 per unit in plain corrugated, $0.90 to $2.20 with print and $1.60 to $3.60 for litho laminated at moderate quantity. Size moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Will product fall out?
Not with a properly sized lip. Cutting too low is what causes it, which we set against your product height.
Does the cut weaken the tray?
Somewhat, which is why the remaining lip needs reinforcing. We step the board grade up where the cut is deep.
Straight or sloped cut?
Sloped gives visibility while keeping more support at the sides. Straight is simpler and slightly cheaper.
Can it ship pre filled?
Yes, with a removable lid over the top. That protects the product in transit and saves store labor.
Should we print the inside?
Definitely. The inner walls are visible through the cut from the moment it goes on display.
Can we trial one design?
That is exactly what the 100 unit minimum is there for. Load a few, shelf them, then order in volume.
