From a manufacturing perspective, POS / POP is generally divided into three major categories. These being Temporary, Semi-permanent and Permanent. 

Various production houses have different capabilities when producing these three types. Generally, in South Africa production houses specialise in the production of one to two of the three types, very rarely are they capable of producing all three.

Temporary Point Of Sale / Point Of Purchase Units

Temporary POP units refer to those units with a short life span, generally these units are produced form paper-based materials such as corrugated board, cartons and papers.

Temporary units are popular in that they can be produced at a more cost-effective price than the other categories. Their functionality lies in that they drive temporary sales and promotions, which as stated in POP vs POS is a strength of POS and POP. 

There is no need to spend a large amount of money to promote a product for 3 months or even a week. This unit type is ideal for seasonal promotions.

It is worth noting that clients who wish to promote their product in store have to rent that space for a stipulated amount of time.

As the name suggests, temporary units have a temporary life span. It is important to note that there are many variables that play a part in how long a unit will last. 

Such variables include, but are not limited to; in-store conditions, customer interactions, humidity, moisture, over stocking etc. It is generally accepted that a temporary unit can last up to 3 months in store. A Temporary unit can be reinforced in an attempt to prolong its life span, elements added such as a mop tray, shelf supports and nesting can serve this function.

Semi-permanent POS POP Units

Semi-permanent units are a step-up form temporary units in that they have a longer life expectancy than temporary units, however, they are not permanent. We differentiate the units by considering the materials they are produced from. 

Generally, a combination of temporary materials, such as corrugated board, and hardier materials such as Xanita, PVC and ABS are used to not only strengthen the unit for longer store life, it also adds a bit more flair and sophistication to the unit. 

Consider a unit that has been cladded with a clear polycarbonate plastic, with a reverse CMYK print plus white. The result of which can be quite pleasing.

It is generally accepted that a semi-permanent unit has a life expectancy of up to 6 months. Again, the same variable conditions that are present in temporary units still play a part here. The units, however, are capable of taking a bit more of a beating.

Permanent POS / POP Units

Permanent units, as the name suggests, are designed with the purpose of creating a permanent brand presence in store. These units are a long-term investment, because they come with a hefty price tag and are generally manufactured from materials such as metals, woods and plastics or a combination of these.

Permanent units are generally manufactured to last up to a year. Because of this, it is important to consider the need for a permanent unit, it will create a continuous, unrevised brand presence, revisions to the unit because of seasonal changes will not come cheap.

Permanent units have the advantage that they can create a very high class and sophisticated look, with the ability to add all the bells and whistles.

As mentioned, permanent units are a long-term investment for clients, and because of its nature re-orders will be few and far in-between, the manufacturer might book in a nice job once, but there after will have to wait some time for a new order, which could become problematic for a manufacturer's cash flow.