The client desired a full-service holiday decorating program that could be installed, taken down, and stored off-site for the client’s 300 branch locations across the USA. This is how the process worked.
Concepts and Budgets
After understanding the client’s scope, we presented several design concepts, including materials, installation times, product life spans, and budgets. This required two rounds of revisions along with an inventory list per bank branch. Since the client added branches over decades, the branch square footage and layouts differed, so the holiday décor inventories differed per branch too.
Approval Process
We created a set of prototypes and staged the holiday décor at a test bank branch. Yes, it looked unusual installing holiday items in March; however, it did help the client in making final decisions on placement, sizes, and quantities. We charge a fee to cover the cost of the prototypes. Our team then incorporated the final decisions on quantities per branch location into a final proposal.
As a custom design, we require a contract and a 50% deposit to confirm the order. For large custom holiday décor orders, we typically require orders to be confirmed with a deposit no later than April prior to the holiday season.
Manufacturing Quality Control
The prototyping and exact quantities allow us to have the décor custom manufactured according to specification efficiently and within agreed tolerances. As holiday decorations change as frequently as fashion does, the workmanship, coloring, and manufacturing technique are not guaranteed year-to-year and may not match catalog photos or samples from previous seasons. The client elected to purchase an overage attic stock inventory to ensure the die-lots matched on additional bank branches that opened before the holiday season had décor.
Assembly and Distribution
We assembled the holiday components at our fulfillment facility and then distributed them to our local network member. Our network members are pre-screened subcontractors serving each local market. Planterra has the largest proprietary network of specialized interior landscape and holiday decorating contractors in the USA and Canada.
White Glove Delivery and Installation
Our network members deliver and install the holiday decorations at each bank branch according to the layout and guidelines. This is a white glove-style service. The décor is installed in the correct location, and packaging and boxes are removed.
Pick-up and storage
As a full-service contract, pick-up, and storage were budgeted for the first season. With proper storage, décor had an estimated lifespan of 5 years. This program allowed us to organize the re-installation of the same décor for future seasons, which includes allowances for repairs and refurbishments when required.
