Introduction to Shelf Test Deliverables: What You Get

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get include a blend of clear package mockups, hard metrics, and executive-ready insights. These deliverables validate packaging designs under realistic shelf conditions. Teams often test three design variants with 250 respondents per cell for 80% power at alpha 0.05 Typical turnaround is three weeks from design to readout in 2024-2025 Early feedback on findability and appeal cuts redesign cycles by up to 40%

Deliverables guide go/no-go decisions and package optimization before costly production runs. You receive:

• Executive summary highlighting wins, risks, and recommended variants
• Topline metrics on findability, visual appeal (1–10 scale, top 2 box), and purchase intent (5-point scale, top 2 box)
• Detailed crosstabs by segment, channel, and shopping occasion
• Raw data files and attention-check logs for in-house analysis

Each element ties back to business goals. The executive summary equips senior leaders to greenlight final art. Topline metrics offer quick benchmarks against category norms. Crosstabs uncover variant performance for target segments. Raw data ensures full transparency and future meta-analysis. You gain clarity on shelf disruption, whether designs stand out or blend in, and on potential cannibalization within your portfolio.

These deliverables support critical decisions in package design validation, shelf positioning optimization, and planogram testing. They integrate smoothly with concept testing and in-market studies. To learn more about the end-to-end workflow, see Shelf Test Process.

Next, core elements of each deliverable will be unpacked in detail, showing how metrics align with market success and drive your team’s next steps.

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get shape confident packaging decisions and cut launch risk. Detailed reports let your team spot design issues before costly production. In 2024, 68% of packaging flaws get caught pre-production when teams use thorough findings and raw data files Brands reduce post-launch tweaks by 25% with full transparency on shopper feedback

A clear executive summary drives rapid go/no-go calls. It highlights top-performing variants and flags potential risks in plain language. Detailed topline metrics compare each design on findability, visual appeal, and purchase intent. You gain confidence that insights align with business objectives.

Key deliverables include:

• Executive summary with variant ranking and actionable recommendations
• Topline report showing findability (% found), appeal (top 2 box), and intent (top 2 box)
• Raw data files and attention-check logs for in-house analysis

Beyond numbers, detailed crosstabs reveal performance by shopper segment, channel, and shopping occasion. This granular breakdown supports targeted optimization. For example, you may discover one design resonates better in e-commerce versus mass market.

Transparent results also strengthen stakeholder buy-in. In recent tests, 95% of brand teams use executive snapshots to brief senior leaders within 24 hours Fast readouts and clear visuals keep projects on schedule.

By tying every chart and table back to revenue impact and cost avoidance, shelf test deliverables make ROI clear. You avoid costly redesigns, minimize retailer pushback, and accelerate time to shelf.

Next, this article will unpack each core metric and show how they tie to category norms and product success.

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get: Core Deliverables Overview

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get lays out the tangible outputs your team receives at each stage. These materials translate shopper feedback into actionable next steps. In a typical 3-week study, you see all key files by week four at the latest.

Most projects include 250 respondents per design variant for 80% power at alpha 0.05 You also get:

• High-fidelity mockups
• Functional prototypes for on-shelf simulation
• Executive summary with topline metrics
• Detailed performance reports
• Raw data and crosstab files

An executive summary highlights variant rankings, top drivers of appeal, and go/no-go recommendations. Ninety percent of brand teams receive this summary within 48 hours of fieldwork completion It pinpoints which designs meet findability benchmarks (80–90% locate rate) and which fall short.

Performance reports dive into core metrics: findability, visual appeal (top-2-box), purchase intent (top-2-box), brand attribution, and cannibalization. Reports include segmentation by channel and shopper type. In 2024, CPG brands cut shelf redesign costs by 20% after acting on detailed insights

Raw data deliverables come with quality-check logs for speeders and attention checks. You also receive crosstabs that break performance by age group, occasion, and retail channel. This enables targeted optimizations, such as adjusting color contrast for e-commerce or tweaking call-outs for club channels.

By providing both high-level visuals and granular data files, shelf tests support swift decisions and precise follow-up experiments. Next, this article will unpack each core report component and explain how to interpret the numbers for category-specific success.

Mockups and Visual Simulations

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get begin with high-fidelity mockups and 3D visual simulations that mimic real shelf conditions. Teams see exactly how designs stand out in grocery, club, and e-commerce settings before production. In 2024, 80% of CPG teams reported better aisle readability after testing with 3D renders Early visual proofing cuts pre-production errors and costs.

High-fidelity mockups provide crisp 2D renders or printed proofs that include color swatches, structure, and branding cues. Typical turnarounds are three to five days for up to four variants. A modern mockup process cuts prototype lead time by 30% on average These mockups let your team catch alignment or legibility issues before investing in tooling.

3D visual simulations build on mockups by placing packaging into virtual shelf environments. Using sequential monadic designs, simulations show how variants perform against competitive frames in retail gondolas or online grids. You can test:

• True-to-scale shelf layouts with neighboring products
• Interactive zoom and rotate features for shopper perspective
• Optional eye-tracking heatmaps to measure shelf disruption

Simulations help measure findability, visual appeal (top 2 box), and shelf disruption in a single exercise. Brands typically run 200–300 respondents per cell to ensure 80% power at alpha 0.05. Virtual tests wrap fieldwork and readout within two weeks, so your team moves quickly from insight to decision.

These visual deliverables tie directly to business decisions. Clear mockups support go/no-go on package tweaks. Simulations quantify branding impact and help select the top design for full production. By previewing real-world contexts, teams reduce costly redesigns and speed time to shelf.

With realistic visuals in hand, you can refine messaging, confirm call-out placement, and align on structural changes before final prototypes. Next, explore how executive summaries and topline reports turn these visual insights into actionable recommendations.

Physical Prototypes and Sample Testing: Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get starts with building real prototypes from final materials. These physical samples reveal structural or visual flaws that virtual mockups cannot capture. You test cartons, shrink-wrap, pouches and bottles under real-world stresses before full production.

Creating prototypes uses either 3D printing or small-run tooling. You produce 5–10 units per variant for drop tests and compression trials. Up to 25% of packaging fails initial drop tests due to weak seals or corners Early detection saves redesign costs and delays.

Material tests assess barrier performance and stability. Samples go through humidity chambers for 72 hours to measure moisture ingress and seal integrity. A recent benchmark shows brands cut rupture rates by 15% after material trials These tests also check ink adhesion, lamination strength and temperature tolerance. Teams typically run 200–300 sample units across 3–4 conditions to meet 80% power at alpha 0.05.

Sample placement tests validate fit on simulated shelves. You mount prototypes in planogram slots matching retail facings and measure these criteria:

• Fit accuracy: clearance margin under 2 mm on width and depth
• Visual alignment: shelf tag and barcode legibility at 30 cm distance
• Load stability: no tip-over under 1.5 g lateral force

These checks ensure packaging aligns with retailer specifications and shelf rails. Brands often discover misfits in sample placement for 10–20% of products

Physical prototypes and sample testing usually wrap in 1–2 weeks. Lead time includes prototype manufacture (3–5 days), material trials (2–3 days) and shelf placement validation (2–3 days). Project cost for this deliverable ranges from $5,000–$15,000 depending on cells and test complexity. You get detailed test reports with pass/fail matrices, CPK values and photos of failure modes.

By confirming structural integrity and display fit, you reduce on-site repacks and production line stoppages. This phase feeds directly into go/no-go packaging decisions and streamlines vendor alignment.

Next, explore how executive readouts turn these physical insights into clear recommendations.

Performance and Stability Reports: What You Get in Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get

Your Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get begin with detailed performance and stability reports. These reports compile stress test data, shelf-life predictions, and real-world simulation results into clear, executive-ready outputs. You receive quantitative insights on material integrity, environmental resistance, and projected retail performance.

Standard stability testing covers:

• Accelerated aging under 40–70% relative humidity and 23 °C to predict 6–12 month shelf life
• Temperature cycling between –10 °C and 40 °C over 100 cycles to reveal seal and adhesive failures
• UV and light exposure simulations for colorfastness and label legibility

Real-world simulations mimic retail conditions. You place prototypes in a mock fixture for 30 days under a 12-hour light/dark cycle and track:

• Structural integrity: 95% of trays show no deformation after 200 drop tests
• Seal strength: 90% of shrink-wrap seals pass 1.5 g lateral force tests after temperature cycling
• Label adhesion: 12% fewer peel failures after humidity exposure compared to control materials

Reports integrate these findings into:

1. Topline dashboards showing pass-fail rates, mean time to failure, and minimum detectable effect (MDE)
2. Detailed tables with CPK values for material consistency across all cells
3. Crosstabs segmenting results by test condition, market simulation, and packaging variant

Your team also gets shelf-life prediction models with 85% accuracy at 80% power and alpha 0.05 for 12-month durability forecasts These models help you estimate when materials may fail before retail launch.

All data come with executive summaries that highlight go/no-go recommendations, variant rankings, and improvement opportunities. You see side-by-side comparisons of each design’s stability score, enabling quick decisions on packaging formulations or supplier changes. Deliverables include raw data files and full crosstabs so analytics teams can run further segmentations.

By combining accelerated tests and real-world simulations, these reports translate complex metrics into practical next steps. You reduce on-shelf failures, optimize material choices, and align packaging with retailer requirements.

Next, you’ll explore how executive readouts turn these performance metrics into strategic recommendations for packaging optimization.

Consumer Feedback and Usability Insights

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get in this stage include direct shopper feedback and task-based usability data to fine-tune packaging designs. Your team will see eye-tracking heatmaps, intercept survey results, and online usability scores. These methods help you spot friction, improve shopper experience, and boost on-shelf performance.

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get With Shopper Feedback

In-store intercept surveys run with 200-300 respondents per cell to meet 80% power at alpha 0.05. Teams use structured questionnaires to measure findability, visual appeal, and purchase intent on a 5-point scale. About 70% of shoppers say packaging design draws them to a product on first glance Surveys field in 1-2 weeks. Results show percent found, top-two-box appeal, and unaided brand recall. Intercepts follow our standard monadic testing for clear variant comparisons.

Eye-tracking heatmaps reveal where shoppers look first and how long they focus there. Tests use 50-100 participants per variant under controlled shelf displays. On average, time to first fixation is 0.35 seconds for high-impact designs Heatmaps flag problematic labels or crowded layouts. You get dynamic visuals overlaid on pack images plus metrics for time to entry, total gaze time, and revisit rates.

Unmoderated usability assessments run online with retail mockups. Participants complete tasks like locating an item or comparing variants in a virtual shelf. Completion rates often exceed 90% when designs are intuitive These tests use simple task statements and record click paths, task time, and self-reported confidence. They take 1-3 weeks to field.

All feedback comes with an executive summary that highlights go/no-go flags, variant rankings, and prioritized design tweaks. Crosstabs break down results by demographic group, channel preference, and usage frequency. You also receive raw data files for deeper custom analysis.

By integrating intercept surveys, eye-tracking, and usability tests, you gain a 360-degree view of shopper behavior. These insights guide final art changes, label tweaks, and shelf layout adjustments before full launch. They tie directly to business decisions on variant selection and optimization. For an overview of planning and execution, see Shelf Test Process. Teams focused on fixture layout can explore Planogram Optimization.

Next you’ll examine how these consumer insights feed into executive readouts that drive strategic packaging recommendations.

Analyzing Deliverables for Packaging Decisions

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get often include raw scores, visual metrics, and consumer feedback. In the first 100 words, you see how to turn these into high-impact packaging changes. This step-by-step framework helps you balance ROI and risk, so your team can focus on the tweaks that drive the biggest gains.

1. Align Metrics to Business Goals

Start by matching each deliverable to a decision point. For example, time-to-locate data links directly to shelf findability. A 12% lift in purchase intent after a label tweak signals go-mode in 75% of cases Use a simple table or scoring chart to map metrics like findability, visual appeal, and intent to ROI potential.

2. Quantify Potential ROI

Estimate revenue impact by applying category benchmarks. If a 15% scan-rate boost translates to a 3% velocity increase, and your annual sales are $10M, that tweak may yield $300K more in the first quarter. Over 60% of brands report payback on design changes within three months

3. Assess Execution Risk

Evaluate complexity and timeline for each recommendation. Color-contrast updates often take one week with minimal cost, while structural redesigns can add four weeks and 20% more budget. About 60% of brands prioritize high-ROI, low-risk tweaks like typography and contrast

4. Prioritize and Plan

Rank improvements by ROI-to-risk ratio. Use a simple matrix: high ROI/low risk first, then medium ROI/medium risk. Assign owners and set target dates. Document assumptions and track post-launch performance against initial estimates.

By following this framework, you ensure that every insight from your shelf test directly informs packaging strategy. You avoid wasted effort on low-impact changes and focus on those with measurable returns.

Next you will explore how executive readouts turn these analyses into actionable recommendations and consensus.

Cost, Timeline, and ROI Considerations for Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get always includes a breakdown of expenses, schedules, and expected returns to help your team budget and plan. Typical shelf tests start at $25,000 and extend to $75,000 for multi-market studies. About 40% of CPG teams allocate at least $35,000 per study for 3–4 variant comparisons Knowing cost drivers early avoids budget overruns and sets clear expectations.

A fast turnaround is a core benefit. Most standard shelf tests complete in 10–18 business days from design approval to executive-ready readout. Seventy-five percent of tests finish within three weeks, even with eye-tracking or 3D renders Timelines vary by sample size, number of cells, and added features such as in-market validation or e-commerce simulations. For a step-by-step view, see Shelf Test Process.

Estimating ROI guides go/no-go decisions. Brands report an average 3× return on shelf design investment within six months post-launch For example, a 2% lift in category velocity on $8 million annual sales can yield $160,000 incremental revenue in the first quarter. Conservative projections assume a 1.2% velocity boost for minor label tweaks and 3% for structural redesigns.

Budget drivers to monitor include:

• Number of market cells and sample size per cell
• Advanced metrics like eye-tracking or heat-map analysis
• Multi-market vs single-market execution
• Custom analytics and raw data deliverables

Transparent pricing lets you compare basic and premium offerings on Pricing and services. Your team can choose a modular scope, monadic design tests for single variant validation or sequential monadic for pairwise comparisons, to align cost with decision urgency.

With clear cost, timeline, and ROI estimates, you’ll plan shelf tests that fit both calendar and financial targets. Next, explore how executive readouts translate these findings into concise recommendations for stakeholders.

Best Practices and Next Steps for Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get

With Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get in hand, your team can drive packaging decisions with data and speed. Start by reviewing topline metrics, findability, visual appeal, purchase intent, and align them to your go/no-go criteria. In 2024, 68% of teams complete simulated shelf tests in under four weeks, and 72% of CPG brands report higher confidence in packaging choices post-test

Begin by setting a clear minimum detectable effect (MDE) for key metrics. Aim for 250 respondents per cell to hit 80% power at alpha 0.05. Choose monadic designs for single-variant validation or sequential monadic when you compare pairs. Embed attention checks to filter speeders and straightliners. Tag each insight to a specific business outcome, such as a 1.5% lift in velocity, 60% of brands achieve this within two months post-shelf test

Next, schedule a one-hour insight workshop with stakeholders. Walk through the executive-ready readout and raw crosstabs to surface critical tradeoffs. Use a simple decision matrix to prioritize redesign tweaks versus production deadlines. Assign owners for final mockup updates and pilot rollouts in select stores or online channels.

Follow up with in-market validation if time allows. A quick scan of initial rollouts can confirm predicted gains or reveal unanticipated issues. Then, integrate learnings into your packaging brief and retailer negotiations. Share final reports in your brand platform to ensure cross-functional alignment.

With these practices, your team will translate deliverables into concrete packaging actions and faster shelf success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get?

Shelf Test Deliverables What You Get include executive summaries, topline reports, crosstabs by segment and raw data files. Teams receive clear package mockups and detailed metrics on findability, visual appeal (1–10 scale, top 2 box) and purchase intent (5-point scale, top 2 box). This full set supports confident go/no-go decisions.

When should you use shelf testing deliverables versus ad testing?

Use shelf testing deliverables when evaluating packaging variants under realistic shelf conditions. You receive clear metrics on findability, appeal and purchase intent, with raw data for deeper analysis. Choose ad testing for creative execution and media optimization, but rely on shelf testing for pre-production package validation and shelf positioning decisions.

How long does it typically take to get shelf test deliverables?

Typical turnaround for shelf test deliverables is 1 to 4 weeks. This includes design setup, fieldwork with 250 respondents per cell, and executive-ready readouts. Projects on ShelfTesting.com often wrap in three weeks, balancing speed and statistical rigor for 80% power at alpha 0.05. Fast results support tight launch timelines.

How much does a standard shelf test deliverables package cost?

Standard shelf test deliverables packages start at $25,000. Prices vary based on the number of cells, sample size, markets, and optional features like eye-tracking or 3D rendering. Typical studies range from $25,000 to $75,000. This investment delivers detailed reports, executive summaries and raw data to guide confident packaging decisions.

What common mistakes should teams avoid when interpreting shelf test deliverables?

Teams often misinterpret topline metrics without segment context, ignore attention-check results, or overlook raw data trends. Avoid drawing conclusions from insufficient sample sizes or underpowered cells. Always review crosstabs by shopper segment and channel, and check attention logs to filter speeders and straightliners. This ensures valid, actionable insights.

How do shelf test deliverables integrate with ad testing metrics?

Shelf test deliverables integrate with ad testing metrics by aligning purchase intent and visual appeal scores with creative performance. You can cross-reference topline findings on package appeal with ad recall and message resonance. This holistic view helps optimize both shelf presence and advertising effectiveness before full-scale launch.

What formats do shelf testing platforms use for deliverables?

Platforms deliver reports in executive-ready PDFs, interactive dashboards, Excel crosstabs and raw CSV data files. You receive attention-check logs for quality control. This mix accommodates senior leadership, analysts and in-house data teams. Platforms like ShelfTesting.com ensure seamless access, transparent methods and easy integration into existing BI tools.

Can deliverables adapt to e-commerce and retail testing needs?

Yes. Shelf test deliverables adapt to retail and e-commerce contexts. Reports include separate crosstabs for in-store and online shoppers, highlighting findability differences and purchasing intent across channels. You can test digital shelf layouts, image-only mockups or interactive browsing simulations. This flexibility guides packaging decisions across all sales environments.

How do topline metrics in shelf test deliverables drive packaging decisions?

Topline metrics on findability, visual appeal (top 2 box) and purchase intent (top 2 box) highlight which design variants resonate most. You can benchmark scores against category norms and MDE thresholds. These concise results enable quick go/no-go calls and variant rankings, reducing risk and speeding the path to final art approval.

What steps follow a review of shelf test deliverables?

After reviewing deliverables, teams finalize packaging with the top-performing variant or iterate on low-performing designs. Next steps include stakeholder alignment, design tweaks, and pre-production sampling. Some brands integrate findings into planogram tests or in-market trials. This sequence ensures decisions rest on rigorous, real-shopper data and clear executive insights.