When an agency or brand purchases or rents a unit from Steel Space Concepts, there are several factors which affect the unit production timeline. In general, factors which are taken into consideration include: seasonality and unit availability, initial discussions and client approval process needed to lock down and freeze the design, and design complexity affecting manufacturing and/or modification time.
Seasonality
Demand for experiential shipping container solutions is affected by seasonality. In general demand is higher leading up to the Summer season as festivals, sporting events, and activations. As a result, availability of units is variable as well as the number of projects being prepared simultaneously for clients. In this specific case, lead time may be longer as turnkey units may have to be built to accommodate additional events. In order to ensure that a Steel Space experiential marketing unit is available for your event, it is beneficial and encouraged that units are reserved early in the planning process. Depending on complexity of the project lead time can vary between 4 and 8 weeks.
Design Process
Often, clients ask for renders and images prior to activation, in other cases, clients provide us with ready-made renders. In the case of renders, an NDA must be signed prior to the client receiving any design work. This design work is part of a back and forth process between the client and Steel Space Concepts and can delay the manufacturing process. Note that over the course of the project, additional design requests may be submitted, this however will add to the overall processing and preparation time.
Complexity of the Project, Manufacturing and Production Time
Our units are classified into two distinct categories, turnkey and custom. Regarding turnkey units (when available) lead time from order request to completion can be as little as 4 weeks. This is as a result of units having been prepared and activation-ready in inventory. In this case, the client may request that branding components such as paint and vinyl, and add-ons such as staircases, awnings and terraces and televisions are added to the base unit.
Regarding fully complex and fully custom units, the production timeline increases as additional design and planning are required. These projects usually involve multiple stacked units or the use of special structures and materials such as glass, wood, etc. In this case, the design process is more involved, and the communication phase is more intensive. A project similar to the one we designed for Marriott hotels using custom standing structures and specialized materials may take as long as 8 weeks.
If you’re a brand or agency with an experiential, event or pop-up project in mind, our team of professionals is here to help. We can help guide you through the production process from conception to completion and provide the technical assistance required for your activation. For more information, CONTACT US.