The essential product catalogue structure
A catalogue can be visually distinctive while still following a repeatable structure. Consistent product blocks help buyers compare the range and make the next version faster to produce.
| Section | Purpose | Recommended fields |
|---|---|---|
| Cover | Identify the brand and edition | Logo, catalogue title, season or validity date |
| Introduction | Position the range | Short brand statement, audience and differentiator |
| Product pages | Present and compare items | Image, name, SKU, description, prices, MOQ and lead time |
| Price list | Provide a compact commercial reference | Category, SKU, wholesale price, RRP and MOQ |
| Trade terms | Set ordering expectations | Minimum order, payment, dispatch, shipping and damages |
| Contact | Make ordering possible | Email, website and phone number |
Product data template
Prepare the following spreadsheet columns before importing products:
name— the buyer-facing product namesku— a unique ordering codecategory— a useful way to group the rangedescription— one or two concise sentenceswholesale_price— numeric value in your selected currencyretail_price— optional RRP or MSRPmoq— minimum order quantitycase_pack— number supplied in a caselead_time— expected production or dispatch time
Grid or one-product-per-page layout?
Product grid
A grid works well for collections with straightforward products and a buyer who needs to compare several items at once. It keeps the PDF shorter and is practical for emailing. Use consistent image proportions so the page feels intentional.
Product detail pages
A detail layout gives each item more room. It suits products where material, construction, finish or use needs explanation. The trade-off is a longer PDF, particularly for ranges with many variants.
CatalogPack supports both approaches. Whichever you choose, the line sheet and price list remain condensed.
Catalogue image checklist
- Use the same crop ratio throughout a section.
- Photograph products against a consistent background where possible.
- Avoid embedding prices inside the image; keep them as text fields.
- Compress very large files before upload to keep the PDF manageable.
- Check that pale products remain visible when printed.
- Only use images you own or have permission to distribute.
Wholesale pricing checklist
Confirm the selected currency and explain whether wholesale prices include or exclude relevant tax. If you show an RRP or MSRP, make sure it is current and appropriate for the market receiving the catalogue. Do not mix tax-inclusive and tax-exclusive prices without a clear note.
Retail margin can be checked before publication using the free wholesale margin calculator. This is a commercial planning aid rather than financial advice; test the figures against your own costs and trading arrangements.
Version control for catalogues
Add a season, issue name or validity date to each export. Keep the source CSV with the PDF so the next update begins with the latest product list. When prices change, retire the old PDF from shared folders and send a clearly dated replacement.
Make the template produce more than a catalogue
The most efficient template is a product data model that can generate multiple documents. A catalogue supports discovery; a line sheet supports comparison; a price list provides a reference; and an order form captures quantities. CatalogPack generates all four from the same inputs to reduce mismatched names, SKUs and prices.