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Information prepared before catalogue design affects how well the pages can be organised. Missing codes, inconsistent names and changing photographs can disrupt the entire reading structure. This guide explains what to bring to the first design discussion and which decisions can remain open. The aim is not to draw every page in advance, but to provide a reliable starting point from which the designer can build meaningful relationships between products and their information.

Quick answer

Collect product groups, current codes, descriptions, images and contact information. Assign content verification and decide whether prices belong in the catalogue. Test information density with representative pages before fixing the scope. Keep unapproved material distinguishable from confirmed data so that temporary content is not accidentally treated as ready for publication.

Group products around the customer’s search

An internal stock sequence may not match how buyers choose. Consider product type, use or family relationships. Sales questions can reveal where distinctions matter. In a hypothetical equipment catalogue, separating accessories from their compatible main products may hide important relationships. Show those connections in the inventory before design rather than relying on a decorative contents page to resolve them later.

Create consistent fields for every product

Collect names, codes, descriptions, dimensions and other required details in the same columns. This reveals missing information and inconsistencies. Do not expect a designer to invent technical specifications. The person verifying product data may differ from the visual approver; identify both. A common content structure makes a sample page representative and helps staff track corrections across a large catalogue.

Match images to product codes

A file name or inventory should make the product-image relationship clear. Check whether one photograph legitimately represents several products. Keep originals separate from reduced copies sent through messaging services. List missing images and agree whether photography, retouching or image sourcing is included. A catalogue can look organised while still being factually misleading if attractive photographs are assigned to the wrong variants.

Assess page count using actual material

Product quantity alone does not determine a reliable page count. Long specifications and short descriptions need different space. Review representative layouts before committing. Discuss binding and production requirements with the supplier, and allow for different text lengths if translations are planned. A content-based estimate is more useful than choosing an arbitrary page total and forcing every item to fit afterwards.

Define a content freeze and update process

Agree what may change during design and when final checking takes place. Frequently changing prices may need a separate document or digital support. Share a sample product inventory and existing images when approaching BOCW. The proposal can then reflect actual content and delivery needs. Record later corrections against specific products and versions rather than scattering updates across emails that are difficult to reconcile.

Bringing representative products to the first meeting

Bring three representative products: one with short copy, one with substantial specifications and one needing related accessories. Prepare verified codes, names, text and matched images. This tests more than one ideal layout. Record who receives the catalogue and which sales questions it supports. Decide how prices are handled and assign translation ownership where relevant. The package makes page scope, image needs and content gaps discussable before design expands around incomplete information.

Key takeaways

  • Group products according to buying decisions.
  • Use the same content fields for every item.
  • Estimate scope through representative real-content pages.
  • Compare the approved product table with artwork codes and confirm images and removed products have been handled consistently.

Frequently asked questions

Can design start before copy is complete?

Structure and sample pages can begin, provided missing content and its delivery dates are identified clearly.

Should prices be included?

That depends on their update frequency and the document’s purpose. A separate price list may be easier to maintain when amounts change often.

Does the agency provide photography?

It may be a separate production service. Define photography, retouching and image sourcing explicitly in the quotation.