Tips & Tricks

Catalog Creation by Gary Demos

I have been involved with using 20-20 and their catalog creation program since the mid-80’s. I never pursued programming catalogs as a career (and still don’t) but I created catalogs for my own use as a kitchen designer since there were very few catalogs available at that time. Now most all kitchen cabinet manufacturers have a 20-20 catalog of some sort available, and I have found that most are not programmed very well. From a kitchen designer’s point of view, we need a catalog that is well structured with an intuitive menu system, and good accurate shapes for all the cabinets and objects. I am a dealer for a major cabinet line who has sent me some miserable 20-20 catalogs over the years. The programmer set fixed visual attributes in the door styles so that the wood texture you wanted and saved in the design would disappear the next time you opened it. Their current catalog’s menu structure is ridiculous - the base cabinet section starts with sink bases - but to get a sink base with a tip out front you need to scroll way down the list to find it, they are not grouped together. 

Features of a Good 20-20 Catalog
  • A well structured and intuitive menu system
  • Accurate shapes with stiles and rails positioned to actual dimensions
  • Frequently used attachments available already installed on the cabinet (like roll out shelves and bread boards which are used very often - the designer should not be required to add them separately
  • Correct visual texture attributes - open bookcase or open wall cabinets should have the selected wood texture automatically applied to the interior shelves and back. The wood grain should be running the right way. Desk organizer cabinets should have the dividers and shelves finished.
  • Attachments should update the cabinet visually - when you place a “no doors” attachment to a cabinet the interior should automatically have the selected wood texture applied to the shelves and back. When you add a “door on end” attachment - you should see the door on the cabinet.
  • Accurate pricing, and accurate upcharges - some cabinet lines apply finish upcharges to every item in the order including hardware. Others only apply the upcharge to the cabinet box, or any combination of the two. 20-20 is a very sophisticated program and is able to accurately price any combination if it is programmed correctly.
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    I actually enjoy inputting endless data through a keyboard to come up with a fine catalog. I do it because I like to do it - just like I enjoy designing nice remodeling projects. I would be pleased to quote your next 20-20 catalog if you will send me your manufacturers catalog. I am reasonable, and do only one catalog at a time. It takes me approximately four months to program a typical semi-custom cabinet line. Please e-mail for more information

    Gary Demos.

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