How to Spot an Excellent Packaging Supplier
Have you ever wondered what the qualities of a good packaging supplier are? How do you choose one in the first place? You can find plenty of companies that make custom boxes, but it’s essential to make sure they can be a great partner to your business. Like with anything, it comes down to your needs and values. The below list can provide some points to consider when finding a packaging vendor that is a perfect fit for your business.
High-Quality Production
You wouldn’t settle for less quality when it comes to your product. Or, you might, but you wouldn’t have a very successful company with happy customers. Quality is crucial because it directly affects the customer experience, the safety of the product, and your brand image.
If the box your customers receive is only half stuck together and falling apart, or the ink is smearing and rubbing off, they will assume that you don’t care about them or their business. Moreover, they’ll think that’s how they can expect you to treat everything else in your relationship with them. When you’re trying to establish trust between your brand and your potential customers, every touchpoint is critical—and nothing is as tangible as your packaging.
Reliability and Availability
Your packaging supplier should be able to deliver the goods on time, every time. They must have a backup plan if something goes wrong. How quickly can they produce your packaging if there’s an issue with their production line or an unexpected surge in demand?
You want to ensure that your products will arrive in perfect condition, so quality control is crucial. A good packaging supplier will test materials and structures rigorously before mass production and double-check everything by hand before shipping them off to you.
Minimum Order Quantities
You have probably heard the term “minimum order quantity” (MOQ) before—it is one of the most important things to consider when buying anything in bulk. If you are starting out, you may not need thousands of units, but be prepared to buy more than a few hundred. So look for a printer with low MOQs.
MOQs will vary not just by the printer but by packaging piece type. The MOQ ensures that the supplier can cover their costs and make a profit.
Pro Tip: Digital printing often has lower MOQs than traditional offset printing.
Service and Support
Customer service is an important part of the process of working with any supplier. You may not need help when placing your order with an online printer, but you want to know that you are supported and valued. You should get detailed answers that allow you to easily make informed packaging decisions without going elsewhere for more information or clarification. Your supplier's customer service team should also be familiar with production processes (e.g., printing methods, material properties) and assist with technical guidance on both design and manufacturing of your packaging project at every step of the way — from packaging selection, through sampling and proof review cycle all through final production run completion.
Stock Catalog and Customization Options
When you start looking for packaging, you may initially think that you need to create a custom product. But the truth is that most companies can find great packaging in stock options. The key is finding stock catalogs with various options and knowing what you want to customize. Most stock packaging can look unique to your brand by changing the paper finish, adding your graphics, or adding a special touch with metallic foil or spot UV finishes.
Takeaway: Aim for a Balance of Quality, Reliability, and Good Service When Looking for a Packaging Supplier
Finding the perfect packaging supplier for your business won’t always be easy, especially if you’re new to sourcing print suppliers. Earlier, we outlined some important considerations you should look at when selecting a packaging supplier. Taking these key points into account will help make your decision more manageable, and it may even save you time and money in the process.
If you’re looking for more help finding a packaging supplier that is a perfect fit for your business, check out the new Packaging Field Guide. It’s a step-by-step program packed with tools to confidently uncover and choose the perfect packaging suppliers for your product business.