Before signing a contract or paying a deposit to a custom packaging manufacturer, ask these 10 critical questions:
### Essential Supplier Checklist:
1. Are cutting dies and printing plate fees included in the quote? (Avoid unexpected setup surcharges).
2. What are your exact production lead times? (From artwork sign-off to delivery dock).
3. Do you provide physical unprinted white samples or digital press proofs?
4. What are the price breaks at higher quantities? (e.g. comparing 500, 1,000, 2,500 units).
5. What are your artwork submission guidelines? (Dieline format, bleed margins, color profiles).
6. Are the materials FSC-certified or food-contact compliant?
7. How are the finished boxes packed for delivery? (Flat-packed in bundles on pallets vs assembled in cartons).
8. What is your tolerance policy for over-runs and under-runs? (Standard industry variance is $\pm5–10\%$).
9. What quality control testing do you perform? (Burst strength, drop testing, color densitometry).
10. Where are the boxes manufactured? (UK domestic factory vs overseas importing).