Selecting a packaging manufacturer isn’t just about finding someone who can produce the kind of packaging you need; the relationship between your business and your chosen supplier is highly intertwined. Packaging manufacturers play a critical role in your supply chain, business efficiency, and even your brand identity to some extent. Whether you are trying to find a partner to help launch your first product or you’re looking for a new manufacturer, it’s important to consider your options. Knowing what questions to ask will lead you to a partnership that best aligns with your needs, values, and goals.
The Basics: Products, Services, and Capabilities
Before diving into specifics, you need to know about the manufacturer’s core offerings and capabilities to determine if they meet your volume, material, and customization requirements. No two manufacturers are exactly the same. Some specialize in particular packaging materials, design approaches, or industries while others operate more broadly. If a supplier specializes in your industry, they may have insights that can improve your packaging.
Basic questions to ask a manufacturer include:
– What products and services do you offer?
– Do you have a specialty?
– What are your manufacturing capabilities?
– Do you have packaging designers and engineers on staff?
– Where is your packaging manufactured?
– What are your minimums/maximums?
– What makes you different from other packaging suppliers?
– What industries do you manufacture for?
– How long have you been in business?
– How has your business grown or changed in recent years?
– Are you planning to expand your products, services, or capabilities?
– Can you help me scale my business?
The Partnership: Practices and Communication
Packaging strategy success lies heavily on how well you and your manufacturer collaborate. Transparency, responsiveness, and clear expectations are crucial and should not be overlooked. Pricing structures, lead times, and communication channels can significantly impact your workflow and bottom line.
Some related questions include:
– Can you provide a detailed packaging quote?
– Will you provide samples and prototypes?
– How long are prices guaranteed?
– What additional fees might be incurred?
– What does the onboarding process entail?
– Who serves as the point of contact for each project stage?
– How responsive is your team?
– What can I expect from your invoicing process?
– What are your terms and conditions?
– Do you offer extended terms or discounts?
The Fulfillment: Production Operations and Inventory Management
Production efficiency and inventory management affect cost, consistency, and delivery timelines. A reliable packaging partner should have streamlined processes, quality control measures, and scalable production capabilities. Knowing how a manufacturer handles inventory and distribution helps prevent logistical issues.
Make sure to ask:
– What are your lead times?
– Do you have a quality policy?
– What are your printing processes like?
– What technology have you adopted into your production processes?
– What is your quality issue resolution process?
– Where will my inventory be stored?
– Where do you deliver to?
– What does the ordering/reordering process look like?
The Impact: Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
Sustainability continues to be a major factor in packaging decisions. Whether your customers seek out products packaged with eco-friendly materials or you want to improve your brand’s environmental impact, choosing a manufacturer with strong sustainability practices is key. Understanding what materials suppliers use, along with their waste reduction goals and recycling options, ensures your packaging choices align with your business’s long-term environmental responsibility goals.
Include these questions in discussions with potential partners:
– What certifications do you maintain?
– Are your raw materials sustainably sourced?
– What is your waste percentage and target waste goal?
– Can your products be recycled?
– How can you improve my company’s environmental profile?
Partner With MOD-PAC
MOD-PAC specializes in custom and stock paperboard packaging. If you need folding cartons for your products, reach out to our team. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you have.