The Packaging Journal
A clear brief helps turn a packaging idea into a useful quotation. You do not need every technical answer at the start, but the following details help us recommend the right next step.
Choose a PACK model, select a category or send a reference. Tell us what goes inside, how many items are in the set and whether the packaging is for retail presentation, shipping or both. A cosmetic gift set, watch box and corrugated mailer have different priorities.
Provide length, width and height for each item, along with the weight where relevant. Identify whether any dimensions describe the inside or outside of the proposed packaging. Allow the sample review to confirm clearance, inserts, ribbons and ease of removal.
State the quantity per design and whether different colors or sizes are required. Include a preferred board or paper if you have one. If you do not, describe the appearance, feel and intended use so we can review suitable options. Selected packaging projects start from 200 pieces; the final minimum is confirmed for the chosen specification.
Provide your logo and any printed patterns, plus color references and preferred logo placement. Tell us whether you want foil stamping, UV finishing, lamination, ribbons or another detail. Include inside printing and accessories in the brief so they are considered together.
Tell us whether the boxes should arrive flat or assembled. Specify individual protection, retail pack counts, outer carton quantities and pallet requirements where known. Include the destination city, country, postal code and requested arrival date so production and transport can be discussed separately.
Review fit, dimensions, color, print placement, finish and packing against the intended contents. Confirm the written specification before production. Typical samples take 2–3 days after requirements are confirmed, and typical production takes 7–15 days after approval; timing varies by project.
Tell the supplier whether the package is for e-commerce shipping, retail display, gifting, storage or a combination. Explain how the customer receives and opens it, how many product variants must fit, and whether the package is seasonal or expected to reorder. This context helps distinguish essential requirements from optional decoration. It also prevents a supplier from pricing a beautiful presentation box when the real need is a compact mailer that protects the product in transit.
Put dimensions, quantities, materials, finishes, artwork status, destination and dates in one dated document. Name each revision and ask the supplier to reference the same revision on its quotation. If a change is agreed in chat, add it to the brief. This simple practice reduces the risk that a new price includes an old size or that the approved sample uses a different insert from the purchase order. Attach reference images as inspiration and label them clearly.
A complete quotation should identify the product quantity, setup or tooling, sample type, printing, finishes, inserts, assembly state, individual protection, export packing and delivery basis. Ask what is excluded and how freight will be estimated. Clarify whether taxes, duties or local charges are payable by the buyer. When comparing suppliers, calculate the landed cost for the same destination and scope; an attractive unit price may omit items that another quote includes.
Provide vector artwork where possible, define spot colors when they matter and explain which areas are critical. Screen colors and digital samples can differ from production printing and from one material surface to another. Agree how color will be approved, which sample is the reference and what happens when artwork changes. Check barcodes, small type, quiet zones, folds, glue areas and reading direction on the final dieline rather than reviewing only a flat graphic preview.
Rigid boxes may ship assembled while some magnetic constructions can be designed to fold. Folding cartons and mailers commonly arrive flat. Ask for master-carton dimensions, quantity per carton, gross weight and pallet information when relevant. Estimate warehouse space and assembly time before ordering. If the package has tissue, ribbon, cards or inserts from another supplier, define who combines the components and how they will be protected from rubbing or deformation during transport.
Before production, confirm the final dieline, internal dimensions, material specification, print files, finishes, insert, accessories, tolerances, packing and delivery plan in writing. Keep the approved physical sample when one is produced. PACKAVELLE’s starting MOQ is 200 pieces, typical sampling is 2–3 days after specifications are ready, and production is usually 7–15 days after approval. Complex constructions receive a project-specific schedule, and transit time is always considered separately.