A manufacturer may sound very good on a sales call and then be a nonexistent delivery source three months later. The warning signs that appear after a contract is signed are missed lead times, inconsistent print quality between prints, and ambiguous answers to questions about where it’s being printed. The thing to do when looking for a reliable custom packaging manufacturer is to verify certain verifiable aspects before taking any attractive pitch.

What exactly does reliability mean for a packaging manufacturer?

A good direct packaging manufacturer provides uniform print and material quality with each order, follows through on the lead times they provide, and doesn't go silent between order and delivery.

Some Questions to Ask Yourselves Before You Make a Decision

It is consistency from batch to batch that is more important than having one perfect wholesale custom packaging, as any one person can make one good box. DRY: Request proof of Quality Control for several production runs, not just the one that was sent to close the deal. The lead time reliability should be verified from experience, and not only from the quoted turnaround time, because there may be a gap between the quoted and actual turnaround time under real order volume. A lot can be gleaned from communication during the production process, the manufacturer that communicates without being pushed is the one that can be trusted to deliver the product on time, whether it was to the address provided or not. Knowing where production is taking place, production transparency, has an impact on lead time and quality consistency because outsourcing or subcontracting adds an extra layer that the buyer cannot control.

Features & Specifications to Check with Any Manufacturer

• Material sourcing: verified board grade, and repeat orders' GSMs are consistent.

• Printing capability: colour matched (not just 1st samples) in production runs.

• Specified and tested only, not assumed dimensional tolerance

• Matte or gloss finish or special finishes are guaranteed per batch.

• Order requirements: documented, including wholesale pricing minimums, if applicable

• Turnaround commitments: lead times with references or order history.

The industries most sensitive to manufacturer reliability are those in the Table.

Higher risks exist for ecommerce businesses that operate recurring shipping schedules, cannot afford delays, and are unable to reschedule them, retail businesses with set shelf date launches that are dependent on the manufacturer’s release timing; food and bakery businesses that require food-safe packaging production services every time, cosmetics businesses that have to align packaging launch dates with product launch dates, and wholesale distributors that supply multiple retail accounts and cannot reschedule.

Before hiring a custom packaging manufacturer, there are certain questions

Ask for references or past orders, as opposed to one sample, it is reliability that’s being established through repeated orders. Inquire about the actual production location and if any portion of the order is subcontracted. Place an initial smaller order to see how timely and reliable the order fulfillment is before signing a contract that is more substantial or recurring. The most frequent mistake made by buyers is to make a decision about a manufacturer after first contact with a sample and first quote, before they experience dealing with real order volumes and real deadlines.

Why should a company opt for the services of a custom boxes manufacturer (CBM).

The in-house control of manufacturing provides the buyer with a clear picture of the production process rather than a ‘black box’ by subcontracting. To ensure a consistent spec on repeat orders, quality control is performed on each batch, not on initial samples only. Terms of wholesale pricing are established in advance, and a minimum order is not required, thereby eliminating any confusion prior to the signing of a contract. Direct production control ensures rapid delivery throughout the USA, and free design support is included with all orders.

FAQs

Q: Do you make it yourself or have others do it for you? 

A: CBM produces in-house, with quality control and lead times under their direct control.

Q: What is your approach to quality control when you reorder? 

A: All batches are subjected to consistency checks against the original spec, not just the first sample.

Get a free quote.

Get a manufacturer’s approval for custom printed packaging before a deadline makes it necessary. Get a free quote and free design consultation from CBM today.