Choosing a packaging supplier is a risk decision—quality, lead time, and consistency will impact your customers and your cash flow. These questions help you qualify suppliers fast and avoid costly misalignment.
Capabilities & Fit
- What packaging formats do you specialize in (SBS, corrugated, rigid, flexible, molded fiber)?
- What industries do you serve most (medical, cosmetics, food, e-commerce)?
- Can you share relevant samples or case studies?
- What are your minimum order quantities (MOQs) by format?
Quality & Process Control
- How do you manage color consistency and print matching across runs?
- What QC checks happen during production (incoming, in-process, final)?
- What tolerances can you hold (dimensions, fit, glue, caliper)?
- How do you handle nonconforming product (rework, credits, reruns)?
- Can we establish a “golden sample” and acceptance criteria?
Lead Times & Reliability
- What are standard lead times for first article, repeat orders, and rush?
- What factors commonly extend lead time (materials, approvals, capacity)?
- Do you provide production calendars or order status updates?
- Where do you ship from, and what are typical transit times?
Pricing & Commercial Terms
- What is included in the quote (tooling, plates, dies, proofs, freight)?
- Do you offer price breaks at specific volumes?
- How do you handle overruns/underruns?
- What are payment terms (Net 30, deposits, credit card fees)?
- Can you provide a “fully landed cost” estimate?
Sustainability & Compliance
- Do you offer FSC-certified paper/board and can you provide chain-of-custody docs?
- What PCR (post-consumer recycled) options are available?
- Are inks/coatings low-VOC and compliant for our market?
- Do you support medical/pharma requirements if needed (ISO, traceability)?
Engineering & Prototyping Support
- Can you create prototypes using production-grade materials?
- Do you support transit testing (ISTA) or provide guidance?
- Will you review dielines and artwork for manufacturability?
- How do you manage version control for artwork and dielines?
Operational Risk Questions
- Do you have backup equipment or redundancy for critical jobs?
- What’s your contingency plan for material shortages?
- Can you warehouse inventory or support scheduled releases?
- Who is our day-to-day contact and escalation path?
Want Us to Vet Suppliers for You?
Influence Packaging can run supplier qualification, manage RFQs, review samples, and negotiate specs so you pick the right partner—without learning the hard way.