How to get quotes on food packaging

Step 1: Start with what the package has to do

Write down the job before the format:

• Protect the product: from moisture, oxygen, light, grease, aroma loss, crushing, or leaking
• Hold the shelf life you need. If you don't know your shelf life yet, see shelf life testing.
• Survive your process: hot fill, pasteurization, freezing, microwave use, or nitrogen flush
• Run on your line, or your co-packer's: filler, capper or sealer, labeler, case packer
• Sell: shelf presence, print quality, and any recyclability claims

Step 2: Write the spec

Every supplier should quote the same thing. Include:

If you're not sure about a line, say so and ask for a recommendation. Suppliers often know which structure or closure works for your product type.

Step 3: Ask for samples and plan a line trial

Before a production order, get samples. For anything that runs on a machine (pouches, roll stock, bottles and caps), a short line trial on your equipment or your co-packer's catches seal, fit and jamming problems that a spec sheet won't. Ask each supplier whether they provide samples and what they cost.

Step 4: Know what drives the price

• Material type and weight per unit
• Barrier layers and structure
• Printing: number of colors, plates or cylinders, decoration method
• Tooling for custom molds, dies or sizes
• Quantity per design, which usually matters most
• Freight, since packaging is bulky and light

Ask for prices at two or three quantities. The gap between them tells you whether a bigger order or a different print method is worth it.

Step 5: Compare quotes line by line

Line up each quote on:

• Unit price at each quantity you asked for
• One-time costs: plates, cylinders, dies, molds, artwork or prepress fees
• Minimum per design and per order
• Lead time from artwork approval (or from order, for stock items) to delivery
• Freight and delivery terms
• Payment terms and deposit
• Overrun and underrun policy (many converters ship within a tolerance of the quantity ordered)
• Samples and trial support

A low unit price with plate fees and a large minimum can cost more on your first order than a higher unit price with no setup.

Step 6: Check compliance and claims

• Ask for a written statement that the materials are suitable for food contact for your product and conditions of use (temperature, fat content, contact time).
• If you plan to print "recyclable," the FTC's Green Guides say an unqualified recyclable claim is appropriate only when recycling facilities are available to a substantial majority (at least 60%) of the consumers or communities where the item is sold. Otherwise the claim needs qualifying. Ask the supplier what supports their recyclability or compostability claims.

Sources: FTC Green Guides, 16 CFR 260.12 (recyclable claims)

What drives lead time

• Stock vs. custom: stock items can ship quickly; custom sizes, molds and printed runs take longer
• Print method: digital runs usually move faster than plate-printed runs, which need plates or cylinders made first
• Proof and artwork approval rounds
• Imported packaging adds ocean freight and customs time
• Supplier backlog

Questions to ask packaging suppliers

• What do you recommend for my product and shelf life, and why?
• What's your minimum per design, and what are the price breaks?
• What one-time costs apply on the first order? Do they repeat on reorders?
• Can I get samples for a line trial?
• What food-contact documentation do you provide?
• What's your overrun/underrun policy?
• What's the lead time from artwork approval to delivery, including freight?

Guides by packaging type

• Packaging suppliers for small snack and food businesses: pouches, bags and low-minimum printing
• Glass bottle suppliers for small beverage companies: stock vs. custom bottles, finishes and closures
• Aluminum can suppliers for small beverage companies: brite vs. printed cans, sleeves and labels
• How to get quotes on printed roll stock and flexible film: machine-run roll stock and lidding film

How PostRequest helps

Send us your packaging spec once, or tell us what you know and we'll help fill the gaps. Our agents shortlist packaging suppliers, email each one your request from a PostRequest address, follow up once, and line up the replies: unit price at each quantity, one-time costs, minimums, lead time and terms. Suppliers see your spec, not your name or company, until you choose to connect. During early access, a person on our team reviews every comparison before it reaches you.