TL;DR: Before placing any packaging order, ask about MOQ, lead time, sample process, payment terms, certifications, print specifications, structural engineering capability, quality control process, shipping terms, reorder pricing, IP protection, artwork requirements, and post-delivery support. The answers reveal whether you are dealing with a professional manufacturer or a broker.

Why You Need to Ask the Right Questions

A packaging quote without the right questions is a recipe for expensive surprises: wrong dimensions, missed deadlines, poor print quality, hidden fees, or customs delays. Professional manufacturers expect detailed RFQs and welcome technical questions. Brokers and low-quality suppliers give vague answers and redirect you to pricing before specifications.

Use these 15 questions in every initial conversation with a potential packaging partner.

Category 1: Capacity and Minimum Orders

Question 1: What is your MOQ for this box type?

Why it matters: MOQs vary dramatically — 100 units for folding cartons, 500+ for rigid boxes in some factories. Knowing MOQ upfront prevents wasted negotiation time.

Good answer: Specific number by box type. “100 units for folding cartons, 200 for rigid boxes.”

Red flag: “We can do any quantity” without specifying a unit price at low volumes.

Question 2: What is your production lead time for [my quantity]?

Why it matters: Production lead time excludes shipping time. A 15-day production + 30-day sea shipping = 45 days total. Missing this distinction causes launch delays.

Good answer: Separate production time and shipping time stated clearly. “12-15 business days production. Sea to US: 25-35 days. Air: 5-7 days.”

Red flag: “2-3 weeks” with no distinction between production and shipping.

Question 3: What happens if production is delayed beyond the agreed date?

Why it matters: Delays happen — Chinese New Year, material shortages, machine breakdowns. A professional supplier has an escalation procedure and communicates proactively.

Good answer: Written lead time commitment in the contract with a penalty or compensation clause, plus a policy for proactive communication if delays occur.

Category 2: Sampling and Quality

Question 4: How does your sampling process work?

Why it matters: A proper sampling process (structural sample, then printed colour sample, then pre-production sample) is a sign of professional quality management.

Good answer: Clear 2-3 step process. “We first send a white (unprinted) structural sample, then a full-colour printed pre-production sample before bulk production begins.”

Red flag: “We do not do samples” or “samples cost as much as bulk.”

Question 5: What QC checks do you perform during and after production?

Why it matters: Quality control should happen in-process (not just on finished goods). Reputable factories check colour density, registration, fold accuracy, and structural strength at multiple production stages.

Good answer: Specific QC steps — colour bar on press sheet, 100% dimensional check, random drop test on assembled boxes, final AQL inspection before packing.

Question 6: What is your defect rate, and what is your policy for defective goods?

Why it matters: Even excellent factories produce some defects. The policy matters more than the rate. Will they replace defects? Credit your next order? Refund proportionally?

Good answer: AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) standard stated, with a clear replacement or credit policy for defects above the AQL threshold.

Category 3: Technical Specifications

Question 7: What materials and GSM options do you offer?

Why it matters: You need to know whether the factory stocks the material grade your product requires. A supplier offering only 250 GSM board cannot do a proper luxury folding carton.

Good answer: Specific list — “C1S coated board in 300, 350, 400 GSM; kraft in 250, 300 GSM; greyboard in 1200, 1500, 2000 GSM for rigid boxes.”

Question 8: What printing methods do you use?

Why it matters: Offset printing (Pantone-accurate, high volume), digital printing (short run, fast), and screen printing (specialist finishes) each have different applications and cost profiles.

Good answer: Clear statement of available printing methods and minimum quantities for each. Offset press at 500+ units is standard for CMYK folding cartons.

Question 9: Do you provide dielines, and in what format?

Why it matters: You need the dieline to prepare artwork. A professional manufacturer provides it free in Adobe Illustrator format within 24-48 hours of receiving box dimensions.

Good answer: “Yes, we provide free dielines in AI/EPS format within 24 hours of confirming your dimensions and box style.”

Red flag: Charging for a standard dieline, or only providing a PDF you cannot edit.

Category 4: Commercial Terms

Question 10: What payment terms do you offer?

Why it matters: Standard terms protect both parties. 30% deposit at order confirmation, 70% balance before shipment is the global norm for packaging from China.

Good answer: 30/70 T/T for first orders. Established customers may negotiate 30/70 with balance against Bill of Lading.

Question 11: What are your shipping terms (Incoterms)?

Why it matters: FOB means the supplier loads at the port — you arrange and pay for shipping. CIF means they arrange shipping. DDP means delivered to your door, duties paid. Each affects your total cost differently.

Question 12: Can you provide a price break schedule by volume?

Why it matters: Knowing the price at 500, 1,000, 3,000, and 5,000 units helps you forecast packaging cost as you scale and plan reorder timing for maximum savings.

Category 5: Compliance and IP

Question 13: What certifications do you hold?

Why it matters: ISO 9001 signals quality management. FSC signals sustainable materials. FDA-compliant board is required for food/cosmetic contact packaging in the US. Verify certificate numbers independently.

Question 14: Will you sign an NDA or IP protection agreement?

Why it matters: Your dieline structure, brand colours, and packaging design have commercial value. A professional manufacturer signs a standard NDA. Refusal suggests they may be selling designs to competitors or running a copycat operation.

Good answer: “Yes, we sign NDAs and do not share client designs or artwork with third parties.”

Question 15: What is your after-delivery support policy?

Why it matters: Problems surface after arrival — shipping damage, print colour shift, structural failures. Knowing the support process upfront prevents the “sorry, goods left our factory” dead-end.

Good answer: Dedicated after-sales contact, 30-day defect reporting window, clear resolution process (replacement, credit, or partial refund based on verified defect percentage).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I send a packaging RFQ?

Send an email or contact form with: box style, dimensions (L x W x H in mm), quantity, material and GSM if known, finish (gloss, matte, spot UV), print type (CMYK or Pantone), and your target price range. Include a sketch or reference image if available.

How long should a supplier take to respond to an RFQ?

Within 24 hours on business days for a detailed quote. Same-day responses with no questions asked are often templated non-answers. Responses taking more than 48 hours suggest an overloaded or disorganised operation.

Should I use a sourcing agent?

Sourcing agents (3-5% commission) add value if you are new to China sourcing and ordering multiple product types. For packaging specifically, going direct to a verified manufacturer saves 10-20% on unit cost once you know what you need.

What documents should I get before paying?

Pro-forma invoice with full specifications, signed contract or purchase order, bank details on company letterhead, and copy of business registration. Do not pay based on a WhatsApp quote.

What is the difference between a trading company and a manufacturer?

A manufacturer makes the boxes. A trading company sources from manufacturers and adds a margin (typically 10-20%). Both can be legitimate; ask directly. Trading companies offer broader product range and often better English communication; manufacturers offer lower prices and direct quality control access.

Can Packjaki answer all 15 of these questions?

Yes. Packjaki is a direct manufacturer (Guangzhou Baoyuan Printing Group subsidiary) and provides full documentation, free dielines, pre-production samples, and dedicated after-sales support. Contact us for a detailed quote on any packaging requirement.