Choosing from the array of packaging manufacturers can be a daunting task. You’re entrusting a third-party company with one of the most crucial elements of your product. When you’re evaluating potential partners, what should you consider to get the best relationship possible? Asking these questions in the interview can help set your project up for success.
Experience and Expertise Questions
Perhaps the most important questions to ask surround experience and expertise. Ask your potential partner how long they’ve been in the packaging industry. Chances are, the longer they’ve been around, the more experience they have with challenging projects.
It’s also best to gauge whether they have expertise with your specific needs. If they’ve worked on similar projects before, they’ll likely be able to help you get to market faster and avoid any common pitfalls.
Capabilities and Service Questions
Not all packaging manufacturers will be the same — some may not offer the right capabilities you need to succeed. Asking if they offer custom design services in addition to manufacturing can help determine whether they’ll be able to meet your needs. Additionally, you can ask if they’re capable of handling large-scale orders as well as smaller, custom runs. Knowing the answers in advance can help set your project up for success.
Quality Assurance Questions
The last thing you want is to work with a packaging manufacturer that doesn’t have quality controls. This crucial step ensures the packaging meets your expectations and allows you to avoid issues later on. Ask about the quality control measures they have in place and any ability to provide samples or prototypes before committing to a full order. Additionally, you might ask what certifications or standards they adhere to. Many times, a manufacturer will have an ISO certification to hold them to a higher standard of manufacturing excellence.
Sustainability Questions
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to today’s consumers. In fact, many of them are even willing to pay more for sustainable products, making it a sensible business option to pursue eco-friendly materials. Not only can you help protect the environment, but you can gain the trust and confidence of consumers through this simple switch. When you’re interviewing packaging manufacturers, ask them what kind of sustainable options they offer. You might also ask about how they handle waste and recycling.
Want to learn more about making the switch to sustainable packaging solutions? View our in-depth guide here.
Lead Time and Flexibility Questions
Of course, lead time and flexibility are paramount to any partnership. During the interview, ask what their typical lead times are for production and delivery. It’s also great to ask how they handle urgent requests or changes in order quantities. Having this information prepares you for any fluctuations in demand that may happen down the road.
Reference and Reputation Questions
It’s never fun to pick a packaging manufacturer that’s difficult to work with. To gauge the company’s ability to work well with clients, you might ask for references from previous customers. You can also ask how they handle complaints or quality issues from clients, and what sets them apart from other packaging manufacturers. The answers they give can greatly determine how they’ll act once you’re on board.
Work with Orange Packaging for Your Needs
Choosing an experienced manufacturer for your custom packaging reduces your stress and ensures your products are ready for the retail environment. If you’re in need of packaging from an experienced manufacturer, turn to Orange Packaging. We’ll handle everything from the initial design to the final shipment, allowing you to focus on other revenue-generating tasks. When you partner with us, you get a team that’s always looking to improve operations, ensuring you get the best products on the market.
Since 1950, we’ve been providing exceptional products and services to customers just like you. With over 150,000 square feet of manufacturing space featuring over 10 production lines, we can meet even the tightest schedules. Our manufacturing capabilities range from eco-friendly thermoforming to finishing, assembly, and Pack It Here fulfillment. Trust us to deliver quality packaging products and services, every time.
Let’s Get Started
Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team for an initial consultation.
