A day later, two custom mailer box quotes are received. One consists of the die and delivery to your dock. The latter adds the other after you sign. You can't tell which is which from the unit price. Four checks can, who made the box, what was the brief, what is outside of the unit price, what was approved prior to production. Empress Packaging is a maker of custom mailer packaging for corporations throughout the USA.

How to distinguish a custom mailer box manufacturer from a broker?

Determine who owns the cutting/die-cutting press and who is responsible for scheduling your job. A manufacturer responds by name and a broker will send over your artwork to a plant that can vary from order to order, and it takes another email to tie up a print issue. A one-off run can be suited for the broker; a box you are going to reorder every quarter should be with those who run the press. Collect the plant address, two customers who reorder and, if you cannot visit, a short video of the line running your board.

What should be in an RFQ for custom printed mailer boxes?

Provide all suppliers with a single brief: inside dimensions, product weight, artwork coverage, quantity tiers to price, your delivery ZIP code and date custom mailer box manufacturer need to be at your dock. If the recipient has a loading dock, indicate it is loading dock, otherwise indicate it is loading dock to residence or liftgate site; if freight is shipped to a dock, it will be a different price than if it is shipped to a residence or lift gate site. Leave a blank and each supplier will write it in their mind: plain kraft from one, full colour from the other and the quotes will no longer be comparable.

How to compare quotes for wholesale custom mailer boxes?

For wholesale custom boxes estimates have cost lines other than the unit price, and should be listed in one sheet with identical columns: price at each quantity tier, die and plate charges, proof fee, freight, over or under run, payment terms and lead time. If it is a blank cell, treat it as a question to be returned prior to ranking that supplier. Lead time and quantity tolerance need to be reconsidered. You can begin the clock at order, deposit, artwork approval or proof approval, ask which and if it includes business days. Many of the corrugated suppliers will permit 10 percent over or under on a printed run and ask for the shipping prices, so check on your quotes.

Which should you approve before production begins?

Sanction colour based on a print sample, dieline on your product, inspection rules in writing, and certificate claim on public record. Ask the supplier how dark solid colours will cope if they are folded, as they may crack along the fold. Reach a consensus on a sampling plan and a short list of defects which would warrant rejection, e.g. squashed corners, scuffed print or lid which will not close flat. When the quote contains "FSC" read the certificate code in the public FSC database, which will list the expiration date and the types of products that are certified.

FAQs

Q: Are you looking for custom mailer boxes and have questions?

A: The minimums will differ depending on the size and method of printing due to the fact that setup costs are divided by the run.

Q: What is the time it takes to manufacture custom mailer packaging?

A: Check to see if the business days are from proof approval and production and freight are separately indicated; a launch date can be scheduled around it.

Q: After my payment for the cutting die, who owns it?

A: Sort it out before you place your order. Determine if the charge is a one-time fee, if the die is kept for repeat orders and what will happen if you switch suppliers as policies vary.

Q: Is there a sample available for inspection before mass production?

A; A physical proof is available before bulk production. The same board and printing method the full run will be done on must be used to judge it.

Request your estimate for custom mailer boxes:

Custom printed mailer boxes can be quoted with your inside dimensions, artwork, delivery zip code and quantity tiers, and can be set side-by-side with any other quote. Feel free to get a free quote at empresspackaging.com, email [email protected] or call (888) 900-7629.