What to consider in a packaging material supplier

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    For many companies, choosing a packaging supplier can be very difficult. Whether you're a small or medium-sized company looking for new packaging or a large, established organization looking to change suppliers, the process of finding suitable suppliers is quite similar.

    This post will help you provide insight into what to consider when finding a packaging supplier.

    Things to consider when choosing a packaging supplier
    Before talking to a packaging supplier, it is important to have a supplier checklist.

    Selection

    First, think about your supplier's packaging options. Do they always have what you need in stock? If not, are they available, ready to produce on a demand basis?
    This is an important question, because it is important to choose a supplier that not only has a wide selection of packaging, but also keeps these items in stock and ready to use when you need them. Always take care of this problem, because when you run the program that needs regular packaging, the supplier is ready to stock enough for you, which affects your production process. In some cases, the supplier you work with is a material manufacturer, you are ready to go to the factory to see the production directly.
    On the other hand, a supplier / distributor sourcing different materials from multiple packaging manufacturers may be able to ship from the manufacturer's facility closest to your location. Keep this in mind when evaluating your supplier options, however, it is advisable to talk directly to them to better understand their operations. In situations like these, their website may not go into specifics on delivery location options as they vary from product to product.

    Price

    Pricing can be difficult for the packaging industry as they tend to change frequently depending on the packaging material you are working with. Of course, it's important to know that the quotes you offer are competitive, but be sure to consider the level of service you are getting from that provider compared to other, less expensive options. . Or is a higher cost worth considering for a better, more reliable relationship?
    If you are considering large volume orders, you have the potential to seek a guarantee to keep prices low in the near future or even a certain period of time to ensure cost effectiveness.

    Service

    Is the supplier capable of serving your company now and even when your business begins to grow? It is beneficial to choose suppliers who are able to grow with you and always accompany you to understand your needs and the needs of your business.
    One way to determine this is to ask if the supplier works with larger organizations. This way, you can rest assured that they have been able to provide support for larger scale activities and they will be willing to work with you in the long run.

    Always be creative, convert

    Timeliness is everything in business. Even a small delay in productivity can cause significant financial losses. When packaged products are ordered, often when they are needed in the very near future. Do not wait for items to arrive. Instead, choose a supplier that has an excellent track record so you are confident that you will have what you need when you need it. A good supplier will provide time for your order process.

    Quality

    Quality from all suppliers must conform and meet the required specifications. Good products must meet established quality standards. Be sure to check that the supplier meets all regulatory or compliance requirements.
    If your supplier works with many packaging manufacturers to provide you with the products you need, check how often they qualify for their current suppliers. A quality supplier will be confident that their manufacturers will be able to deliver the products you need, when you need them, without a problem.
    For quality packaging, it is also important to consider whether your supplier has a modern or outdated production line. It is necessary to choose a supplier who invests in good packaging machinery to produce quality packaging.

    Inventory

    Where will the product be stored? What is the situation of warehouses and how is inventory actively managed? A supplier who can answer these questions really knows their business and how to assist you in your work.

    Sales team

    Consider the technical expertise of the sales team. A great salesperson knows a lot about a product he or she can help you make the best decision that fits your needs in a difficult situation. After all, packaging is not your area of ​​expertise, it's theirs.
    Similarly, the sales team should be responsive and interested in your development. A good business / supplier relationship is a seamless partnership, with both parties working together to find solutions that will help your business grow.

    Report

    The report must be clear and readable. Reports, shipping documents and invoices must be easy to understand, accurate and most, transparent, all the time.
     
    Prepare to speak with the supplier of packaging materials
    Once you've reviewed the key elements of your business / supplier relationship and identified the areas most important to you, it's time to make that sales call.
    Any sales call with a packaging material supplier should be one you confidently approach. After all, you are the one doing the research and you want to be a conversation leader. The supplier will find a way to understand your business and your needs before providing you a quote.
     
    Below is a list of questions and topics we recommend reviewing before your call with a new sales representative. Remember that any packaging company should have a list of questions to ask you to make sure they are right for your company.
     
    How do you want to differentiate your product from competitors?
    These key differences will probably need to be presented with your packaging to get an idea ahead of time that will help the conversation go live. Examples include:
      Stand out from the crowd with colorful graphics printed directly on your packaging
    Use shapes to attract attention (molded bottles, etc.)
    Cut or dimensional packaging shape
    Sustainability (using recycled materials, etc.)
    Interactive packaging
    Seasonality of your product
    Not all products are available year round, or at least not the same in demand. A good supplier will be able to help you plan for any predictable changes in your packaging needs.
    Your long-term goals as they relate to your packaging goals
    Are you looking to expand or change your product line in the near future (1-2 years) in a way that may affect your packaging needs? Be prepared to talk about this and discuss how suppliers can adapt to support your development.
    A supplier working with multiple suppliers is a big plus for product manufacturers adapting their packaging to the benefit of their target market.

    Sustainable goals

    How important is it to you and your team to use sustainable materials and produce less waste? How can suppliers work with you to achieve these goals?