Buyer's packaging checklist
What information is needed for a packaging quotation?
A clear brief helps a packaging manufacturer compare the right structure, material, print, finishing and quantities. Use this checklist to reduce avoidable questions without guessing details that still need technical review.
The short version
For a useful first quotation, send the finished size, structure, material or GSM if known, printing colours, finishing, quantity tiers, artwork status and delivery requirement. A dieline, physical sample or clear photographs can help when the structure is difficult to describe.
Nine details that make a packaging brief quotable
Finished size
Give the assembled pack dimensions in millimetres—normally length × width × height. If the pack must fit a bottle, jar, tray or device, include the product dimensions and packing orientation too.
Open size or dieline
A flat/open size or existing dieline helps confirm the true sheet area and construction. If you do not have one, share a physical sample or clear photos and state that the structure still needs review.
Material and GSM
State the board or paper grade and GSM if known. If not, explain the product weight, desired rigidity, surface appearance and current packaging so the material can be discussed rather than guessed.
Printing colours
Confirm whether the artwork uses CMYK, Pantone colours or both, and whether printing is required on the inside as well as the outside. Supply Pantone references when colour matching matters.
Finishing
List required finishes such as matt or gloss lamination, hot foil, embossing or Spot UV. Mark the affected artwork areas where possible because coverage and tooling can affect feasibility and price.
Quantity tiers
Include every quantity you want compared—for example 5,000 and 10,000 pieces. Each tier should be costed independently because setup and production economics change with volume.
Artwork status
Say whether artwork is final, being prepared or still at concept stage. A print-ready file is not always required for an initial discussion, but final production review depends on the actual artwork and dieline.
Special construction
Describe inserts, windows, sleeves, auto-lock bases, unusual opening features, product support or packing-line constraints. Photographs or a reference sample are helpful when the structure is not standard.
Delivery and timing
Provide the delivery location, required date and any launch or packing deadline. These details help identify practical constraints, but timing remains subject to artwork approval, material availability and production review.
When information is missing
Mark unknowns instead of filling them in
If you do not know the board grade, dieline or exact finish, state that clearly and explain the performance or appearance you need. A responsible quotation should flag material uncertainty, unsupported construction or missing dimensions rather than silently assume them.