When businesses first get in touch with us, we get pretty much the same questions every time. And to be honest, we’re fine with that. These questions mean our clients are really thinking about their packaging.
The custom packaging supply market is projected to hit $71.10 billion by 2032. This surge is a big indicator of how important custom packaging is to businesses wanting to make a statement.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to answer the questions we get asked the most. If you’re a small startup or a bigger business, this info will surely help you.
What Information Do You Need From Me to Provide a Quote?
This is always the first question, and it makes sense. To get an accurate quote, we need the following info:
1. Material Type
- Paper products like cardboard, kraft paper, and corrugated
- Plastic types such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC
- Specialty options include metalized films and biodegradable choices
2. Thickness/Weight
- For boxes, it’s usually about GSM (grams per square meter).
- For bags, they use mils or microns to measure thickness.
- This has a big impact on how long something lasts and what it costs.
3. Structure and Design
- Box styles include tuck-end, mailer, and rigid boxes.
- Options for bags are stand-up pouches, flat bags, and gusseted ones.
- Special features can be things like windows, zippers, and handles.
4. Dimensions
- For boxes, think length, width, and height.
- For bags, check the width and length.
- Don’t forget to measure both inside and out.
5. Printing Requirements
- How many colors do you need
- Print area to be covered
- Finishing touches (matte, glossy, or UV coating)
- Do you want foil stamping or embossing
6. Quantity
- First batch size
- How often do you need to restock
- Projected demand
At HaiXu Packaging, we’re happy to accept trial orders, which is different from many suppliers who need big orders from the beginning.
What Are Your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)?
Here’s where we try to be as flexible as possible. Our standard MOQs are:
| Product Type | Minimum Order Quantity |
| Custom Boxes | 3,000 pieces |
| Custom Bags | 5,000 pieces |
| Blister Trays | 5,000 pieces |
If you’re new to testing products, we work with smaller quantities. Yes, the per-unit cost might be a bit higher, but it gives you the chance to test the waters.
Industry data shows that the majority of packaging suppliers have lowered their minimum order quantities (MOQs) since 2020. We caught onto this trend early, seeing that flexibility leads to more lasting partnerships.
How Long Does Production Take?
For simple structures, you’re usually looking at 7-15 working days. That said, there are a few things that can affect this timeline.
Faster Production (7-10 days):
- Basic box templates
- Easy-to-make bag setups
- One-color prints
- No fancy finishes
Standard Production (10-15 days):
- Custom-made shapes to order
- Printing in multiple colors
- Standard finishes like matte and glossy lamination
- Mid-level complexity designs
Extended Production (15-21 days):
- Unique building designs
- High-tech materials
- Several steps to get it right
- Big orders that need multiple print runs
We suggest planning ahead if you can, but we know that sometimes packaging needs to happen quickly.
What’s Your Payment Structure?
Our payment terms are designed to be fair and protect both parties:
Standard Terms:
- We require half of the total upfront when you confirm your order
- The remaining half is due before we deliver
We accept multiple payment methods:
- Bank transfers
- Wire transfers
- Company checks for our regular clients
- Major credit cards like Visa or MasterCard
Before you pay the balance, we’ll show you photos and videos of the products and packages. This way, you know exactly what you’re getting. For orders outside the country, we usually go with T/T payments because they’re reliable and cost less.
Can I See a Sample Before Placing My Full Order?
We highly recommend it. We can get you samples in a few ways:
Existing Similar Products: If we have something similar in stock, we can send you those samples.
Custom Samples: For totally custom jobs, customers usually cover tooling costs and shipping fees. However, the tooling cost is refundable based on the specifics.
What to Look for in Samples:
- How things feel and last
- Print quality and whether the colors are right
- If it’s built to last
- How it all comes together
For a lot of our clients, being able to see and touch a sample is the one thing that makes them feel confident. It really makes all the difference.
Are You a Manufacturer or a Trading Company?
We make our own packaging at our in-house facilities, focusing on plastic and cardboard since 2007. That difference actually makes a bigger impact than you’d expect.
Benefits of Working with a Manufacturer:
- Hands-on control over quality.
- No middleman means lower prices.
- Communication and issues get resolved more quickly.
- You can also make changes as needed during production.
- Plus, you get consistent quality across all your orders.
Our Capabilities:
- More than 150 people work in our production facilities
- We have over 2,000 happy customers around the globe
- Our manufacturing process helps keep costs low
- We’ve got the necessary certifications to guarantee consistent quality
As manufacturers, we’ve invested a lot in equipment and quality control systems, which lets us consistently deliver great results.
What Types of Custom Packaging Do You Offer?
At HaiXu Packaging, we specialize in two main categories:
Custom Packaging Boxes:
- Folding cartons that hold retail products
- Mailer boxes that send e-commerce items
- Rigid boxes for high-end products
- Corrugated boxes for safe shipping
- Display boxes used at the point of sale
Custom Paper Bags:
- Tote bags with handles
- High-end gift bags
- Food service bags
- Promotional bags for advertising
- Specialty bags for parties and events
Blister Trays:
- Electronics packaging
- Medical device packaging
- Consumer goods display
- Industrial component packaging
We also offer various printing and finishing options:
- Full-color offset printing
- Digital printing for short runs
- Hot stamping for a metallic look
- Embossing and debossing to add some texture
- UV coating for extra protection and a glossy finish
- Matte and gloss lamination options
How Do You Ensure Quality Control?
A faulty package can hurt your product and your brand’s reputation. That’s why, before we get started, we create a sample. This way, production will match exactly what you’ve approved. It’s a simple way to avoid any unexpected surprises.
In-Process Quality Checks:
- Checking the materials when they arrive
- Doing press checks during the print job
- Testing to make sure everything’s structurally sound
- Giving it a final once-over before packing it up
Documentation:
- Detailed work orders with specifications
- Photo documentation of approved samples
- Quality certificates are available upon request
Industry Standards: We make sure our certifications are up to date, and we follow global packaging rules.
What About Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Options?
Sustainability is becoming essential for business. The global market for sustainable packaging is on track to hit $240.52 billion by 2034.
Our Eco-Friendly Options Include:
- Recycled materials from old products and leftover factory supplies
- Paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, sourced from forests managed in a responsible way
- Biodegradable options instead of regular plastic
- Inks that are water-based, not solvent-based
- Packaging designs that use as little material as possible
Benefits for Your Business:
- Respond to growing consumer interest in eco-friendly products
- Meet the rising demand for environmental compliance
- Streamline your supply chain to cut back on waste
- Strengthen your brand’s green credentials
Lots of our clients have found that showcasing eco-friendly packaging really boosts their marketing.
Can You Handle Rush Orders or Expedited Shipping?
Yes, but with some conditions. Rush orders are doable, but they usually cost extra.
Rush Production Fees:
- Expect a 25-50% surcharge if you’re in a rush
- We’re limited to more basic designs and layouts
- Also, keep in mind our current production load
Expedited Shipping:
- Multiple shipping options are available.
- We offer air freight for international orders.
- You can get express shipping in your own country.
- We provide tracking info so you can stay up to date.
Planning Recommendations:
If you can, plan 4-6 weeks ahead for the best results. This gives you time for:
- Proper sample approval process
- Standard production timelines
- Cost-effective shipping methods
- Buffer time for any unforeseen issues
What About International Shipping and Customs?
We handle international shipping regularly. Here’s what you need to know:
Shipping Options:
- For big orders, sea freight is usually the cheapest way to go.
- If you’re in a hurry, air freight is a better option.
- For smaller orders or samples, express courier is the way to go.
Documentation:
- Commercial invoices that spell out what you’re shipping
- Packing lists with the right quantities
- A certificate of origin if the buyer needs it
- Are any industry certifications required for the job
Customs and Duties:
- Customs duties differ from country to country
- We accurately classify your products, so you’ve got the right info
- You’ll get the HS codes needed for smooth customs clearance
- We’re here to help with the paperwork, too
Delivery Tracking:
- Real-time shipment tracking
- Delivery confirmation
- Support throughout the shipping process
We can give you more details on international shipping once we know where you’re located.
How Do I Get Started with My First Order?
Starting your first order with HaiXu Packaging is straightforward:
- Step 1: Get in Touch
- Step 2: Fill in the Details
- Step 3: Get Your Quote
- Step 4: Check Out a Sample
- Step 5: We Get to Work
- Step 6: Final Check and Delivery
Need help with custom packaging? Check out “The Ultimate Guide to Custom Packaging Solutions.” Our guide explains design basics, selecting materials, and smart choices to elevate your brand.
Ready to Get Started?
Every successful packaging project begins by asking the right questions. You’ve now got the answers to the most common concerns, so you’re good to go about making informed decisions. At HaiXu Packaging, we can help you find the custom packaging for your business.
Get in touch with our team today to chat about what you need. Let us help you create packaging that keeps your products safe and boosts your brand.