When working with your packaging vendor, there are some useful things you can consider that will make your experience as positive and productive as possible.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

You’ve always been taught that “there are no such thing as stupid questions”. I wouldn’t exactly say that, but even if you think it’s a stupid question, ask it anyway. After all, it’s your money, your business, your product packaging and you deserve to be informed. So allow me to alter this old adage a bit: “Some questions might indeed be stupid, but the people asking them are not!” So ask away!

Keep Meticulous Notes

I can’t stress enough the importance of being organized. Make detailed notes about:

1. emails and phone conversations including to whom you spoke and what was said
2. dates and times
3. artwork versions (name and date each version appropriately)

Understanding the Packaging Industry’s Jargon and Conventions

Negotiation and Compromise

We all want what we want, when we want it, and for the price we want – negotiation is the key to this. Generally speaking, people want your business, so there is always room for negotiation. And sometimes compromise must be done on both sides of the negotiation table. Knowing what is essential for your packaging to be successful and knowing what you can live without takes some discerning and experience.

Be Responsive Yourself

As you would expect the packaging vendor to be responsive to your questions and concerns, it is equally important for you to be the same way. Any delay in responding to questions from the packaging vendor can greatly delay your packaging production.