Many overseas brands send short messages like “I need boxes, please quote me”. Without key specifications, manufacturers can only give rough estimated prices. Lots of back‑and‑forth confirmation will slow down your whole project. Buyers who submit clear inquiry information will receive accurate quotation in shorter time.
1. Essential basic information for quotation
- Box style: magnetic rigid box, folding gift box, mailer box, standard carton. Reference images or artwork files are acceptable. Artwork files help us give you a more accurate quote.
- Order quantity: Our MOQ is 500 pcs. Unit price varies significantly across different order volumes.
- Finished box dimensions: length × width × height outer size. If box size is not finalized, send your product dimensions for our box‑size recommendation.
- Application scenario: Perfume, beauty, electronics or gift, for e‑commerce or retail counter, helps us suggest proper material grade.
2. Printing & finishing requirements
‑ Printing: CMYK process, Pantone spot colors, single‑sided or double‑sided printing.
‑ Surface finish: matte / glossy lamination, hot stamping, spot UV, emboss. You may ask manufacturer for suggestions if unsure.
‑ Inner insert: paper tray, EVA foam, sponge or flocked insert.
3. Artwork & reference material
- Vector AI or PDF artwork is preferred. Artwork files enable much more accurate quotation. If design is not finished, render pictures or sample photos work well.
- If you have physical sample, share multi‑angle photos for us to replicate or improve.
4. Logistics, trade terms & lead‑time expectation
- Destination country or city for freight calculation.
- Trade terms: EXW, FOB etc. Clarify factory pickup or delivery to your warehouse.
- Timeline expectation: target sample lead‑time and mass‑production completion date for production scheduling.
5. Common poor‑inquiry mistakes
‑ Only send render images without real dimensions, leads to big price gap later.
‑ Frequently change quantity and specifications, requires repeated re‑quotation.
‑ Only describe “luxury box” without visual reference, both sides hold different understanding.
‑ Ignore overseas compliance requirements such as FSC or PPWR until later stage, causing full‑spec revision.
6. Copy‑paste inquiry template for your reference
Hi, I need custom packaging for XX product. Product dimension: L×W×H. Preferred box style: XXX. Order quantity: pcs. Required finish: lamination / hot stamping etc. Destination country: XX. Artwork ready / pending. Please send your quotation.
7. Approve samples before mass production
After all specifications are aligned, approve physical pre‑production sample to verify dimension, print and finishing. Once everything meets expectation, you can proceed with mass‑production for your required quantity.
Clear and complete inquiry lays the foundation for smooth cooperation, minimizing repeated messages and speeding up your packaging project.