Folding cartons are a versatile and popular packaging option for businesses of all sizes. They can be used to protect products during shipping, to display products on store shelves, and to create a lasting impression on customers. This is why finding the right custom folding carton supplier is important.
There are a number of factors you’ll need to consider when looking for a folding carton supplier, such as the supplier’s experience, capabilities, and location. You’ll also need to decide what type of folding cartons you need and how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips for choosing the right custom folding carton supplier for your business:
Start by defining your needs.
What type of folding cartons do you need?
There are many different types of folding cartons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some common types of folding cartons include tuck-end boxes, self-locking boxes, and die-cut boxes.
Check out our blog on the 7 types of Folding Cartons >>
What size will they be?
The size of your folding cartons will depend on the size of the products you’re shipping or displaying on store shelves. Ensure that your folding carton supplier can accommodate your needs to fit your products properly.
Once you’ve figured out how big your folding cartons should be, you’ll also need to consider the size of your shipping boxes and how many products you want to ship inside each box.
What printing options do you want from a folding carton supplier?
Do you want your folding cartons to be printed with full-color graphics? Do you need any special printing effects, such as foil stamping or embossing? It’s important to do your research on the supplier’s website or contact their Customer Service team to learn more about what they offer.
Do your research.
Once you have a list of a few potential folding carton suppliers, get quotes from several different suppliers before making a decision. This will give you a good idea of the range of prices and services that are available.
Tell them your needs and requirements.
The more detailed you can be, the better. This will help the supplier give you an accurate quote.
Does the folding carton supplier have instant quotes available?
With everything being online and everyone having instant access to the information we need, look for suppliers who can offer you a quick quote. Sttark has an online quoting tool where you can instantly see the price of your folding carton order after filling in your order specifications.
Be clear about your budget.
How much are you willing to spend on custom folding cartons? Some suppliers may have bulk pricing, so the more folding cartons you order, the better your pricing will be.
By getting quotes from several different suppliers and comparing them carefully, you can be sure to find the best possible deal on custom folding cartons.
What are the red flags to watch out for?
Some red flags to look out for when getting quotes from custom folding carton suppliers include:
- The supplier is not willing to provide a written quote.
- The supplier’s quote is significantly lower than the quotes from other suppliers.
- The supplier is not willing to answer your questions about the quote.
Consider the experience level of the folding carton supplier.
When you’re looking for a custom folding carton supplier, it’s important to consider the supplier’s experience. A supplier with a long history of success is more likely to be able to meet your needs and deliver high-quality products.
Do they have a good reputation?
Make sure to read their reviews online and reach out to other businesses that have worked with them about their experience. You can use websites like Google or Yelp to find reviews.
How long have they been in business?
Suppliers with a long history of success in the industry are typically reputable. Some print and packaging suppliers often expand their services into new avenues, like custom folding cartons, after providing other printing services for a while. These suppliers adapt to their customer’s needs and provide new solutions, which is also a good sign.
If you come across newer custom folding carton suppliers during your research, check to see if they have a good reputation for any of their other products or services.
Evaluate their printing capabilities.
In addition to considering the supplier’s experience, evaluating their capabilities is equally important. This includes the types of folding cartons they can produce, their printing options, and whether they offer printed proofs or samples for you to test out the product.
What types of folding cartons can they produce?
Not all suppliers are created equal. Some suppliers specialize in a particular type of folding carton, while others can produce a wide variety of cartons. It’s important to choose a supplier that can produce the type of carton you need.
What printing options do they offer?
You have to decide what you’d like your folding cartons to look like to know whether you need full-color printing or a supplier who offers special effects. The supplier should be able to provide you with a list of the printing options they offer.
Do they offer printed proofs or samples for you to test out the product?
Once you’ve chosen a supplier, it’s a good idea to request printed proofs or samples. This will allow you to see how the carton will look and feel before placing a large order.
At Sttark, we offer free sample packs, and printed proof for all orders can be purchased to see how your folding carton artwork will print on our machines.
Think about the location of the folding carton supplier.
When you’re looking for a custom folding carton supplier, it’s important to consider the supplier’s location. This is because shipping costs can vary depending on the distance between the supplier and your location.
How far away are they from you?
If the supplier is located far away, typically, shipping costs will be higher. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re ordering a large quantity of custom folding cartons.
If you plan to ship orders to different locations, ask the folding carton supplier if they offer this service or if they can do bling shipping to one of your customers. Blind shipping is when the folding carton supplier removes their branding from the packaging and sends the products to your customers for you.
We offer blind shipping and shipping to multiple locations at Sttark. Ask our Customer Care Team how to add this to your folding carton order.
Will shipping with the folding carton supplier be expensive?
To get an idea of how much shipping will cost, you can ask the supplier for a quote. They should be able to provide you with an estimate based on the weight and dimensions of your order.
What is their shipping policy?
You should ask the folding carton supplier about their rates, standard shipping times, and if they offer any expedited shipping options. Being able to compare each supplier’s shipping options will help you choose the best fit for your business needs.
Get a feel for the supplier’s customer service.
Customer service is an important factor to consider when choosing a custom folding carton supplier. After all, you want to be sure that you’re working with a supplier that is responsive to your needs and will be there to help you if there are any problems.
Calling the suppliers and talking to their customer service teams is a great way to get a feel for the folding carton supplier’s customer service. Here are some questions you can ask to assess the supplier’s customer service:
How quickly do they respond to emails and phone calls?
When you’re working with a custom folding carton supplier, you need to be able to get in touch with them quickly if you have any questions or problems. A good supplier will respond to your emails and phone calls promptly.
If the company offers a live chat feature, this can also be a good way to quickly get in touch with someone at the company or find the answer you’re looking for. You want the folding carton supplier you choose to be customer-focused and willing to help you resolve any issues quickly.
Are they helpful and knowledgeable?
When you’re working with a custom folding carton supplier, you need to be able to rely on them for help. A good supplier will be knowledgeable about their products and services and will be able to answer your questions in a clear and concise way.
Knowledgeable customer service teams will be able to give you recommendations for products and services that would be beneficial for you and answer any questions you have.
Are they willing to go the extra mile to meet your needs?
A good supplier will be willing to go the extra mile to meet your needs. This means being flexible, accommodating, and willing to work with you to find a solution that works for both of you.
When narrowing down your options for a custom folding carton supplier, you should evaluate how willing they are to help you find a solution to your problem.
Once you have done your research and have quotes from several suppliers, you can compare them to see which one best fits your needs. You should consider these factors when comparing suppliers: Price, Quality, Configurability, and Service.
- Price: The price of the custom folding cartons is obviously an important factor. You want to make sure the supplier you choose fits within your budget.
- Quality: The quality of the custom folding cartons is also important. Make sure to ask about the materials that will be used and the printing process.
- Configurability: The supplier’s printing options should fit your needs and the desired look for your folding cartons.
- Service: Make sure to ask about the supplier’s reputation and how they will handle any problems that may arise.
Things to Remember when choosing your folding carton supplier.
By taking the time to do your research and choose the right custom folding carton supplier, you can ensure that your products are packaged in a way that is both effective and stylish. This means finding a supplier that can provide you with high-quality folding cartons that are tailored to your specific needs, including the size, shape, and design of the cartons, as well as the type of materials used.
As you’re searching for the right supplier for your business, always remember:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you know about the supplier, the better equipped you’ll be to make a decision.
Get everything in writing. This includes the price, the timeline, and the specifications for your folding cartons.
Trust your gut. If you have a good feeling about a supplier, go with your gut.
Here’s a list of custom folding carton suppliers to help you get started.
1. Sttark
2. Packwire
3. Packlane
4. Packaging Blue
5. Uline
Choosing the right custom folding carton supplier is an important decision, as it can have a significant impact on your product packaging, branding, and sales. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure to find a supplier that meets your needs and helps you achieve your business goals.
By taking the time to choose the right custom folding carton supplier, you can ensure that your products are packaged in a way that is both effective and stylish. This can help to protect your products, promote your brand identity, increase sales, and reduce your environmental impact.
To inquire about Sttark’s folding carton options, feel free to Contact Us or visit our Custom Cartons product page to learn more.
