For many different businesses, finding the right packaging supplier is crucial, but, with so many options available, it is not easy to winnow the field and make the right choice. There are a number of factors and considerations that must evaluated to ensure you are choosing the right packaging supplier for your business. It is not a one size fits all situation and your packaging and partnership needs will likely be different from other companies. 

Taking the time to research your options upfront will ensure a strong, long term partnership with your chosen packaging supplier. Many companies will rush to make a decision or not consider all the key components necessary and either choose an inadequate option, or an option that is not a good fit for them. The time and resources saved by rushing the vetting process is then wasted with issues had with their selected supplier and having to go through the same vetting process again, when the partnership quickly deteriorates.

There are a number of key factors to research and ask packaging manufacturers or distributors about when considering them. As no two businesses are identical, your packaging needs will not be identical either. Be sure to understand what is important to your business and select a supplier that checks off those boxes. Learn more about the process for finding that perfect fit for you in our ultimate guide below.

Selection

As we have mentioned, when it comes to packaging solutions: one size does not fit all. Even if your product will easily fit into a ordinary rectangular box or a standard-issue plastic bag, you will want to ensure your potential packaging supplier carries sufficient supplies of exactly the size you need. The trend toward environmental stewardship puts a premium on reducing packaging while keeping products safe and fresh. The more items you make or sell, the more critical this requirement becomes. You need a packaging manufacturer that can accommodate all your needs, or else you risk unnecessarily complicating your supply chain by sourcing products from multiple vendors.

It often makes sense to choose a packaging supplier with a large selection of products, so your packaging supplier can grow with you. While your packaging needs may be small to start, hopefully your packaging needs expand as your business prospers. Choosing a supplier who fits your current and potential future needs will ensure this.

Logistics

Working with a packaging supplier that has everything you need in its warehouse is a great start, but it won’t do you a lot of good if that’s where it stays. No matter how streamlined and automated your supply chain is, there will come a time when you need packaging material in hours, not days. It’s best to analyze your packaging distributor’s delivery capabilities before that time comes. A partner willing to go the extra mile or work the extra hour to get things there when you require them rather than on its schedule is worth engaging. Ask competing vendors about their expedited delivery policies and charges and their order fulfillment historical records. Of course, you will want to minimize the times you are forced to use and pay for unscheduled deliveries, so seek out a packaging partner that will restock your supplies frequently, preferably from a nearby distribution center, to keep the threat of stockouts low. Suppliers and distributors with multiple stocking and distribution centers will also increase the chance of getting the supplies you need, even when your local branch is out of stock.  

Industry Savviness

A packaging supplier’s field experience and years in business are strong indicators of its ability to anticipate your needs and meet your expectations. A distributor that works with healthcare, food, retail, and manufacturing clients, for instance, has the advantage of observing challenges faced by similar companies and devising packaging solutions that can be applied throughout the industry. Suppliers that have worked with established leaders in these verticals probably have developed proven practices for streamlining their operations and cutting their costs so they can offer more attractive rates.

Be sure to ask any potential packaging suppliers on your short list for:

• Customer referrals
• Testimonials
• Case studies

Cost

While other factors do obviously matter, cost is always going to be a major consideration when choosing a packaging provider. The cost paid for boxes, cartons, bags, and other packaging directly affects a company’s profit margins and competitiveness. And while every company wants packaging to make the smallest impact on profitability as possible, it is important to focus on value over product cost.

When considering your options, be sure to get specifics on packaging pricing but also be sure to get samples of the products prior to any commitment. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for, and the cheapest option often comes with product issues that are not worth the small cost savings.

Another crucial part of cost considerations is what else comes with your financial investment with your packaging supplier. Some cheaper options may lack the customer support, fast delivery times, research and development, etc that slighter more expensive suppliers offer. This is why focusing on value per dollar is the best approach to finding the most cost effective solution for your company. 

Customization

Increased competition has driven businesses in every industry to emphasize branding and niche marketing to develop their target markets. You can leverage packaging design and printing to attract customers and carve out a unique competitive position. But only if your packaging manufacturer has the capabilities to deliver these products. Your supplier or distributor should at least offer distinctive colors, messaging, and designs. It’s even better if they can custom imprint your logo or slogan on boxes and bags. Custom packaging options can even help you display your products more attractively, spurring impulse purchases of food, decorative items, and other merchandise with aesthetic appeal. And even if you don’t need custom solutions to start, it is nice to know you have this option available, if and when you do want them. 

All these categories combined are an excellent checklist to keep on hand when considering packaging suppliers. Depending on your industry and the clientele you serve, some may be non-negotiable while others are merely nice to have. As long as you can trust your packaging solutions provider to come through on its contractual obligations, you can decide which issues to demand and which you can forgo in the interest of cost and simplicity. 

LK Packaging has been providing businesses and distributors with customized full-service packaging solutions for retailers and food operations, industrial, and healthcare companies nationwide since 1968. Our eight distribution centers deliver high-quality, ready-to-ship packaging and customized solutions that drive business growth. Find out what we can do for you.