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Custom Food Packaging: What to Prepare Before Requesting a Quote

A useful custom food packaging quote starts with a clear brief. If suppliers receive different assumptions about size, material, lids or packing, their prices may be difficult to compare.

You do not need a finished technical drawing to begin. A product description, a few measurements and your expected order quantity can provide a starting point. This checklist explains what to prepare and which details to confirm before placing an order.

1. Describe the food and how the packaging will be used

Start with what you plan to pack. A container for cold sushi has different requirements from a box for a hot burger or a tray for fresh produce.

Tell your supplier:

  • The food type and typical portion weight
  • The temperature when the food is packed
  • Whether the food is oily, moist, acidic or served with sauce
  • The expected time between packing and consumption
  • Any refrigeration, freezing or reheating requirements

These details help narrow down suitable options. Confirm the intended use of the specific finished product rather than assuming that every product made from the same material performs alike.

2. Provide dimensions and the required format

Measure the space the food needs, including toppings, wrapping and any separate sauce portions. State whether your measurements refer to the inside or outside of the packaging.

  • Length, width and depth, or diameter and height
  • Required usable capacity or portion size
  • Single-compartment or divided layout
  • Preferred shape and lid clearance
  • Any restrictions imposed by delivery bags, shelves or packing equipment

If you have an existing package, photographs and a sample can help explain the requirement. Dimensions should still be confirmed: similar-looking products from different factories may not have identical measurements.

3. Explain your material preference and performance priorities

If you prefer bagasse, bamboo fibre, starch-based materials or paper packaging, include that in your brief. If you have not selected a material, describe the performance you need and ask which options are available.

Useful priorities include rigidity, food presentation, grease resistance, moisture resistance and stacking performance. These should be assessed for the selected product under realistic conditions.

Also specify any required material composition or supporting documentation. Terms such as “plant-based,” “biodegradable” and “compostable” do not mean the same thing and should not be treated as interchangeable specifications.

4. Specify the lid or closure

Make clear whether the quote should include a lid. A low price for a base alone cannot be compared directly with a price for a complete base-and-lid set.

  • Attached hinged lid or separate lid
  • Transparent or opaque lid
  • Preferred lid material, if known
  • Closure and handling requirements
  • Whether bases and lids should be packed together or separately

For bags, specify the closure type. A single-use self-adhesive flap is different from a zipper designed for repeated opening and closing.

5. Prepare branding requirements and artwork

Decide whether you need plain packaging, direct printing, embossing, labels or a paper sleeve. Availability depends on the product, production process and order quantity.

If artwork is ready, send the available files and identify the intended print area and colours. Ask the supplier which file format and colour references are required.

If artwork is not ready, a logo and a reference layout can support an initial discussion. Confirm the final artwork, print position and approval process before production. Ask whether design, plates, tooling or other setup costs are quoted separately.

6. State order quantities and purchasing plans

Provide an estimated quantity for each product, size and design. A total quantity spread across several variants may be treated differently from one design ordered in a single production run.

Include your initial order quantity, expected repeat orders and whether the project is a trial or a regular supply requirement. Ask suppliers to confirm MOQ for each variant and explain what is included in any price tiers.

7. Confirm packing and delivery details

Packaging affects storage space, transport costs and daily handling. Ask for units per inner pack, units per carton, carton dimensions and gross weight. Confirm whether a lid is counted separately or as part of a set.

Provide the destination country and delivery location, and state whether you need a freight estimate. Quotations should identify the currency, delivery terms and any transport or import costs that are excluded.

Share your required arrival date. Confirm the production lead time and estimated transit time separately, including any time needed for artwork approval, samples or tooling.

8. Request samples and relevant documentation

Before committing to a larger order, discuss sample availability and test the packaging with your own food and handling process.

Confirm whether the sample is an existing stock item, a printed sample or a newly developed design. Ask which details may differ from the final production version.

Request food-contact documentation appropriate to the product, intended use and destination market. If your project requires compostability certification or other environmental evidence, check that the documents cover the specific finished product and relevant components.

How to compare packaging quotations

Use the same specification when comparing suppliers. Check the material, usable dimensions, product weight or thickness, lid inclusion, printing, packing, quantity and delivery terms.

Ask suppliers to identify substitutions or assumptions in their offers. A quote based on an existing mould may differ substantially from one that requires new tooling.

The lowest unit price is only one part of the decision. Compare the complete package, sample performance, documentation, supply arrangements and total delivered cost.

A brief you can copy into your enquiry

  • Product to be packed:
  • Portion weight and packing temperature:
  • Required dimensions or capacity:
  • Preferred material and shape:
  • Lid or closure requirements:
  • Branding and artwork:
  • Quantity per size or design:
  • Packing requirements:
  • Destination and required arrival date:
  • Required documents:
  • Reference photos, drawings or samples:

Discuss your packaging project with WILDS

You can start with the information you already have and identify any details that still need confirmation. WILDS brings together manufacturing and supply chain experience to help customers review product selection, customisation and delivery requirements.

Explore our food packaging options, or send your packaging brief to WILDS to discuss available specifications, samples, MOQ and a quotation.