The Complete Packaging Buyer's Guide

Everything a buyer needs before placing an order: specifying a box, comparing quotes fairly, minimum orders, lead times and the hidden costs to watch for.

Buying packaging looks simple until you compare two quotes and realise they are not for the same thing. This guide walks through how to specify what you need, how to compare suppliers on a like for like basis, and where the real costs sit.

Start with the product, not the box

Measure the product, not the packaging you use today. Length, width and height of the product itself, plus the protection you need around it. Internal box dimensions are always quoted L x W x H, and they should be the dimensions your product actually needs once void fill or inserts are allowed for.

What a complete specification includes

• Internal dimensions in millimetres, in L x W x H order.
• Board grade and flute, for example single wall 125BC or double wall 150BC.
• FEFCO style, such as 0201 for a standard slotted case.
• Print requirement: plain kraft, one colour, or none at all.
• Annual usage and call-off pattern, so stock holding can be priced in.
• Delivery constraints: tail lift, timed slots, pallet height limits.

Comparing quotes fairly

Check whether the price is per box or per bundle, whether tooling or setup charges apply, whether delivery is included, and what the minimum order quantity is. A lower unit price with a 5,000 piece minimum is not cheaper if you only use 800 a year and have to store the rest.

The costs people forget

• Storage: pallets of packaging occupy racking that could hold finished goods.
• Carriage: an oversized box moves you into a higher courier weight or size band.
• Damages: under-specified board costs far more in replacements and credits.
• Labour: a box that needs taping on all edges is slower to pack than one that does not.
• Compliance: EPR fees are charged on the packaging weight you place on the market.

Questions worth asking any supplier

• Do you manufacture, or do you buy in and resell?
• Will you make a physical sample before I commit?
• Is there a setup or tooling charge for a bespoke size?
• Can you hold stock and let me call it off?
• Who is my named contact when something goes wrong?

At Barton Jones we manufacture in-house in Letchworth, make samples before you commit, and there is no tooling charge on box-maker sizes, with die-cut formes quoted up front. If you want a second opinion on a current line, send us one product you ship regularly.