Modern packaging necessities lead manufacturers and other companies to consider thorough research when it comes to selecting a packaging materials supplier. Packaging is a complex area and you need the right players to hit the ball high.
Let us go through a checklist of things to be considered before making a choice.
- Selection of materials
First, you need to assess whether the supplier deals with the materials you would require for your product packaging. Also, an important thing you need to know is whether they always have the stock when you need it. Do they source the required material in definite quantities as requested?
Is your item seasonal?
Some items are sold in specific seasons. Your supplier must be able to cope up with your seasonal material needs.
- Pricing
Pricing should be judged on two parameters - quantity & quality of the packaging material in comparison with that of other competitions. Here you must be clever enough to analyze on a higher perspective like customer service and delivery times rather than only considering the numbers.
- Quality
Product quality is of utmost importance. Ensure that the packaging materials you use adhere to the established quality standards while serving the specific needs of consumers.
- Service
Is your packaging materials vendor able to serve you when you decide to downsize or plan an expansion? Assess the ability of the vendor of being flexible to serve your changing requirements.
- Delivery
Though many would recommend that you order enough stock for use when needed, the truth is, it increases your warehouse costs and may cause loss when items are damaged/ expired even before they could be used. Look for a packaging materials supplier with stellar delivery track record.
- Reports
All said and done, the paperwork matters. Clear, easy-to-read documents, reports and accurate invoices are a primary requisite when it comes to a professional business relationship.
- Sustainability
Environment friendliness is worth a check point when you approach a packaging materials vendor as it represents your company's corporate social responsibility.
COMMUNICATION MATTERS
The untold secret to finding the right business deal is clear - transparent communication. You must ask the right questions to be well-informed about your specific requirements. This would enable you select a vendor who is flexible enough to scale up to your expectations with time.
