Questions buyers ask us
Fifteen answers, grouped by where you are in the order. If yours is not here, send it with your enquiry and a sales engineer will reply within one working day.
Before you order
What is the minimum order?
500 pieces for most rigid boxes and paper bags, and 1,000 pieces for folding cartons and mailers. Smaller trial runs are possible on digital presses at a higher unit price.
What do you need to give a quote?
The box style or a reference photo, the size of the product that goes inside, the quantity, the print and finish you have in mind, and the destination country. If you are not sure about the material, tell us what the box has to carry and we will suggest one.
Can you print our brand and design?
Yes. Everything we make is custom printed to the buyer's artwork. We sign non-disclosure agreements and never show a client's packaging without permission.
Can you help with artwork?
Send your logo and a reference, and our prepress team returns a print-ready dieline for approval at no charge.
Samples
How long does a sample take?
A plain structural sample takes 2 to 3 days. A fully printed sample on production stock takes 5 to 7 days. Courier to most countries adds 3 to 5 days.
Is the sample free?
A plain sample is free and you pay the courier. A printed sample is charged at cost, and the fee is refunded against your first order over 3,000 pieces.
Will the production run match the sample?
The printed sample is made on the same paper and with the same finishes as the run. One signed sample stays at the press, and colour is measured against it every 500 sheets.
Production
What is the production lead time?
12 to 18 days after sample approval for most orders. Hand-assembled rigid boxes above 50,000 pieces take 20 to 25 days.
Can we change the artwork after approving the sample?
Yes, until printing plates are made, which is usually two days after the deposit. Changes after that mean new plates and a few extra days, and we will tell you the cost before doing anything.
How do you check quality?
Every order passes three inspections: incoming materials, in-process checks at each line, and AQL 2.5 sampling of finished goods. You receive a photo report before the balance is due.
Shipping
Which shipping terms do you offer?
FOB Shenzhen, CIF to your port, or DDP to your warehouse in the US, EU, UK and the Gulf states. Under DDP the price includes freight, duty and local delivery.
How are the boxes packed?
Rigid boxes ship assembled, or flat where the style allows it. Cartons, mailers and bags ship flat. Everything is packed in export cartons on pallets, with your shipping marks.
How long does shipping take?
Sea freight takes 18 to 35 days to main ports, depending on the route. Air freight takes 5 to 8 days and suits samples and urgent part-shipments.
Payment
How do we pay?
30% deposit by T/T and the balance before shipment. Letters of credit are accepted for orders above USD 30,000.
In which currency do you quote?
US dollars by default. We can also quote in euros on request, fixed for 30 days.