Finding high-quality packaging starts with finding a supplier your business can rely on. So how do you find a supplier that creates high-quality packaging and can accommodate the changing needs of your business? It starts with asking the right questions. In this article, we’ll share six questions to ask before choosing a packaging supplier so you can feel confident in your choice of vendor.
1. What Products and Services Do You Offer?
Understanding the breadth of what a supplier can do for you is an obvious starting point. Finding a supplier with broader capabilities can help you consolidate vendors, which saves you time and money. Some packaging manufacturers such as President Container Group handle everything from design to assembly and fulfillment, and even just-in-time stocking programs.
2. How Responsive Can You Be for My Business?
Effective communication, flexibility, and responsiveness can make a huge difference in a supplier relationship. Some packaging manufacturers and distributors are built for active collaboration, with dedicated account managers who stay in close contact to keep your orders on track and address concerns quickly. Others may be more transactional, where updates are sporadic and you might have to wait long periods for responses.
A supplier who values responsiveness can be a valuable partner. This is especially true for maintaining inventory levels and troubleshooting when something goes wrong. For instance, if you accidentally ordered fewer boxes than you need or your stretch wrap dispenser isn’t working properly and is slowing down packing rates, having a supplier who can support you when you’re in a pinch can be critical for business.
3. What Are Your Lead Times?
If you work with tight schedules, you should understand your potential supplier’s lead time. Long lead times are high risk. Even the smallest delays can lead to huge disruption to your supply chain. Suppliers with domestic manufacturing capabilities are better positioned to provide faster delivery times than those relying on imported goods.
4. What Is Your Process for Quality Control?
A strong quality control system is critical to ensure your packaging meets the necessary standards. It’s important to ask potential suppliers about their inspection practices and how they prevent errors that could affect your supply chain.
Ideally, they’ll have robust checks at each stage—from material sourcing to final inspection. Knowing the details can reveal whether they’re equipped to consistently meet your requirements.
5. Can You Scale With My Business?
The ability to grow alongside your business is an essential factor in a successful long-term partnership. As your operations expand, you’ll want to make sure your supplier can adapt accordingly.
The key is to find a partner that’s nimble. Consider suppliers that operate like a family-owned business—ones that are flexible in how they work and will go above and beyond to meet your needs. On the same note, they should also be large enough to accommodate growing packaging orders without missing a beat.
6. How Sustainable Are Your Production Practices?
If sustainability is a priority for your business, it’s critical to ask suppliers how they are actively working to reduce their impact on the environment. Do they use sustainable materials? Are they committed to reducing waste in their process and contributing to a safer and healthier community in which they operate?
By aligning with packaging suppliers that prioritize sustainable practices, you not only support your company’s goals but also enhance your brand’s appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. The right supplier should understand your sustainability objectives and be able to help you achieve them.
Find A Packaging Supplier Committed to Your Success
Choosing a packaging supplier is about more than just cost. It’s also about finding a partner who will support your growth and uphold your standards for quality and service.
At President Container Group, we not only offer high-quality custom and stock containers for your every need, but we also provide a level of partnership unmatched by any other supplier. With on-demand access to a dedicated sales rep and expedited order fulfillment, we’re here to help your business succeed and grow.
Connect with a packaging specialist to discuss how we can meet your specific needs and become an effective and efficient link in your supply chain.