Use these points to control the next decision.
- Describe the packed product and risk before selecting a box style.
- State quantity as a range and request clear price-break assumptions.
- Include packing, destination, evidence and approval requirements in the first RFQ.
Product and use-case inputs
Provide product dimensions, packed weight, fragile zones, loose accessories, surface sensitivity, orientation, opening sequence, retail or e-commerce context, and expected storage or transport conditions. CAD, dimensioned drawings, or a physical product can reduce interpretation risk.
Explain whether the packaging is primary, secondary, gift, display, transport, or a combined system. This affects materials, inserts, labeling, testing and evidence requests.
- Product dimensions and weight
- Fragile or pressure-sensitive areas
- Accessories and documents inside
- Retail, gift, e-commerce or transport role
- Destination and expected distribution route
Structure, material and finish specification
If a structure is already selected, provide finished dimensions, dieline revision, opening direction, closure, insert layout, accessory positions and reference sample. If it is not selected, describe the required experience and constraints so suppliers can propose alternatives.
List material preferences as performance or appearance needs when exact grades are unknown. For finishes, state artwork area, effect, position, reference color and whether the result must match a physical standard.
| RFQ field | Minimum input | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Format, size, closure, opening | Controls board, tooling and assembly |
| Material | Appearance, strength, documentation need | Controls cost, print and evidence |
| Colors, coverage, artwork status | Controls process and color review | |
| Finish | Type, area, position, reference | Controls tooling and registration |
| Insert | Product geometry, removal, protection | Controls fit, material and labor |
Commercial, packing and destination inputs
Provide realistic quantity ranges, desired quotation currency, Incoterm, delivery point, required sample stage, target approval sequence, packing preferences, barcode or label requirements, destination, and whether freight should be quoted separately.
Request the quotation to separate tooling, sample, unit packaging, accessories, packing, optional finishes, freight and tax where applicable. This makes later changes easier to evaluate.
Require a structured supplier response
Ask suppliers to return the same fields: proposed specification, deviations, assumptions, unit basis, tooling, samples, packing, commercial terms, evidence availability, risks, open questions, and quotation validity. A structured response is easier to compare than a one-line price.
Where information remains unresolved, request options rather than silent assumptions. Mark every estimate that depends on final artwork, sample approval, testing or destination data.