What to Include in a Food Packaging Quotation Request

A useful quotation starts with a product that can be identified and a quantity that can be priced. Give the same brief to each supplier so differences in the offers are easier to understand.

A brief you can copy

• Product link or SKU:
• Dimensions / capacity / matching lid:
• Food or drink and use conditions:
• Quantity per size and design:
• Artwork and other customization:
• Pieces per pack and per carton:
• Destination and required arrival date:
• Sample and document requests:

Send your quotation request. Before accepting an offer, use the specification and carton checklist to compare the product and packing details.

1. Identify the product

Send a product link, SKU or reference photo. Include dimensions with units, capacity where relevant, and whether a lid or accessory is required. If several sizes look similar, list each one separately rather than asking for a general price range.

Not sure which format to choose? Browse the product catalog or start with your application.

2. Describe how it will be used

State the food or drink, serving temperature, expected contact time and handling conditions. For example, describe whether the pack holds soup during delivery or a dry bakery item on display. State any heating or storage requirements explicitly and ask for confirmation for the exact product.

3. Separate quantities by item and design

Give the requested number of pieces for each size, lid and printed design. If you buy by carton, request the piece count per carton too. Distinguish an initial trial order from an estimated reorder; an estimate is not a committed volume.

4. Specify the customization

Describe logo placement, colors, artwork status, wrapper needs and outer-carton marks. Ask what files are needed for the selected printing process. Keep artwork approval separate from product and sample approval.

Read the custom packaging brief for the details to prepare.

5. Include destination and timing

Provide the destination country and delivery location or port, along with the required arrival date. Ask the supplier to separate production time from transport time and state what the quoted amount includes. If several delivery options are offered, compare them on the same basis.

6. List the confirmations you need

Ask for the quoted specification, minimum order quantity, sample arrangements, packing breakdown and quote validity. Name any documents your buyer requires for the selected item and destination; do not assume a document for one product covers every product in a range.