Quick Answer
- Product: contents, weight, and any oil, acid, or moisture concerns
- Size: width, height, gusset, and side-seal width where applicable
- Quantity: required units or roll-film volume
- Material: known laminate or required barrier and strength
- Printing: artwork status, color count, and print method if selected
- Destination: country or port for logistics planning
Start with the product
The contents determine the first technical questions. Dry snacks, roasted coffee, oily pet food, and acidic liquids place different demands on barrier, adhesive, sealant, and puncture resistance. Tell the supplier what goes inside, the fill weight, and how the pack will be filled and stored.
Define the finished dimensions
Provide width, height, bottom or side gusset, and seal dimensions where relevant. State whether the figures describe the finished bag or the artwork. A reference sample or drawing prevents a supplier from pricing a different usable volume.
State quantity and printing needs
Quantity affects the practical printing route, production setup, and material planning. Include the number of designs, required colors, and whether artwork is ready. Digital printing can suit smaller runs and multiple versions, while gravure supports larger repeat orders.
Explain material and delivery requirements
If you know the laminate, list its layers. If not, describe shelf-life, light barrier, moisture barrier, puncture resistance, heat-seal, and temperature needs. Add the destination country or port so the commercial offer can address delivery rather than stopping at an incomplete factory price.
When to send a sample
Send an existing pack when matching its feel, dimensions, seal layout, or material structure matters. Softtime Packaging can analyze the sample so the proposed construction is based on the actual pack and the risk of a bulk-production mismatch is reduced.
Decision Guide / Recommendation
Prepare one brief containing all six inputs before requesting prices. Ask the factory to recommend the material when performance is clear but the laminate is not. For an existing package, send a physical sample alongside the brief.
FAQ
Can I request a quote without knowing the material?
Yes. State the product, fill weight, storage conditions, shelf-life needs, and required barrier or strength. The factory can recommend a suitable laminate.
Why does the supplier need the destination?
The destination country or port is needed to assess logistics and present a useful delivered-cost option when requested.
Should dimensions include the gusset?
Yes. Give width, height, gusset depth, and relevant seal widths, and clarify that they are finished bag dimensions.
Does artwork need to be finished before quoting?
Final artwork is not always required, but the number of designs, expected color count, and printing requirement should be clear.
When should I send a physical sample?
Send one when you need to match an existing package or when the material structure, size, seal layout, or feel is uncertain.
Get a Packaging Recommendation
Send these details so our technical team can recommend a practical structure and prepare an accurate quotation.
- Product and fill weight
- Finished size, including relevant side seals or gussets
- Order quantity
- Material structure or performance needs
- Printing requirement and color count
- Destination country or port
If you have a physical sample, send it for material-structure analysis and closer matching.
Request a Packaging RecommendationProduct catalog: Three-Side Seal Bag, Roll Film, Stand-Up Pouch, Flat Bottom Pouch, Zipper Pouch, PE Vacuum Bag, Aluminum Foil Bag, T-Shirt / Vest Bag, Spout Pouch, Coffee Packaging, and Pet Food Packaging.