Whether it is a startup or an existing business, it is vital to avoid in-house packaging. Startups have challenge of deciding whether to raise money to purchase packaging equipment. In case they raise the money for the equipment, the products they were packaging might fail to gain popularity in the market leading to losses. Hiring contract packagers until the products for sale gain popularity is the best thing. The following are pointers to getting great contract packaging services.
Hiring the wrong packager will not help your startup in any way. Therefore, take time and look for contract packaging services who are highly flexible. The ability to adapt is very critical because changes are obvious or inevitable when it comes to business. Get packagers who can meet your schedule even when last minute changes occur. Before picking a company, make sure you know how they are going to handle any unforeseen challenges and still meet the deadline.
Location of the packagers is paramount. Their location is what will determine the amount of money you will spend on transportation and convenience. Picking a company that is within the proximity of where packaging will take place is wise. It is also advantageous to work with packagers who are close to your product consumers or raw materials. The ideal packagers should be in a position to reach the desired distribution center easily.
When seeking these services, it is important to consider the cost of doing business. Look for the most affordable services but stay far away from packagers that charge the lowest prices in the market. The services quality of cheap packagers may be compromised. Do not consider cost solely, other aspects like customer needs, timeline, materials and the experience of the packers are vital. Ask for quotes from each of the candidates and analyze them to identify the one with the best price.
Not every packager out there can handle your orders. This may be because of inadequate personnel and machinery. So, find out the capabilities of the potential candidates in relation to the scope of your project. You can confirm the capabilities and the handling capacity of prospective candidates by asking them to walk you through their process of packaging. Find out the machinery that will be used and the staff who are to work on your project to determine if they will be efficient and timely.
Check if the company or the packaging service can provide a warehouse. Some businesses deliver orders in large numbers. If you have to look for a warehouse in a short time, you are bound to experience a lot of hassle. The best option is to hire packagers who can provide a warehouse and manage your inventory when needed as it can save a lot of time and money. Such packagers can also help streamline the whole process of packaging and shipping.
Some packagers who are only after making profits can be tempted to use inferior materials for packaging to increase profit margins. This can lead to losses on your side in case the products are damaged. As a rule of the thumb you should employ packagers who use superior quality supplies and put a lot of effort in reducing carbon foot print through recycling.
Spotting contract packaging services that can provide bespoke packaging can give you a competitive edge over other businesses. The end customer will be attracted to products that look unique and more attractive on the shelves. Therefore, if you can find someone to package products based on your needs and preferences while providing more aesthetic appeal, the better.
Lastly, it is good to work with a problem solver. The packaging industry keeps changing with governments and local authorities introducing new rules and regulations on packaging and the supplies used in the process. Partner with professionals who can provide services that conform to the law to avoid issues with law keepers.
