How to choose a packaging manufacturer in China: a practical checklist

Sourcing packaging from China can cut your unit cost and open up finishes that are hard to find locally. It can also go wrong: bulk orders that don’t match the sample, missed launch dates, or a “factory” that turns out to be a middleman.

Use this checklist before you place your first order with any supplier — including us.

1. Factory or broker?

Many websites that look like factories outsource production. That isn’t always bad, but it means less control over quality and timing.

Ask for:

• A live video walk-through of the production floor — not just photos.
• Certificates in the company’s own name (for example FSC, BSCI, ISO 9001).
• Photos or video of your own order during production.

2. Certificates that matter for packaging

• FSC — the paper and board come from responsibly managed sources. Important if you make sustainability claims.
• BSCI — a social compliance audit of working conditions.
• ISO 9001 — a quality management system is in place.

Ask for the certificate numbers and check them yourself.

3. Samples — and what happens if bulk doesn’t match

This is where most problems start. Before you pay for production:

1. Approve a 3D mockup with your artwork.
2. Approve a physical production sample — made with the same paper and finish as your bulk order.
3. Agree in writing that the approved sample is the standard for bulk.

At Silk Packaging, if your bulk order doesn’t match the sample you approved, we remake it.

4. Color matching

Screens show color differently from print. Give your supplier Pantone references, not just a screenshot or “dark green”. Ask how they check color on every run against your sample.

5. MOQ and pricing

Minimums vary a lot between suppliers and box styles. Ask:

• What is the MOQ per design (and per size)?
• Is there a one-off setup cost (plates, tooling), or is it included in the unit price?
• How does the unit price change at 500, 1,000 and 5,000 pcs?

Read our MOQ guide to understand why minimums differ.

6. Lead times — and the calendar

Plan backwards from the date you need boxes in hand:

• Mockup → sample → production → shipping.
• Allow for Chinese public holidays, especially Chinese New Year, when many factories close for weeks.

Our typical timing: mockup about 7 days, sample 7–14 days, production about 15 days after sample approval, plus shipping.

7. Shipping and duties

Ask whether the supplier can ship DDP (delivered duty paid). DDP means the price includes import duties, so there are no surprise fees at your door. Also ask whether boxes ship flat — folding cartons, mailer boxes and collapsible magnetic boxes do, which lowers freight a lot.

8. Communication

You will have questions during production. Ask:

• Will you have one named contact from quote to delivery?
• How fast do they reply, and in which time zone?
• Will they send progress updates without being chased?

Quick checklist

Talk to us

We’re a factory-direct paper box maker in Hangzhou. Send Jin your product size and quantity and you’ll get options and a price within 24 hours — or request free samples to feel the quality first.