Prepare your paper packaging brief

Send every supplier the same details about paper, finish and structure. Print this page or tick items off on screen as you go. Ticks aren't saved, so they clear when you leave the page.

1. Your product and packaging

Product name, weight, fragility and handling needs.
Box structure, die-cut outline and internal dimensions, with units.
The exact paper: stock name, grade, weight in gsm, thickness if quoted, colour and texture.
Printed sides, colours, coverage and number of artwork versions, plus any windows, fold lines and paper inserts.
Finishes such as foil, embossing or debossing, spot UV and lamination, with the side and artwork each one applies to.

2. Quantity and timing

A price for each quantity you're seriously considering.
Required delivery date and destination postcode.
Whether it's a first or repeat order, and anything that has changed.
How long the quote is valid and what has to happen before production starts.

3. Ask for itemised costs

Production total for each quantity and specification.
Cutting dies, foil and embossing tools, plates and artwork preparation, and which of these can be reused.
Structural and finish samples or proofs: what they cover, how you approve them, the price and delivery.
Delivery, and any freight or handling costs that aren't included.
Tax as an RM amount, and whether any of it is already included in the prices.
Minimum order quantity, how much over- or under-supply is allowed, and who pays for it.

4. Check before you decide

Paper, finish, dimensions and die-cut details match across the quotes, and samples confirm they work.
Each cost is marked as provided, included, not applicable or not provided.
Exclusions are written down, and no missing cost has been treated as zero.
You've compared the total you'll pay as well as the unit cost.
The dated quotations and any written clarifications are saved.

This checklist is for planning only and isn't a quotation. When the replies come in, check each one against this list.