Packaging Brief Template: What to Include for an Accurate Quote

How to use this packaging brief

Use the sections below as a checklist when you write to a packaging printer, or print the page and fill it in by hand. You do not need every answer before you ask for a quote. If you are new to custom packaging, our complete guide to custom printed packaging explains each decision in more detail.

1. The product

• Product name and what it is (for example tea, candles, cosmetics, electronics).
• Exact dimensions of the product: length, width and height in millimetres. For several products in one box, the dimensions of each and how they sit together.
• Product weight, and whether it is fragile, liquid, heavy or awkward in shape.
• Whether the product is food, cosmetics or another regulated item, and whether it is wrapped before it goes in the box.
• Any inner packaging already used, such as a jar, bottle, pouch or bag.

2. The box and how it will be used

• How the box will be used: retail shelf, hanging display, e-commerce shipping, subscription box, gift or promotional pack.
• Whether it will be posted on its own or inside an outer shipping carton.
• The box style you have in mind, if any: tuck end, crash lock base, sleeve and tray, mailer, two-piece or hinged lid. Our box styles guide shows each one.
• The construction: folding carton, corrugated or rigid. If you are unsure, see folding carton vs corrugated vs rigid.
• Whether you need an insert to hold the product in place, a window, a hang tab or an easy-open tear strip.
• Whether the boxes should arrive flat or assembled and packed with product.

3. Quantity, budget and timing

• Quantity, ideally two or three options (for example a launch run and a repeat run).
• Whether you expect repeat orders and how often.
• Whether there are different versions (flavours, sizes or languages) and how many of each.
• A target price per box or overall budget, if you have one.
• The date you need the boxes delivered, and whether that date is fixed by a launch, a retailer or a trade show.

4. Print and finishes

• Print on the outside only or inside and outside.
• Colours: full colour (CMYK), brand Pantone spot colours, or both. See CMYK vs RGB vs Pantone.
• Lamination or coating: gloss, silk/matt, soft-touch or an uncoated feel.
• Special finishes: foil blocking (and colour), embossing or debossing, spot UV. Our packaging finishes guide explains each.
• Anything you need to match, such as existing packaging or a brand colour reference.

How we can help

Custom printed packaging

Folding cartons printed on our B2 Heidelberg litho presses, with lamination, foil, embossing and spot UV finished in-house at our Keighley site.

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5. Sustainability

• Whether you need FSC-certified board, and whether the FSC logo should appear on the box.
• Whether the box must be kerbside recyclable, which affects plastic windows, film laminates and some finishes.
• Any recycled content target.
• Whether you want to reduce the box size or remove an insert or outer carton.
• Any retailer or marketplace packaging requirements you have been given.

Our sustainable packaging guide covers how board, finishes and size affect recyclability.

6. Artwork, dieline and proofs

• Whether artwork is ready, in progress, or still to be designed.
• Whether you already have a dieline for this box, and who it came from.
• Who your designer is, so we can talk to them directly about the dieline and file set-up.
• Whether the box needs a barcode, and whether you already have the GTIN. GS1 has placement rules for barcodes on packs.
• Required text: ingredients, warnings, recycling marks, country of origin, contact details.
• Whether you need a physical sample before the full run, as well as a digital proof.

When you are ready to design, our guide to setting up packaging artwork and dielines explains bleed, panels, barcodes and finish layers.

7. Delivery and packing

• Delivery address, and whether it is one drop or split across several sites or a fulfilment centre.
• Any delivery restrictions: booking-in, pallet size, tail-lift or opening hours.
• How the boxes should be packed: in cartons, by quantity, on pallets.
• Whether you need hand assembly or packing of products into the boxes. We offer handwork and contract packaging in-house.
• Your contact name, phone number and email, and who signs off the proof.