Short answer: Have these seven items ready: 1) product type, 2) size, 3) quantity per SKU, 4) artwork status, 5) coating/finish, 6) destination & Incoterms, 7) target timeline. With all seven, we quote accurately within 24 hours — without them, expect two rounds of back-and-forth first.
The 7-Item Checklist
1. Product type
Paper bowl, paper cup (single/double wall), cold drink cup, lid — and whether you need a matching lid. “Paper bowls with lids” and “bowls only” are different quotes.
2. Size
Ounces or milliliters per SKU (e.g., 12oz / 16oz / 32oz). If you’re unsure which sizes fit your menu, tell us the use case (salad, soup, ice cream) and we’ll recommend.
3. Quantity per SKU — not just the total
This is the item buyers most often get wrong. Our MOQ is 30,000 pcs per size-and-artwork combination, so quote quantity the same way: list each SKU as size × artwork × quantity. “100,000 pcs total across 5 SKUs” tells us far less than “20,000 × 5 SKUs.”
4. Artwork status
Pick the closest:
- Print-ready files (AI/EPS/PDF on dieline) → fastest path to proofing
- Design in progress → we send the dieline; you build on it
- Logo only / idea stage → tell us coverage (full-wrap vs. single logo) and colors so we can estimate setup
5. Coating and finish
Standard food-contact coating is the default. Mention it if you need anything specific — and note that specialty finishes can affect MOQ and lead time.
6. Destination and trade terms
Port or city of destination, and your preferred terms (EXW / FOB / CIF / DDP). Freight is a real part of landed cost; quoting without the destination means quoting half the number.
7. Target timeline
When do you need goods in hand? Work backward: bulk production runs about 30 days after sample approval, samples take about 7 days, and your own approval step is usually the longest variable. Give us the in-hand date and we’ll tell you honestly whether it fits.
What Happens After You Submit
- Within 24 hours: We confirm specs or ask the 1–2 questions your checklist didn’t cover.
- Quotation: Unit pricing per SKU, setup/plate notes, production timeline, and trade terms — no hidden line items.
- Samples (~7 days): Physical samples of your top SKUs for approval.
- Bulk production (~30 days): Starts after you approve samples.
The Three Delays We See Most
- Quantity quoted as a lump total, then re-spec’d per SKU (adds a round trip)
- Artwork “almost ready” for three weeks (the #1 timeline killer — finalize before proofing)
- Destination added late, changing the entire landed-cost math
All three are avoidable with the checklist above.
FAQ
Can I get a quote with just a product idea and no files?
Yes — items 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 are enough for a budgetary quote. Artwork details get refined at the sampling stage.
Do you charge for quotations or samples?
Quotations are free. Ask us about current sample terms when you inquire — sample cost is typically credited against your bulk order.
How long is a quote valid?
Material and freight markets move; confirm the validity period on your quotation (typically 30 days) and lock it by approving samples promptly.
Have the checklist ready? Request your free quote — specs in hand means an accurate price within 24 hours. New to the process? Start with how custom printing works or what MOQ really means.
