This is the final part of a three part series. Click here to read part one.

Evaluating packaging design companies means more than finding the supplier with the lowest price.  Several qualifications come into play when you make this important selection.  It’s important to take the time necessary to make sure your supplier can deliver even the most demanding packaging project to the highest standards.You must evaluate many crucial criteria when hiring package design companies, including the following:

Communication and Customer Service Processes.  Solid communication is important to any project’s success.  Does your prospective vendor have workable processes in place?

Do they seem genuinely vested in your satisfaction during every step of the project?  Does the supplier have a good track record with its customers and can you confirm performance levels through customer references?

Are the project approach and internal processes well defined, established and easy to understand?  Well qualified packaging design companies will thoroughly analyze all aspects of your project, from design and manufacturing to presentation and delivery in the marketplace. The company should be able to electronically transmit designs that can be viewed through generic, free software viewers (ie: Adobe Acrobat, e-Viewer, etc.) without you purchasing costly, vendor specific design software.

Finally, make sure you have ample opportunities to provide input and feedback.  Milestones should be established throughout the project to solicit your participation.  These developmental milestones can include, at a minimum, an initial customer conference, virtual design concept, prototype form, production molding and part approval.

Packaging design companies meeting the above criteria make good candidates for further consideration.  The best partnerships not only deliver your packaging project on-time, within budget and to your exact quality specifications, but also lay the groundwork for a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

For more information on packaging design, contact Flexpak today!

This is part two of a three part series. Click here to read part one.

Evaluating packaging design companies means more than finding the supplier with the lowest price.  Several qualifications come into play when you make this important selection.  It’s important to take the time necessary to make sure your supplier can deliver even the most demanding packaging project to the highest standards. You must evaluate many crucial criteria when hiring package design companies, including the following:

Audited Systems and Procedures.  A registered ISO 9001 manufacturing facility means the supplier has achieved a level of manufacturing capability that is confirmed by outside sources.

Financial Stability.  You should look for packaging design companies that have been in business several years.  This longevity often equates to greater financial viability in terms of purchasing power.

You want to be sure your packaging supplier has sufficient capital or credit to purchase the necessary raw materials for your projector your project could be delayed.

Customization.  You want your solution tailored to your specific requirements not a “one-size-fits-all” solution.  Your products are unique so your packaging should conform to any special design features.

Delivery Ability.  Your supplier should be able to demonstrate how they can deliver your packaging project as required, especially if you have a time-sensitive deadline. Request a major milestone schedule that complies with your forecasts and demand requirements.

Adequate Facilities.  You can learn much about a supplier by visiting the facilities.

For example, site appearances often relate to the job you can expect on your product and tooling.  Evaluate the cleanliness and environment of each building.   Inspect the manufacturing equipment.  Poorly maintained equipment could pose some concern for your end product’s quality.

Evaluate package design companies from a technology standpoint.  Does the firm use the latest computer technologies?  Suppliers should be able to demonstrate how they advance in-house capabilities and skills on a continual basis.

In Part 3 of this series we will continue to look at what you should consider when comparing packaging design companies.For more information on packaging design, contact Flexpak today!

Evaluating packaging design companies means more than finding the supplier with the lowest price.  Several qualifications come into play when you make this important selection.  It’s important to take the time necessary to make sure your supplier can deliver even the most demanding packaging project to the highest standards.

Since vendor performance can cause your packaging project to succeed or fail, you can’t afford to select the wrong partner.  You must evaluate many crucial criteria when hiring package design companies, including the following:

Full-Service.  You may want to consider packaging design companies that can design, prototype, produce, assemble and package your product.  Even if you don’t need all these capabilities, the supplier will likely have greater knowledge from doing all these functions.  And, you want to have the choice to use any of these services in the future.

With vertically-integrated capabilities, packaging design companies can produce designs, prototypes and tooling in-house.  This functionality allows you greater control over the end result and can improve delivery time.

In Part 2 of this series we will continue to look at what you should consider when comparing packaging design companies.For more information on packaging design, contact Flexpak today!