Essential Checklist for Ordering Custom Boxes from Overseas Manufacturers

Introduction

Ordering custom boxes from overseas manufacturers—especially from countries like China, Vietnam, and India—can significantly reduce your packaging costs. However, without the right checklist, brands often face issues like incorrect sizes, poor printing quality, unexpected delays, or high shipping fees. This guide by Kardboards gives you a complete checklist to ensure a smooth, reliable, and cost-efficient sourcing experience.

1. Define Exact Packaging Specifications

A detailed specification sheet prevents misunderstandings and ensures accurate production. Include:

• Box type (corrugated, rigid, folding carton, mailer box)
• Exact dimensions (L × W × H)
• Material (kraft, duplex, CCNB, rigid board, fluting type)
• Thickness or GSM/BF/ECT
• Printing requirements (CMYK, Pantone, UV, foil, embossing)
• Finishing (matte/gloss lamination, soft-touch)

2. Request Structural and Digital Samples

Before mass production, always request two sample types:

• Blank Sample: Confirms dimensions and structural integrity.
• Printed Sample: Ensures color accuracy and print quality.

This step prevents 80% of packaging errors.

3. Verify Manufacturer Credentials

Overseas manufacturers should provide key documentation such as:

• ISO quality certifications
• Material and ink safety reports
• Factory audit documents or videos
• Portfolio of similar packaging work

Kardboards partners with certified manufacturers to ensure consistent quality and compliance.

4. Confirm Pricing Breakdown

Your quotation should include:

• Unit price by quantity tiers
• Material cost
• Printing and finishing charges
• Die-line creation or mold cost (if applicable)
• Packing and carton charges

Transparent cost breakdown helps avoid hidden charges later.

5. Pay Attention to MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities)

Many overseas manufacturers have MOQs ranging from 500 to 5,000 units depending on material and box type. Knowing MOQ early helps you plan inventory and shipping costs.

6. Finalize Shipping Method & Timeline

Shipping can be the biggest cost factor. Decide between:

• Air Freight: Fast but expensive.
• Sea Freight: Affordable for bulk orders.
• Courier: Best for samples and small batches.

7. Inspect Quality Before Shipment

Ensure the manufacturer provides:

• Production images and videos
• Quality control reports
• Drop test or compression test results (for shipping boxes)

8. Plan for Reorders

Keep all final production files, die-lines, and color codes so reorders are faster and perfectly matched to your previous batches. Ask your supplier to maintain inventory of your dies or molds.

Conclusion

Ordering custom boxes overseas can be a cost-efficient solution—if done correctly. With this checklist, you can streamline communication, avoid production mistakes, and ensure your final packaging meets your brand standards. For reliable sourcing, Kardboards connects you with the most trusted packaging manufacturers in China and beyond.