Choosing the Right Packaging Partner: 15-Point Checklist [2026]
![Choosing the Right Packaging Partner: 15-Point Checklist [2026]](/images/blog/choosing-packaging-partner-checklist.png)
Choosing the wrong packaging partner can cost you months of delays, thousands in wasted inventory, and a brand image that screams "we did not care enough." But how do you tell the good ones from the bad ones before you have placed an order?
Use this 15-point checklist to evaluate any packaging company before committing.
The 15-Point Packaging Partner Checklist
Quality & Capability
1. Product Range ✓
- Do they offer the specific packaging type you need?
- Can they handle multiple product categories (boxes, bags, labels)?
- Can they grow with you as you add new products?
2. Material Options ✓
- Kraft, white, black corrugated
- SBS, C1S, C2S cardstock
- Rigid chipboard
- Mylar, PET/PE laminates
- Eco-friendly/compostable options
3. Printing Quality ✓
- Digital printing for short runs (under 1,000)
- Offset printing for high quality (1,000+)
- Color matching (Pantone/PMS)
- Premium finishes (foil, embossing, spot UV, soft-touch)
4. Quality Control ✓
- Do they inspect every order?
- What is their defect rate?
- Do they provide inspection reports?
- What is their return/reprint policy?
Pricing & Terms
5. MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) ✓
- What is the minimum? (Industry range: 100–10,000)
- Different MOQs for digital vs offset?
- Can you order samples before committing?
6. Pricing Transparency ✓
- Clear per-unit pricing
- No hidden setup fees, plate charges, or die charges
- Volume discount tiers published
7. Design Costs ✓
- Free structural design / dielines?
- Free 3D mockups?
- Free design revisions?
- AI design tools available?
8. Shipping ✓
- Free shipping threshold?
- Estimated delivery times?
- Tracking provided?
- Insurance on shipments?
Process & Support
9. Lead Time ✓
- Standard production time (industry: 10–21 days)
- Rush production available?
- Reorder lead time?
10. Communication ✓
- Dedicated account manager?
- Response time?
- Proofing process?
11. Technology ✓
- Online ordering platform?
- AI design tools?
- Order tracking?
- Digital proofing?
Compliance & Sustainability
12. Industry Compliance ✓
- FDA food-grade certification?
- Child-resistant packaging (cannabis/pharma)?
- California Prop 65 compliance?
- SB 54 sustainability compliance?
13. Sustainability ✓
- FSC-certified materials?
- Soy-based inks?
- Recyclable/compostable options?
- Carbon tracking?
Track Record
14. Experience & Reviews ✓
- Years in business?
- Customer reviews/testimonials?
- Industry-specific experience?
- Portfolio of past work?
15. Scalability ✓
- Can they handle 100 units AND 100,000?
- Volume discount structure?
- Multi-product capability?
- Nationwide shipping?
Cubit Packaging Scorecard
| Criteria | Cubit Score | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Product Range | 12+ categories | 2–4 categories |
| MOQ | 100 units | 1,000–5,000 |
| Design Cost | Free | $300–$2,000 |
| Shipping | Free over 500 | $100–$500 |
| Lead Time | 10–14 days | 14–21 days |
| AI Design | Yes | No |
| Carbon Tracking | Yes | No |
| Food-Grade | Yes | Varies |
| Child-Resistant | Yes | Varies |
Download the printable checklist and get a free quote
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important factor when choosing a packaging company?
Product range and MOQ are the two most critical factors. A company that offers 12+ categories with 100-unit MOQs (like Cubit) gives you flexibility to test, iterate, and grow without switching suppliers.
Should I choose a local or national packaging company?
National companies often offer better pricing and wider product ranges. The shipping cost difference between local and national is typically $0.05–$0.15/unit — usually offset by lower per-unit pricing from the national company.