Packaging Knowledge Base
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers for B2B packaging buyers — ordering process, MOQ, sampling, lead times, shipping terms and payment.
Ordering in 5 Steps
1
Send your idea
Box size, quantity, artwork or just a sketch. Quote within 24 hours.
2
Dieline
Free structural dieline for your approval.
3
Sampling
White mockup in 2–3 days; printed sample in 3–5 days.
4
Mass production
Within 15 days off-season (about a month in peak season), with 6-step QC and photo proof before packing.
5
Shipping
Sea or air, FOB / EXW / CFR / CIF / DDP, documents prepared for customs.
MOQ & Lead Time Reference
Every step of a custom packaging order on one page — what it costs, and when the clock starts. Quotations are valid for 30 days.
| Step | Timeline | Cost | Starts When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quotation | Within 24 hours | Free | Your inquiry is received (with sizes or product info) |
| Dieline | 24–48 hours | Free | Dimensions confirmed — yours measured, or we measure from your product |
| 3D mockup | Within 1 working day | Free (single box) | Artwork received or dieline approved |
| White mockup | 2–3 days | Small charge, credited on production in most cases | Dieline approved — structure check, unprinted |
| Color sample | 3–5 days | Charged, often credited on production | White mockup approved — full print and finishes |
| Mass production | Within 15 working days off-season; about 1 month in peak season | Quoted per order | Color sample signed — transit time not included |
Peak-season production can run longer — roughly one month — so your quotation states the timeline for your order. More detail in How to Order.
Common Questions
What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for custom paper boxes?
Our standard MOQ is 1,000 pcs per design. Unit price steps down at 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000+ pcs as die, plate and machine setup spread over a longer run — send your real annual volume and we quote the tiers side by side.
What is the turnaround time for packaging box samples and mass production?
Plain structural samples (white mockup): 2–3 working days.
Custom printed samples with finishes (foil/UV/emboss): 3–5 working days.
Mass production lead time: within 15 working days off-season and about one month in peak season, counted from sample approval.
Custom printed samples with finishes (foil/UV/emboss): 3–5 working days.
Mass production lead time: within 15 working days off-season and about one month in peak season, counted from sample approval.
Are your paper packaging materials eco-friendly and FSC certified?
Yes. All greyboard, white ivory card, and kraft paper materials can be supplied with certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Chain of Custody documentation, and a PPWR test report (EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is available on request. We print with mineral oil-free soy vegetable inks that are heavy-metal tested, and offer plastic-free aqueous dispersion barrier coatings that stay curbside repulpable.
Which shipping terms do you quote?
We quote on FOB, EXW, CFR, CIF or DDP — according to your requirement. Sea or air: Air freight runs about 5–8 days and sea freight 22–30 days on the main leg, and full packing data (carton count, dims, gross weight) is provided so your forwarder can book immediately. Tell us your destination port and volume — the quotation states the term, freight and validity explicitly.
What artwork formats do you require for custom box dielines?
We accept Adobe Illustrator (.AI), Editable PDF (.PDF), or EPS (.EPS) with all fonts converted to outlines, color mode set to CMYK (or Pantone PMS codes), and a minimum 3mm bleed margin. If you only have a logo, our in-house prepress team will prepare the 3D dieline rendering for your approval free of charge.
What payment methods and terms do you accept?
Standard terms are T/T bank transfer: 30% deposit to start production, 70% balance against the B/L copy. For orders above US$100,000 we also accept L/C at sight. Every shipment comes with a full document set: commercial invoice, packing list, B/L or airway bill, certificate of origin — plus FSC certificate and MSDS when required. Small sample and trial payments can also be made by PayPal, Western Union or MoneyGram.