Custom packaging dieline and RFQ guide

1. Start with the packed product

Measure the product and any protection it needs before selecting a box style. Record length, width, height, weight, fragile points and how the product will be placed or removed.

• Format: rigid luxury gift box, magnetic closure box, drawer box, folding carton, corrugated mailer, paper bag, label, sleeve or insert.
• Fit: internal product clearance, insert thickness, lid overlap, closure movement and tolerance.
• Use: retail shelf, subscription shipment, e-commerce parcel, gifting, hospitality amenity or product launch kit.
• Quantity: units per SKU, artwork version and total order quantity; state whether mixed designs share the MOQ.

2. Specify board, paper and finish

Ask a paper box packaging manufacturer or custom printed packaging supplier to state the substrate and process, not just “premium” or “eco”.

1. Board or paper type, thickness or GSM, recycled content and colour.
2. Print method, CMYK/Pantone references, inside/outside print and colour-proof method.
3. Finish such as matte or gloss lamination, soft touch, aqueous coating, foil stamping, embossing or spot UV.
4. Adhesive, magnet, ribbon, window film and any food/cosmetic-contact or compliance restriction.
5. Insert material: paperboard, molded pulp, EVA, PET or foam, with load and protection requirement.

For a branded packaging supplier, separate artwork ownership and logo-use instructions from the manufacturing specification. Only approved artwork should move to a production proof.

3. Build a comparable print quote

For folding carton printing, custom e-commerce mailer or a rigid gift box, request the same quote fields from every route.

• Sample: blank structural sample, colour proof, pre-production sample, revisions and approval deadline.
• Tooling: cutting die, embossing plate, foil block, mould, magnet or special insert tooling, with one-time and repeat costs separated.
• Production: MOQ per design/size, quantity tiers, wastage assumption and production estimate after artwork approval.
• Packing: inner count, export carton size, pallet requirement, moisture protection, shipping marks and barcode/label language.
• Destination: country, port, shipping term and whether inspection or a drop/stack test is needed.

Reference prices are not fixed offers. Structure, material, artwork, quantity and current capacity must be confirmed before a final commercial quote.

4. Approve the dieline and evidence trail

Keep the dieline revision, artwork file, colour proof, approved sample photos, packing diagram and supplier response under one stable SKU. This prevents an insert or finish from one box being reused for another.

Browse the custom packaging catalog, use the buyer specification resources, and send the completed brief through the RFQ route. For supplier checks, see qualification evidence.

Frequently asked questions