How to brief a corrugated manufacturer: the specification every quote needs
The six pieces of information that let a corrugated manufacturer price accurately first time, and the common gaps that slow quotes down.
By Tradepack ·
A corrugated quote is only as good as the brief behind it. Most delays between enquiry and price come down to missing information, and most surprises after an order come down to assumptions made to fill the gaps. Here is what a manufacturer needs, and why.
1. What goes in the box
Start with the product: what it is, how heavy it is, how fragile it is and whether it ships alone or in multiples. This drives everything else. A manufacturer who knows the product can recommend a style and a board grade; one who only knows the box dimensions is guessing.
2. Internal dimensions
Give internal dimensions in millimetres as length × width × height, in that order. The manufacturer adds board thickness and fold allowances to calculate the blank. If you only have external dimensions, say so; the difference is a flute thickness on each side and it matters for fit.
For multi-depth formats such as book wraps, give the smallest and largest product the wrap has to close around.
3. Style
If you know the FEFCO code, use it: 0201, 0427, 0801. If you do not, describe how the box needs to work. Does the lid hinge or lift off? Does it need to erect without tape? Does it need to hold the product in place? “Bespoke die-cut” is a perfectly good answer, and the manufacturer’s CAD team will develop the structure.
4. Board grade
Board is described by wall (single or double), flute (E, B, C, or combinations such as BC) and the paper grades on each face. If you have the existing specification, include it. If not, the product information from step one lets the manufacturer recommend a grade. Do not guess: over-specifying board is the most common hidden cost in corrugated.
Colour matters too. Kraft (brown) board is standard. White-faced board costs more and changes how print reads.
5. Print
State the number of colours, supply Pantone references and say where the print goes: outside, inside or both. Flexographic print on corrugated suits solid colour, line work and text. If your customer’s artwork includes photographs or fine gradients, say so early; the manufacturer will explain what is achievable.
6. Closure and quantities
Say how the box should close: tape, tuck, crash-lock or peel and seal. Then give the quantity, and more importantly the pattern. An annual volume of 100,000 called off monthly is a different job from a one-off run of 100,000, and it is priced differently.
The gaps that slow quotes down
- No product information, so board cannot be recommended.
- External dimensions given as internal, so the product does not fit.
- “Printed” with no colour count or artwork, so print cannot be costed.
- A quantity with no call-off pattern, so run length is a guess.
- No delivery address, so freight cannot be calculated.
What a good manufacturer does with the brief
With a complete brief, the manufacturer should come back with a drawing, a recommended board grade with the reasoning, a price at the quantities requested, tooling costs if any, and a lead time. For a new design they should offer a cut sample before tooling. If any of that is missing, ask.
Our own quote form on the contact page asks for exactly these items, in this order, for exactly this reason.
