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Payment terms 30/70 is the standard starting point for first-time orders — never pay more than 50% upfront. As you build a track record with suppliers, negotiate toward 40/60 or 50/50, but always hold back at least 10% until after inspection approval.

Lead time commitments must be written into contracts with specified penalty clauses — typically 0.5-1% per day delayed, capped at 5-10% of the order value. A 7-14 day grace period is standard. Without written penalties, lead time commitments are essentially meaningless.

Always negotiate mold ownership and exclusivity for custom packaging tooling — the mold should either be your property or transfers to you after a specified production volume. Never accept supplier ownership of tooling you paid for. This is the single most common dispute in custom packaging sourcing.

AI (Adobe Illustrator) and PDF are the two standard formats for packaging artwork — PDF/X-1a is preferred because it embeds fonts and images automatically, reducing supplier errors by approximately 80% compared to open AI files.

Bleed lines extend 3mm beyond the trim edge for cartons and 5mm for glass bottles to prevent white edges after trimming; this single specification prevents 40-60% of artwork-related reprints.

Image resolution must be 300dpi at actual print size; 72dpi looks fine on screen but produces blurry, pixelated prints — the most common cause of artwork rejections.

Paper tubes offer sustainability advantages through recyclability and brand differentiation. Spiral wound construction is the dominant method. Lining options (LDPE, aluminum foil, kraft paper) determine barrier properties. Decision depends on product type (powders, creams, semi-solids) and market (cosmetics, food). Print decoration through flexo, offset litho, or digital methods.

 "Same Pantone number" does not mean same color—ink batch variation, substrate differences, and process variables cause deviation. Use instrumental measurement (Delta E), set realistic tolerances (≤1.5 premium, ≤3.0 standard), and establish batch verification workflows. Delta E ≤2.3 is the human perception threshold.

"We export" is not the same as "we are export-ready." Export-ready suppliers have systematic certifications (ISO 9001, BRC), internal testing capabilities, documentation packages, traceability systems, and communication standards. Evaluate suppliers systematically before your first order—not after problems appear.

Pet food packaging faces harder conditions than most human food: high fat content, high moisture, animal palatability requirements, and repeated air exposure after opening. Oxygen barrier (OTR), FDA 21 CFR compliance, and effective reclosable closures are non-negotiable. Choose packaging based on product type (wet/dry/treats) and verify FDA food contact compliance before launch.

 Frosted glass creates premium perception through matte finish. Two finishing methods exist: acid etching (chemical reaction, premium result, higher cost) and sandblasting (mechanical abrasion, variable quality, lower cost). Choice depends on brand tier and budget. Surface quality metrics (Ra roughness, haze level) differ significantly between methods.

Tube format selection balances barrier performance, consumer experience, and sustainability. Aluminum squeeze tubes provide maximum barrier (OTR near zero) for high-activity products. Laminated tubes (ABL/PBL) offer cost advantages for standard formulations. The choice depends on your specific product's stability requirements and market positioning.

The sample order is the most important order you'll place—it's your chance to verify sizes, colors, closures, and chemical compatibility before committing to $40,000+ bulk orders. Budget for three rounds of samples, use instrumental color measurement (Delta E ≤1.5), test closures with actual product, and establish a documented approval workflow with supplier sign-off.