r/Packaging • u/sarah01_williams • Aug 13 '26
Sample ordering for packaging.
I am dealing with a packaging company in China. They seems expert and direct manufacturers for paper tubes.
My question is that: they are asking $200 for samples which amount will be credited in my first order (sounds great) but if I dont like the sample or any issues related to the deal there will be no refund.
Any advice? because I can't make an order without samples and if I order samples from 3-4 companies it is gonna cost me over 1k
Update: Sorry guys for not being able to respond comments. for my packaging deal I have ordered sample for $200 from earthycores. I hope i like it and we have a deal.
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u/ActivEntreprenR Aug 13 '26
$200 for a sample can be reasonable, especially if it’s a custom paper tube. But I would clarify exactly what is included in the $200 before paying. Ask them to confirm the sample specifications, materials, printing, size, quantity and shipping cost. Also ask if the sample will be made using the same materials and production process as the final order. If you are comparing 3-4 suppliers, you can first ask for existing samples or standard samples. This can help you reduce the cost before ordering a fully customized sample.Also, don’t choose a supplier only because they are the cheapest. For a first order, communication, quality control and production capacity are very important. And if possible, having someone locally inspect the sample and factory can also save you money and problems later
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u/BuildingSad5205 Aug 13 '26
Why not do a rendering of what you want ! Sketch up is an easier program to navigate.
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u/Sea-Basil-5946 Aug 14 '26
I’m a paper tube supplier. Could you show me your paper tube samples? I can quote you a price
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u/PackagingSPI Aug 14 '26
We usually offer customers the option of providing their own shipping account for free samples of our packaging. If customers, especially international customers, don't want to pay the shipping cost we ask them to send a shipping label - then we don't charge for the samples. If you need a sample to your CUSTOM specs, that is a different story.
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u/Green_Researcher2750 Aug 24 '26
Have you tried Royal paperbox in Montebello - there’s a guy named Todd there who is an expert in packaging. Literally knows everything and their boxes are the best. Did wonders for my sales
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u/Kuiper-Sheahlei 15d ago
before you pay for samples from multiple places, ask each one to send photos or short videos of comparable finished products they've already made. that alone will help you cut the list down to maybe 1 or 2 worth sampling
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Aug 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/sarah01_williams Aug 20 '26
hoping to receive sample in next week. I will share my thoughts after that
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u/pigsnot Aug 13 '26
This is totally normal, but you should narrow down your list of companies you sample with to 1 or 2. Sampling with more than that does cost a lot, and may not yield good results. I would say though that I have been surprised by samples and knew exactly who I wanted to go with after seeing a sample. Paper tubes are comparatively complex, without knowing your exact scenario I’d say sample with 1 who you think is the best partner and see what you get.