LeapCustom Food&Agricultural Packaging — OEM & ODM from Design to Delivery
The 7-Step Custom Packaging Process
Most delays in custom packaging happen at two points: artwork revision cycles and sample approval. Building buffer into those stages is the difference between a 12-week launch and a 6-month frustration. Here is exactly how the process works, based on 15+ years running it for 200+ clients across 30+ countries.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Requirements & Quote — 24h
Share product details, target market, volumes, budget. Preliminary quote within 24 hours. Free material recommendations based on your food type and distribution chain. Pre-quote checklist: product type, dimensions, preferred material, artwork, annual volume, shipping destination, compliance needs.
2. Design & Artwork — 3–7 Days
Submit AI/PDF/EPS at 300 DPI or work with our design team. Free dieline templates and 3D mock-ups. Budget 2–3 revision rounds. We flag expected color shifts — uncoated kraft renders 20–30% darker than screen.
3. Sampling — 7–10 Days
Custom samples: 7–10 working days. Stock: 1–2 days free. Physical proof on actual substrate strongly recommended. Sample cost $50–200, credited against your production order.
4. Production — 15–45 Days
After sample approval. Custom print +5–7d. New tooling +18–22d (PET) or +28–32d (RPET). Rush: 10–12d with 15–20% surcharge. In-process QC photos shared at key milestones.
5. QC — AQL 1.0
CMM dimensional, seal integrity (ASTM F2096), migration testing. Full QC report with actual measured values — not pass/fail stamps. MAP: 100% vacuum decay first 200 units every production run.
6. Shipping — 3–60 Days
FOB Qingdao. Sea: 20–35d. Air: 5–7d. Express: 3–5d. Full export docs: CO, Form A, Fumigation, destination-specific. Dedicated account manager throughout.
MOQ, Pricing & Payment — Real Numbers
| Product | MOQ | Unit Price (EXW) | Lead Time | Tooling Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Cups (custom print) | 50,000 pcs | $0.02–0.08 | 20–25 days | $300–600 |
| Paper Bowls | 30,000 pcs | $0.03–0.10 | 18–22 days | $300–600 |
| Plastic Cake Boxes | 5,000–10,000 pcs | $0.08–0.35 | 18–22 days | $1,200–2,500 |
| Plastic Food Trays | 5,000–10,000 pcs | $0.04–0.15 | 18–28 days | $1,500–3,500 |
| Molded Pulp Trays | 5,000–10,000 pcs | $0.06–0.12 | 15–20 days | $800–1,800 |
| Kraft Bags | 20,000 pcs | $0.02–0.08 | 15–20 days | $200–500 |
Payment: T/T 30% deposit, 70% before shipment — standard for first orders. L/C at sight available for $50K+ orders. Net 30 terms after 6+ orders. MOQ negotiation: most suppliers quote 15–20% buffer — negotiate 20–30% lower for first orders by accepting slightly higher unit price (+5–8%) or longer lead time (+5–10 days). Tooling amortization: spread across first 2–3 orders, fully credited on cumulative >$100K. Tooling maintained free for 3 years.
Ready to discuss your packaging project?
Send us your requirements — we provide a custom solution and quote within 48 hours.
Request a Quote