What to Ask Your Packaging Supplier Before Placing an Order
Most cannabis brands find a cannabis packaging supplier, get a price, and place an order. Then something goes wrong - a delayed shipment, a quality issue, a surprise fee at customs - and they wish they'd asked more questions upfront.
Here's what to ask before you commit to anything.
1. Is your pricing DDP or EXW?
This is the first question to ask and most suppliers won't bring it up unless you do. DDP means all freight, duties, and customs are included. EXW means you're on your own once the goods leave the factory. Always ask for DDP pricing so you know your actual landed cost before you say yes.
2. What is your MOQ?
MOQ stands for minimum order quantity. Some suppliers won't touch orders under 10,000 units. Others work with 1,000. Know this upfront so you're not wasting time on quotes that don't fit your volume.
3. Do you provide samples before production?
Never skip samples. A sample lets you verify the size, material, print quality, and child resistant mechanism before you're committed to a full run. Any reputable supplier will provide them. If they push back on samples, walk away.
4. What are your lead times for production and shipping?
Production and shipping are two separate timelines. Get both. A supplier might say "30 days" but mean 30 days production plus another 30 days sea freight. If you need product by a specific date, work backwards from that date and make sure the math works.
5. Are your products child resistant certified?
For cannabis packaging this is non-negotiable in most states. Ask for the certification documentation - specifically US 16 CFR 1700.20 compliance. If they can't produce it, keep looking.
6. What happens if there's a quality issue?
Ask about their defect policy before you order, not after. What percentage of defects is acceptable? Will they replace defective units? Who pays for reshipping? Get this in writing.
7. Do you handle customs clearance or do I?
Even on DDP orders, confirm who is responsible for the customs paperwork and clearance process. A good supplier handles this entirely so you never have to deal with it.
The honest version
Most packaging suppliers are good at selling and less good at communicating. The questions above aren't meant to be confrontational — they're meant to make sure you and your supplier are aligned before money changes hands.
At Silk Road Supply Co. these are questions we answer before you even ask them. If you want a quote with full transparency on pricing, lead times, and compliance, fill out the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
