A great packaging supplier can do more than just deliver boxes or pouches—they can become a valuable partner in your product’s success. When you build a strong relationship with your packaging supplier, you gain access to faster turnarounds, better pricing, proactive support, and long-term consistency. In today’s competitive and fast-moving market, that kind of partnership gives your business a real edge. Here’s how to establish that relationship—and the key benefits that come with it. Communicate Clearly and Early Start by giving your supplier a complete picture of your packaging needs: product type, order volumes, launch schedules, compliance requirements, and goals. The more context they have, the better they can help you make smart decisions on materials, lead times, and design. ✅ Avoid last-minute changes✅ Get recommendations tailored to your product✅ Build trust from day one Be Transparent About Forecasts and Timelines Suppliers value visibility. If you can share estimated launch dates, repeat order timelines, or growth projections, it helps your supplier plan production capacity and manage materials more efficiently—often leading to smoother fulfillment and fewer delays. ✅ Easier to secure stock or rush jobs✅ Priority treatment on reorders✅ Better planning on both sides Ask for Input and Be Open to Advice A knowledgeable supplier sees a wide range of packaging projects across industries. Ask for their input on things like design layouts, material upgrades, cost-saving tweaks, or retail display improvements. The more you lean on their expertise, the more value they can bring beyond just delivering product. ✅ Get smarter solutions you may not have considered✅ Avoid design or material issues early✅ Improve packaging performance over time Give Feedback—Positive or Negative A good supplier wants to hear if something’s not right—whether it’s a missed delivery window or an issue with print quality. Clear, respectful feedback helps your supplier fix issues quickly and improve future orders. Likewise, let them know what they’re doing right so that performance continues. ✅ Helps refine quality and service✅ Prevents repeat issues✅ Builds a culture of accountability Consolidate More Products with One Trusted Partner The more your supplier handles—whether it’s boxes, pouches, inserts, or displays—the more efficient your packaging operation becomes. You reduce touchpoints, simplify coordination, and may even qualify for better pricing through bundled or volume-based deals. ✅ Fewer vendors to manage✅ More consistent branding and quality✅ Potential cost savings through volume Think Long-Term Don’t treat packaging as a short-term transaction. When you invest in a long-term relationship, your supplier gets to know your brand, your expectations, and your product cycles. That deeper understanding leads to better service, better packaging, and more proactive support. ✅ Better alignment over time✅ Faster execution on reorders or new projects✅ A true partner as your business grows Final Thoughts A strong packaging supplier relationship can lead to better pricing, smarter packaging, faster service, and less stress overall. By communicating clearly, staying consistent, and treating your supplier like a true partner, you unlock more than just materials—you unlock long-term value for your business. Need a packaging partner who brings more to the table?We work closely with every client to deliver packaging solutions built around your product, timeline, and goals. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

Packaging prices don’t always stay still. Whether due to raw material costs, tariffs, labor increases, or supply chain shifts, price hikes can hit unexpectedly—and impact your entire product margin. If you’re a buyer or procurement lead, knowing how to respond is critical. Should you pass the cost to your customers? Change your packaging? Negotiate with suppliers? Here’s how to make the smartest move for your business. Understand Why the Price Increased Before reacting, ask your supplier for transparency. Common reasons include: Material costs (paperboard, plastic, corrugate) Freight and fuel surcharges Labor increases Tariffs or import duties Order volume changes Knowing the root cause helps you decide whether it’s a temporary spike or a long-term shift—and whether it’s worth absorbing or working around. Review Your Packaging Spend in Detail Instead of focusing only on the total cost increase, break it down by: Cost per unit Cost per SKU Cost relative to your product margin This gives you a better sense of how much it actually affects your bottom line—and which products are most impacted. Talk to Your Supplier About Options Don’t assume the quoted increase is final. You may be able to: Adjust your order quantity for better volume pricing Modify materials to reduce cost without changing function Consolidate SKUs to simplify production Bundle packaging items for savings on combined runs A good supplier will work with you to find cost-saving adjustments that don’t sacrifice quality. Reevaluate Your Product Pricing If the increase is significant and widespread, it may be time to adjust your product pricing—but do it strategically. Small increases (under 5%) can often be absorbed with better packaging design or minor cost shifts elsewhere. Larger increases may require pricing strategy updates, especially if your competitors are facing the same issues. Pairing a price increase with added value (e.g., sustainability, upgraded packaging, bonus content) helps ease customer pushback. If your product is priced too tightly, this could be a good time to revisit margins and ensure you’re leaving room for volatility. Consider a Packaging Redesign Sometimes the best solution is a smarter box. Packaging engineers can help you: Reduce excess material or void fill Switch to more efficient structures Use lighter board grades without losing protection Combine inner and outer packaging functions These changes can offset increased costs and even improve the customer experience in the process. Final Thoughts Packaging price increases are part of doing business—but how you respond determines whether you lose margin or find opportunity. By understanding the cause, reviewing your options, and thinking long-term, you can protect your brand, your product, and your profit. Need help adjusting your packaging strategy without sacrificing performance?We’ll help you find smarter solutions that keep costs down and customer experience strong. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts