The lowest packaging unit price may not be the best option when it requires a high MOQ or significant tooling. The decision should compare material, print, production loss, freight and inventory effects through a total-cost view.
Checklist
- Packaging material and technical dimensions
- Print method, colours and surface treatment
- Tooling or plate cost and ownership
- Standard and custom-production MOQ
- Sample and production-trial terms
- Production waste and tolerances
- Case, pallet and transport volume
- Lead time and reorder cycle
- Inventory and artwork-change risk
Comparison table
| Quotation element | TCO effect |
|---|---|
| MOQ | Changes inventory, finance and obsolescence risk. |
| Tooling and print setup | Separates first-order and repeat-order cost. |
| Freight volume | Changes delivered cost per unit. |