When you hire a service, you can’t really go with whoever it is that you happen to see first. You have to pick the best possible option in order to get the best outcome for your venture. For many businesses, packaging is a vitally important factor into the way they do business, so this particular decision may just be bigger than you would think.
The best way to make an informed decision about this, however, is to ask the right questions before choosing an option. You may find yourself asking exactly what those right questions are, though. Well, in the words below you will find five things to ask a packaging company before deciding to hire them.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Business and industry experience can tell you a whole lot about the potential option you are considering. If they have a good understanding about your specific industry, then they will most likely know what they are talking about when it comes to your packaging. You should beware the word “combined,” however, as some business tend to answer this question by adding up the sum of total years each team member has under their belts. It’s a good try, but that isn’t exactly what you asked for, is it?
2. Is a Capability Statement Available?
This statement will help you to compare your options closely. You’ll be able to see what each business offers you, how they match up with your needs, and their overall competency. A confident packaging company will have no issues about sharing this information, and will most likely be a strong bid for your business.
3. Do You Provide Free Quotes?
A free quote is a valuable tool in the business world. It allows you to really take in the breadth of what you are entering into while also comparing price ranges with other options. This will allow you to pick the perfect match for your business. Just be sure to get the quote in writing, as it is a little bit more official than a mere verbal agreement. That might just save you from paying a bit extra at the end of the day, which no one wants to do, right?
4. Can You Meet My Deadline?
A deadline is incredibly important to you. When you need your packages at a certain time, then you absolutely need them at that time. By asking a potential option this question, you will get a good grasp on when you can expect the packaging, and whether or not it will match up with your business’s needs. It is never fun to be held up on account of the slow pace of someone else, right?
5. What is Your Lead Time?
Knowing the lead time is an important thing to know when dealing with a packaging company. This allows you to accurately predict the optimal moment to make an order, and how long you can expect that order to take to come to fruition. This can save you from ordering too early or too late, and you will be able to plan your moves accordingly. In the end, accurately coordinating with a business like this can mean the difference between success and a great, big migraine that is added to the pile of stuff that you have to inevitably deal with. I would doubt that many people need more problems in their life, right?