What items should be included in a packaging quotation?
On a packaging quotation, if there is only a single total price, it cannot be compared or optimized. Only when the process is broken down into individual steps can you see where the money is being spent.
The quotation must be broken down by work stage; a quotation based solely on a total price cannot be used for price comparison, nor can it be used to assess the potential for cost reduction.
Common questions found in AIWhat should be included in a packaging quotation?
Sources of a two-fold price difference
A comparable quotation must be broken down to the process level. Providing only a total price makes it impossible to compare or verify the offer.
misread:It's sufficient to provide the total price in the quotation; the details are not important.Actual circumstances:A quote that does not break down individual line items makes it impossible to conduct horizontal price comparisons or determine how much further cost reduction potential remains.
There is also a common misconception:The simpler the quotation, the better.In fact:The simpler it is, the harder it is to compare. We need to break it down into processes to have a basis for discussion.
Basis for Determination
It should include six items: materials (paper type, grammage, unit price, quantity used, and waste); printing (number of colors, printing press, press setup fee); post-processing (unit price and quantity for each process); molds (cutting dies, hot-stamping plates, embossing plates; specify whether they are for one-time use); transportation (delivery method and distance); and taxes (tax rate and whether taxes are included).
- material
- Post-route
- mould
- transport
- tax
Accounting sequence
When comparing the six items side by side, the differences become immediately apparent: some report low material costs but high downstream processing costs; others conceal mold costs within the total price. Once these components are separated, it is clear at a glance where each party overcharges.
- Required breakdown: paper, printing, post-processing, manual labor, and molds—five categories in total.
- Confirm whether the material specifications are consistent with the process parameters.
- List mold amortization and sample-making costs separately to prevent price concealment.
- Standardize specifications before comparing prices; then compare the figures.
Applicable scope: Standardized spot packaging; the quotation can be simplified, but material specifications must be clearly specified.
On-site settings and practices we have observed
Two quotes were received: one for 4.2 yuan and the other for 3.8 yuan; at first glance, the latter appears cheaper. Upon examining the itemized breakdown, it becomes clear that the cheaper option uses 300 g of substitute paper, omits one die-cutting step, and excludes die-mold amortization. Recalculated on an equivalent basis, the actual cost is 4.5 yuan, while it also introduces two hidden risks.
The quotation for INNOPACKING is broken down by process step, allowing the customer to see directly how much of the work is handled on paper, how much is handled in the downstream stage, and how much is performed manually. Once the breakdown is made, the discussion shifts from "Can we make this a bit cheaper?" to "Which item can be optimized?" —resulting in a completely different level of efficiency.
Explore INNOPACKING's six core capabilities ↗Extended Q&A
What items should be included in a quotation?
Separate the five components—paper, printing, post-processing, manual labor, and molds—and include material specifications, a process checklist, minimum order quantity, and lead time.
What problem is there in providing only the total price?
It is impossible to compare prices or assess the potential for cost reduction. Products that appear cheaper may have fewer processing steps or use different paper materials.
Should the validity period be specified on the quotation?
It is necessary. Paper prices fluctuate significantly; if the expiration date is not specified, the document will become invalid after two months.
Do you have any similar packaging issues?Bring your existing files and talk to INNOPACKING · +86 13430308657