09/28/2021
5 Packaging Tips and Practices for new or experienced buyers:
1. Establish Relationships with experts: If you are working for or building a successfully business, you will develop many relationships with different manufacturers and distributors. Take the time to connect with your contact. Long term relationships will be beneficial when market conditions are unstable or when youâre in a pinch. The phrase âpeople do business with people they likeâ is especially true in this case.
2. Always quote from multiple sources: This one may seem obvious, but is not always practiced. Especially on new items you are not familiar with. Keep your current suppliers honest. Donât let more than a year or two go by without having a conversation about pricing.
3. Communicate with vendors frequently: If you are not placing orders with a supplier on a daily/weekly basis, it canât hurt to check-in on them every month or so. When the time comes, you donât want to be hit with an unexpected price increase or extended lead times. Doing so will only delay potential customer orders or hurt your chances at closing a deal.
4. Understand market conditions: Being proactive is the key point to drive home here. Whether itâs busy season, natural disasters destroying key resources, labor shortages, or political powers creating tension in your industry, these can all have an affect on your business. And if youâre not ahead of the game you may get left behind. (Or stuck paying more than you expected)!
5. Be patient and know your options: For beginners in the packaging world, unfortunately it is commonplace for projects to take longer than anticipated. While youâre waiting for a response from 1 supplier, start exploring other solutions for what youâre looking for. Youâll be surprised how many packaging options are out there. Or simply contact American Eagle Packaging and weâll take care of the rest!
