Every manufacturer has a different lead time depending on what type of packaging they produce, the desired volume, and where they produce it; locally (U.S.), semi-domestically (Canada or Mexico) or overseas (China, India etc.) Packaging lead time can vary from a couple of days to several months.
What is Packaging Lead Time? Typically, packaging lead time refers to the time it takes for the manufacturer to make your packaging. However, there are many other lead time components that, when combined, create the entire lead time from the moment you think you need packaging to the moment your customers are holding it in their hands.
Think of these lead time components as links of a long chain. In fact, Supply Chain Management is a business term describing the complex flow of goods from supplier to manufacturer then to wholesaler or retailer and ultimately to the consumer. Buying packaging is one of the many links of this supply chain. And every one of the seemingly infinite amount of processes that make up a supply chain has its own lead time (the time it takes to get that particular task completed)
Below is a chart that offers approximate packaging lead times for manufacturers only. These lead times do not include graphic design time, prototyping, testing time, freight time, etc. They only include the time it takes for the manufacturers to make your packaging.
So, basically, manufacturing lead times start once:
- The packaging is designed and signed-off on.
- The manufacturer gets a formal purchase order (P.O.)
- Some kind of deposit is received or line of credit is offered.
Approximate Packaging Lead Times
1 – 4 weeks
2 – 5 weeks
6 – 12 weeks
2 – 6 weeks
4 – 6 weeks
6 – 15 weeks
3 day – 2 weeks
1 – 2 weeks
5 – 10 weeks
3 – 4 weeks
3 – 4 weeks
6 – 12 weeks
2 – 4 weeks
3 – 6 weeks
6 – 12 weeks
6 – 8 weeks
6 – 8 weeks
2 – 3 months
1 – 2 weeks
1 – 2 weeks
4 – 6 weeks
3 – 5 weeks
3 – 5 weeks
6 – 15 weeks
As already stated, these lead times are for the manufacturer only. They do not include all the other lead times that you, as the packaging buyer, will be faced with. And the lead times that you are faced with are all subject to increase due to unforeseen circumstances (including the manufacturer’s lead time).
What is Your Packaging Lead Time?
Have you thought thoroughly about what your packaging lead time is? Here are some factors to consider that can help you determine your overall lead time:
- Graphics design time – artwork for your packaging
- Prototyping – custom designing the packaging
- Testing time – testing the prototype
- Preproduction time – making tooling/checking artwork/scheduling
- Production time (this is the lead time the packaging manufacturer will give you)
- Postproduction time – quality checks/packing out/palletizing
- Freight time to your fulfillment facility
- Fulfillment time – putting the product in the packaging
- Freight time to the distributor or retailer
If you think you are going to need your packaging in several months from now and it only takes about 2-3 weeks to normally get it done, do not wait until you have 3 weeks. Start the process six weeks ahead of time at least. If unforeseen problems occur that significantly delay your packaging, you’ll be glad you did.
Also, try to save time by filling out accounting paperwork, getting proofs finalized and approved, sending your deposit check (this can hold up your order especially if you have no verifiable credit already set-up with other vendors), ensuring your manufacturer has the correct delivery addresses etc.
The goal should ultimately be to have a reasonably accurate forecast of your monthly, bi-yearly or yearly packaging needs, and to develop an inventory and logistics program with your manufacturer.
I know what you are thinking – you don’t have a place to warehouse packaging that arrives earlier than you need it. Space is money and it will cost you to store the packaging somewhere. However, many manufacturers will store your packaging for free (or a nominal fee) until you need it. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a deal with them – they want your business!
This has been a part of my tutorial series called How to Buy Packaging 101. So click the link below to head back if you haven’t finished reading it yet. 🙂
2 Responses
Hi Sara, I don’t even know how to thank you!!! I came across your website and was honestly waiting for a catch (you know those pest websites that give you a paragraph worth of information…only to leave you with a cliffhanger until you purchase a guide or the complete article)…so what you have done here is truly awe inspiring!!! Thank you thank you!!! I’m actually launching a Christmas ornament company this year and getting an early start on everything including packaging is extremely high priority especially with all the delays in manufacturing as of lately. I’m definitely leaning towards rigid packaging for the lux feel and overall durability that can protect the ornaments inside. However, what would you recommend I use to actually hold the ornaments in place inside, I’m not sure if a manufacturer can make corrugated boxes with an insert to place the ornaments in and keep them from moving while in transit?
Hello Nathalie, thank you for your comments! The best types of “inserts” to hold ornaments would depend on how fragile the ornaments. If the ornamet doesn’t require a lot of protection (say its made out of foam or something that is durable), then a folding board or bending chipboard material should work just fine. However if your ornaments are made out of glass, you may consider high density foam to hold them into place. Other insert materials: corrugated, rigid chipboard (the same material at your rigid box), or thermoform plastic trays. The corrugated inserts can be custom or use basic standard corrugated “partitions”. I offer pay-by-the-min consulting via clarity (link on homepage) for any additional questions on this project.