A packaging design quote should tell you which products are being designed, which formats are included, how many concepts and review rounds you will see, and which files you will receive. Printing and manufacturing need their own figures.
At Face Value, we start from two scopes: one product in one format, or three related products in the same format and size. Your proposal confirms the fee for the actual job.
Start with the product list
“One product” can describe several pieces of work. A jar label and its outer carton are two formats. Three flavors need three sets of product information, even when they use the same design.
Write down the products, sizes, flavors, strengths and languages. Then list the formats each one needs. This gives everyone the same thing to price.
For example, a jar in two flavors with a carton for each needs artwork for two labels and two cartons. Calling it “one product launch” does not make those files disappear.
Compare the work inside the fee
Ask what happens between the first concept and the final files. Does the fee include:
- Initial concepts shown on the pack?
- The front, back and other panels of the agreed format?
- A defined number of revision rounds?
- Artwork for every named variant?
- Final print files and editable working files?
- Product renders, if you need them?
- Time to speak with the printer and review a proof?
There is no useful comparison between a quote for a front-panel concept and a quote for a completed range until you account for that difference.
Keep production on a separate line
The design fee pays for the design and the agreed files. The supplier’s quote pays for making the packaging. Ask the supplier what its price covers, including quantities, materials, printing, finishing and delivery.
Treat the dates separately too. Having approved artwork does not mean the finished packs arrive that day. Your launch schedule needs room for proofing, production and shipping.
Know what changes the price
An extra design review round adds to the fee. So does an additional SKU, even in the same format and size. A new format is quoted separately.
Those details belong in the proposal, where you can see them before the project starts. If the brief changes later, the additional work should be priced before it begins.
What to send for a useful quote
Send the product list, the packaging formats, a few images of the current pack if there is one, and your target date. Tell us whether the copy and printer’s templates are ready. Include what needs to change, in your own words.
You do not need a polished presentation. An accurate list is more useful.