What to Include in a Cosmetic Packaging RFQ Before Sampling
What to Include in a Cosmetic Packaging RFQ Before Sampling
A cosmetic packaging quotation is easier to compare when each supplier receives the same brief. A request that names only a bottle size and an order quantity leaves important decisions open: the complete component set, decoration, sample approval and delivery scope may differ between offers.
The following checklist helps beauty brands organise a request before committing to samples or production.
1. Describe the product and the complete pack
State whether the project needs a bottle, jar, airless format or another container. List the components you expect to receive together: the container, closure, pump or sprayer, protective cap, liner and any additional parts. Identify the intended product type and share the relevant filling and dispensing requirements with the supplier. Any formula-specific compatibility or performance claims should be supported by an agreed validation plan.
2. Separate fixed requirements from preferences
Provide the target capacity, overall dimensions, material requirements and the reference drawing or sample, where available. Mark which dimensions are fixed and which can change. If the project is still at concept stage, say so. A supplier can then distinguish an available format from a development project without treating every visual reference as a final specification.
3. Define the decoration scope
Supply the logo artwork and identify the surfaces to be decorated. Describe the desired colour and finish, the number of artwork versions and any printing or hot-stamping positions. Ask the quotation to identify what is included and what requires a separate sample or setup charge. Keep a dated artwork revision so that both sides review the same file.
4. Make quantities comparable
Show the requested quantity for each size, colour and design rather than one combined total. Include a forecast separately from the first purchase quantity. Ask suppliers to state their minimum order quantities, price breaks and which components or decoration steps drive those limits. A forecast should not be presented as a committed order.
5. Agree on sample approval
Define what each sample is intended to confirm: dimensions, appearance, colour, decoration, assembly or dispensing. Ask who will arrange the checks and how acceptance will be recorded. Specify the complete pack and the intended filling conditions when planning product-specific trials. Keep an approved sample and revision record as references for the production order.
6. Clarify the commercial and delivery scope
Request separate lines for tooling, samples, decoration setup and production where applicable. Confirm the quotation currency, payment terms, packing method, delivery point and the assumptions behind the proposed lead time. Ask what starts the production schedule, such as artwork approval, sample approval or receipt of payment. This makes differences between quotations visible before an order is placed.
A short, structured brief helps both the brand and the packaging manufacturer identify missing decisions early. It also provides a useful reference when a project moves from an initial inquiry to approved samples and production.
Author: Andy Li, General Manager at flare beauty packing, a cosmetic packaging manufacturer with production operations in Jinhua, Zhejiang, China. This checklist describes a quotation workflow and does not replace project-specific testing or agreed specifications.
Andy Li
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