Stand Up Pouches In 5 Easy Steps

Determine the size…use a stock stand up pouch (or even a printed one from another product) to help you determine the size you need for your particular product.  Then either take the outside dimensions OR send that particular bag to your stand up pouch supplier so they can tell you what the exact size is.  TIP:  If you use a small quantity, use a stock stand up pouch if possible…they come in different sizes and color combinations and will most certainly be cheaper than having a custom size run.

Discuss the type of film…let your stand up pouch supplier know what you are packaging…(is it a dry product, is it a liquid, do you want a clear bag or a foil-metalized, is it susceptible to moisture, does it have a strong odor, etc)…from there your supplier can help you choose the right material to protect your product and give you the finished look and appearance you want so your product flies off the store shelves!  TIP:  If you use a small quantity and need to purchase a stock stand up pouch, be sure you understand the types of barrier films that the stock stand up pouches are made of so your product is protected.  Always rely on your stand up pouch supplier for guidance.

Consider a printed stand up pouch or a plain one…the minimum run for a printed stand up pouch is 10,000 pieces, and this particular quantity is close to a break-even point between the cost of a stock stand up pouch and applying a printed label or having the pouches printed.  Once your quantity is over 10,000 stand up pouches (15,000 to 25,000+) printed pouches are definitely the way to go.

Decide what accessories you want…do you want a ziplock and a tear notch to help your clients open the stand up pouch…do you want a pour spout if you are packaging a liquid…do you need a hang hole so your pouch can hand in a display, etc?  These are additional features that can be added to your stand up pouches and will have an effect on your final per piece price.  TIP:  If you use a small quantity, it is always more cost effective to buy a stock stand up pouch (even if they come with a ziplock and hang hole and you don’t need them) than having a custom run pouch.

Determine the quantity…while this may sound simple, many people don’t consider how the quantity they order affects the per piece price.  Does your supplier offer specials from time-to-time…does your supplier have a Clearance Department for overruns…will your usage be pretty steady, so much so that you can order a little more than usual so your price per pouch is lower?  TIP:  Even though you only order a case or two throughout the year, be sure to look at how the price per case drops when you order more than one.  Many companies offer healthy discounts between the price of one case, two, three, etc.