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Businessperson interviewing a packaging supplier, with checklists and sample pouches on the table. If there are realistic pouches in the image the pouches should have some design elements as though you might find them in a grocery store. Use the fictitious company Mind+Body as the brand and label the products with real products that would be packaged in the pouches. Do not use Lorem Ipsum copy in the graphic.

Top Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Stand-Up Pouch Supplier

Avoid surprises—ask these 10 critical questions to ensure quality, lead times, sustainability, and support from your pouch partner.

ESTIMATE MY PROJECT COST
Checklist icon next to stock and custom pouch images representing question about offerings.

1. Do You Offer Both Stock and Custom Pouches?

Ensure your supplier can meet both urgent stock needs and full custom print runs as your business evolves.

2. Can You Help with Artwork Setup and Prepress?

Look for template support, layering guidance, and preflight checks to catch errors before printing.

Graphic of a pouch artwork template with layers labeled for prepress support.
Icon showing minimum order quantity scale from 1,000 to 25,000 units.

3. What’s Your Minimum Order Quantity?

Ask about MOQs for digital (1,000+) and rotogravure (25,000+) to plan your budget and timeline.

4. What Print Methods Do You Offer—Digital, Roto, or Both?

Match your volume and quality needs with the right method: digital for flexibility, roto for scale.

Icons for digital printer and rotogravure cylinder side by side.
Row of eco-friendly pouches labeled recyclable, compostable, and future-ready.

5. Can You Provide Sustainable Packaging Options?

Verify availability of recyclable mono-material, compostable films, and recyclable-ready laminates for future compliance.

6. What’s Your Turnaround Time—Stock vs Custom?

  • Stock: 1–3 days
  • Digital: 2–3 weeks
  • Rotogravure: 5–7 weeks
Timeline graphic showing stock, digital, and rotogravure lead times.
Map illustration showing direct factory sourcing vs trading company middleman.

7. Do You Handle Overseas Sourcing In-House or via Middlemen?

Prefer suppliers with direct factory relationships and on-the-ground QC to avoid delays and miscommunication.

8. What Support Do You Offer for Distributors?

Check for training, white-label samples, quoting tools, and dedicated rep support to help you sell pouches confidently.

Distributor at a desk using pricing calculator and sample pouches with support icons.
Customer service rep handling pouch defect claims with checklists and return boxes.

9. How Do You Handle Claims, Returns, or Production Errors?

Ask about their defect policy, proof processes, and quality guarantees to protect your business and reputation.

10. Can I Speak to a Real Person If Problems Arise?

Ensure you have direct access to project managers or reps who respond promptly—no buried contact forms.

Photo of a friendly rep on a headset ready to assist a packaging buyer.