How We Work | Sampling, Lead Times & Terms

How we work

Five steps from enquiry to shipment

The sequence below is what actually happens, including when money changes hands.

STEP 01

Enquiry & specs

Send your box size, quantity, artwork status and target market. We reply within 1 working day with a questionnaire covering board, finish and compliance needs.

STEP 02

Quotation

Itemised FOB pricing by quantity tier (usually 1k / 3k / 5k / 10k), with tooling and sample costs listed separately and clearly.

STEP 03

Structural sample

White sample for fit and structure in 2–5 days, then printed sample for colour approval. Existing die-lines avoid tooling cost entirely.

STEP 04

Mass production

Production slot confirmed on sample approval. In-line inspection at print, die-cut and assembly; optional third-party QC welcomed.

STEP 05

Shipping & documents

Carton packing list, commercial invoice, packing declaration and FSC transfer documents issued with the shipping documents.

Practical detail

Lead times and terms

Indicative timings for planning — we confirm exact dates on the order confirmation.

White structural sample	2–5 working days
Printed sample	7–10 working days after artwork approval
Folding carton production	12–18 days after sample approval
Rigid box production	18–25 days after sample approval
Advent calendar production	20–35 days depending on format and filling
Corrugated litho-lamination	18–25 days after sample approval

Payment terms	30% deposit, 70% against bill of lading
Shipping terms	FOB Shenzhen / Yantian standard; EXW, CIF and DDP on request
Tooling	New die-line USD 80–150; free when reusing an existing die
Artwork	PDF or AI with 3 mm bleed at 1:1; we check against the die-line before printing
Sampling cost	White sample free; printed sample charged at cost and credited against the order
Inspection	Third-party inspection welcomed at any production stage

FAQ

Questions buyers ask first

What is your minimum order quantity?

Standard MOQ is 1,000 pieces per design for colour boxes and 500 sets for Advent calendars. Mixed designs within one run are possible when they share the same board and size — ask us and we will confirm.

Can you work from our artwork, or do you design it?

Both. Most clients send print-ready artwork (AI or PDF with 3 mm bleed); we check it against the die-line and flag issues before printing. If you need design support, our studio can adapt your brand guidelines to the box structure.

How long does sampling take?

White structural sample 2–5 working days. Printed sample 7–10 working days after artwork approval. If you need it sooner for a trade show, tell us — rush sample slots are usually available.

What are your payment and shipping terms?

30% deposit with order, 70% balance against the bill of lading. We ship FOB Shenzhen/Yantian as standard; EXW, CIF and DDP are available on request.

How do you handle quality problems?

Every order ships with an inspection report. If goods arrive outside the approved specification, we replace or credit the affected quantity — this is written into our order confirmation, not just promised verbally.

Are your boxes food-contact safe and FSC certified?

Yes. We hold FSC® chain-of-custody certification and can supply food-grade board with low-migration inks and coatings on request. Relevant declarations are issued with the shipping documents.