So you’ve found a few suppliers that can fulfill your brand’s packaging needs—now what? How do you initiate a productive conversation that will develop into a great working relationship? Well, supplier sourcing and establishing a connection is similar to online dating. It takes two to tango, but only if you’re dancing to the same music. You don’t ask people out on a date without getting to know each other. In this sense, being able to speak the same ‘language’ would probably increase your chances when finding a supplier.
If you’re new to sourcing, fear not! This blog post will walk you through a few tips that will set you up for success when reaching out to potential suppliers, minus the miscommunication or misunderstandings that may happen.
Don’t source like an amatuer
What will set you apart from an amateur is clarity. A clear description of your product, what services you need, and what your expectations are. We’ve established that it’s important to learn the language of suppliers and if you also incorporate our tips below, it’ll definitely save you time and energy in the long run.
Tip 1: prepare a clear description of your product or service
The most important thing is your product. When you first reach out to a supplier, it’s crucial to give them an overview of what you’re selling, the product’s dimensions, and the target market.
To put the cherry on top, include information on the industry, your business’s brand and values, and your goals and expectations for the packaging. Aim to be as clear and direct as possible.
For example, if you’re selling a skincare product, you’d want to provide details on the size of the container or jar, the target market, and your brand characteristics. When talking about dimensions, don’t forget to include the measuring unit—this is extremely important.
Tip 2: provide visual references
Sometimes it’s challenging to explain the type of packaging you have in mind—we totally understand. This is why a bit of research on your end can really help make sure that you and the supplier are on the same page.
Before you make an inquiry about packaging, try to save a few images of your favorite packaging for reference. Including visual references can reduce chances of misunderstanding or misinterpretation to a minimum, and strengthen your message. If you can’t find one image that covers everything you want, find a few more! Note down the characteristics of the packaging samples that you’d like to see in your own packaging.
Tip 3: create an email template for inquiries
When you start your supplier sourcing journey, chances are you’re reaching out to multiple sources. Creating an email template that you can send out to several companies at the same time can make the process much simpler.
To recap, key information you should include in your inquiry is:
- Product description
- Product dimensions
- Visual references of packaging you like
- The target market
- Information on the industry
Here’s a sample email template to help you get started:
Hi [supplier],
My name is John and my company is called [insert brand name]. I’m looking for packaging for our upcoming skincare product, a lotion for anti-aging targeting women in their mid-thirties and above.
We’re looking for a 6oz glass jar in the dimension of __x__ [insert measuring unit].
We’ve attached a few images for reference to show our style and color preferences. Please let me know if you need additional information from me.
Best,
[Your name]
At INNORHINO, we specialize in custom packaging projects that can meet your business needs. We’re always excited to collaborate with business owners like you to create memorable and on-brand packaging. So what are you waiting for? Shoot us an email today , or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!
This article is written by: Leonni Antono – BBP
Image source: INNORHINO, Unsplash, Pexels
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