Packaging Design Brief Template: What to Include When Briefing a Factory

A poor brief leads to incorrect samples, wasted tooling costs and delayed launches. A good brief gets you an accurate quote in 24 hours and a first sample that is 90% correct. BestPackFactory has received thousands of briefs; here is what separates fast projects from frustrating ones.

Section 1: Product Information

• Product name and category (cosmetic, food, electronics, etc.)
• Product dimensions (L × W × H in mm) and weight
• Is the product fragile? Liquid? Pressure-sensitive?
• Does the product have a primary container already? (bottle, jar, tube)

Section 2: Packaging Type

• Box style: folding carton, rigid set-up box, mailer box, pouch, tube
• Open/close mechanism: tuck-end, magnetic closure, ribbon pull, zipper
• Inner protection: foam insert, paper tray, dividers, blister

Section 3: Quantities and Timeline

• Quantity for first order (confirm MOQ is met)
• Projected annual volume
• Required delivery date — work back to approve artwork by when

Section 4: Artwork and Brand

• Brand colours in Pantone (PMS) or CMYK
• Logo file in vector format (AI, EPS, SVG)
• Brand fonts (attach font files or confirm they are licensed)
• Required regulatory text (country of origin, barcodes, certifications)

Section 5: Finishes

• Laminate: matte, gloss, soft-touch
• Embellishment: hot foil, emboss, deboss, spot UV, none
• Special features: window cut, ribbon, magnet, EVA insert

Section 6: Shipping and Compliance

• Destination country (affects material restrictions — US FDA, EU REACH, etc.)
• Shipping method: sea, air, courier
• Retail channel: direct-to-consumer, retail shelf, online marketplace

Download BestPackFactory's free brief template at our contact page or send your requirements directly to lisa@colorprintingpackage.com.