Production Tolerances Explained
Thank you for your order, it means a lot to our small business.
We often get asked why production tolerances exist in printed packaging,
so we’ve created this guide to help you understand the reasons behind them.
Every manufacturer and production method has a quantity tolerance, typically +/-10%. For very small Orders, this can be as much as +/-25%, while large-scale orders may have a tighter tolerance of +/-5%.
Why does this happen?
Packaging production involves multiple stages:
Due to these steps, the final quantity can vary. If the delivered quantity is within the stated tolerance, the order is considered complete. You’ll only be charged for what is supplied. If there’s an overrun, the extras are chargeable, they’re not free, as the factory incurs costs for them.
We always state quantity tolerances clearly on your order form. By placing an order, you agree to these terms.
Sometimes the final number exceeds the 10% tolerance but we cap it at 10% overrun and anything over and above this tolerance is supplied free of charge or we keep it in our warehouse as a backup stock if needed in the future.
If your product must be an exact size, please discuss this with us before placing your order. We would hate for the packaging not to fit!
Using Pantone colours allows for more controlled results. However, due
to recent changes between Adobe and Pantone, many clients now submit
artwork in CMYK or RGB. If conversion to Pantone is needed, we can assist
but final colour responsibility and decision lies with you.
How we manage colour:
Note: On porous substrates like brown kraft paper, ink absorption can affect colour appearance.
We aim to show you a physical sample of the raw material before production. However, paper and board materials vary by batch — similar to wallpaper or wool. The same applies for fabric materials.
This can affect:
We try to match previous samples when possible, but exact replication isn’t guaranteed.
Final Notes
At ESC Packaging we have decades of experience in building brands so whatever stage your business is at we can jump on board and help you.
Whether you are a brand new start up or an established trader looking to rebrand or add a new range we can help with the process.
You have the product but no idea how to package it – no problem, that’s our bag – or box! We can help you think about where your product might be sold, whether it will sit on shelves, hang from hooks, need protective packaging or simple tag or sticker.
We will chat through packaging options with you including your budget, your storage capacity, how quickly you need packaging delivered, what your brand priorities are in terms of luxury, eco credentials and competitor products.
We can assist with looking at what else is on the market similar to your product, help with focus groups and market research to get customer feedback on what is winning and what needs work with your brand.
It’s time to spin the colour wheel and look at logos, branding, images and more. Let’s give your brand a voice, a name, an image and a look. We can create custom artwork for you to approve along with CAD designs to start bringing your packaging to life.
The design is nailed down, it’s time to look at pricing, production and product costs. A long lead time for a large order means cheaper prices per unit but you may want smaller numbers, a more local production or a faster turnaround. We can lay out all of your options so you can look at costs, stock holding and more for your business projections.
From holding the first prototype of your packaging in your hands to seeing a full delivery of packaging arriving, with regular delivery updates and clear communication all the way.
ESC is here for every stage of your packaging journey – talk to us about your needs and see how we can help.
