While it may seem simple enough, there are many things that apply to the price of a poly bag or film quote when you call a potential supplier or manufacturer. In fact, it is a very complicated process that involves a large number of variables to provide an accurate and competitive poly exchange quote.

When you contact a potential vendor or manufacturer, you can speed up the process considerably by being prepared to answer a few essential questions. These questions help the supplier or manufacturer to get the clearest picture possible of the needs and wants of your bag’s specifications.

Although there are many variations and additional questions that may come up during the conversation, I have listed the eight most common and important questions that you are likely to come across. In no particular order …

How much do you need?

Manufacturers often require minimum order quantities (MOQs) for custom runs. They should be able to offer you a wide range of MOQ right from the start depending on the type of product you need. Please note that since there are many things that go into a quote, this range can be very wide and only a rough estimate.

What dimensions of poly bag do you need?

This is probably the most important detail that you can provide to your selected provider. The dimensions of the stock market play a prominent role in the price you request. And while you may think it’s easy for them to quote a 40-pound poly bag, keep in mind that dimensions can vary quite a bit. You can have a slimmer, taller bag or a shorter, wider bag. Both options can accommodate 40 pounds of produce but can cost substantially different amounts.

What will the finished product be used for?

Although this question should not be a problem for end users requesting a quote, poly stock brokers and dealers may not think to ask this question when their client requires a quote. The physical composition of the polyethylene bag will vary according to use. Will it have documents or stones? Clothes or fertilizer? Depending on that use, special additives such as FDA approval specifications for food products or USPS specifications may be needed to go through the postal service.

What weight requirements will be needed?

This is most closely related to the thickness or gauge of the film used to make the finished product. It can also mean a change in the type of film used. Many manufacturers have proprietary blends that have special attributes to increase strength and durability. Or perhaps the finished polybag will need a reinforced handle to support the weight of a filled product. These are options that you can discuss with the representative when this question arises.

Will your poly bag be plain or printed?

A simple poly bag quote is pretty straightforward. However, if you need to print on the bag, this will almost always mean a custom run. Make sure you know how many colors you want to print and an approximate surface coverage of the print. For example, each side of the bag is considered 50% coverage. So if your image covers half the front of the bag with a red and blue logo, I’d say it’s a two-color print with 25% coverage. Also be sure to clarify whether the image will be printed on one or both sides. So much the better if you can go a step further and provide illustrations or bag samples to the supplier or manufacturer.

What color of film would you like?

Do you want your bag to be opaque for privacy or transparent to display your product? Although standard film colors will always be available, by adding special color additives, you can customize the poly bag to your heart’s content. Please note that colored films are more expensive than standard films. But the added value you get from your packaging brand is worth it. Colors play a prominent role in memory and association. Think Tiffany’s & Co. blue, Macy’s red, Victoria’s Secret pink, etc. Color can be a big factor depending on your goals for poly bags.

Is there any request for special packaging?

Poly bags have standard packing rules that depend on the size of the finished product. They are generally packaged between 200 and 1000 per box. If you have special needs, such as inner packs of 100 or boxes of 2000, be sure to inform your supplier in advance. Yes, these special requests may adjust the price as it may affect production time, working hours, freight costs, etc.

Do you need the finished poly bags shipped or will they be named Will?

Do you need the finished product to be shipped to your warehouse, to your customer’s location, or do you have the means to pick it up yourself? Be sure to state this in advance to get the most accurate price.

As you can see, there is more to a poly stock quote than simply asking “how much?” But by providing as much information as possible in advance, you will not only speed up the quotation process, but also help the manufacturer to provide the most accurate and competitive polybag quotation possible. Often times the more accurate quote will result in a lower competitive price as no superfluous attributes are added to the poly bag specifications.