PRIVATE LABEL / PACKING
Private label pet packaging checklist.
Private-label pet packaging checklist: barcode, artwork sign-off, compliance labels, inner protection, sealed sample.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Private-label packaging belongs in the brief: unit pack, barcode and label map, artwork sign-off, who owns compliance wording, inner protection, carton assortment and marks, plus a sealed pre-bulk sample against the approved revision. Approve placement on a packed sample; MOQ and packing cost stay project-specific.
Separate unit pack from shipping carton
State whether you need a retail-ready unit pack, a polybag, a branded box, or a shipping carton only. Freight quotes need packed carton dimensions and gross weight for the configuration you actually order.
Map every label, hangtag and barcode
List woven labels, care labels, hangtags, stickers and barcode positions. Prepare print-ready artwork, freeze filenames with a version, and require a written artwork sign-off on a packed sample rather than from the file alone. Name who supplies barcode numbers and who prints them.
Assortment and carton marks
Decide size or colour mix per carton, and the marks warehouses need to tell similar SKUs apart. Keep the assortment rule in the same order record as the packing specification.
Protect delicate details and seal a pre-bulk sample
Bows, ruffles, embellishments and covered platforms need agreed inner protection. Review folding and padding on a packed sample, then seal one pre-bulk reference pack against the approved revision so bulk cartons can be compared before shipment.
Align packaging, compliance labels and the approved revision
Packaging artwork that names a colourway or size must match the approved product revision. Name who owns destination compliance label text your importer confirms. If product or artwork changes, update both records and re-seal the reference pack before production.
| Field | What to write | Review question |
|---|---|---|
| Unit pack | Retail box, polybag or shipping carton only | Does freight use the packed format? |
| Barcode & labels | Positions plus who supplies barcode files | Was placement signed off on a packed sample? |
| Artwork freeze | Versioned files and written sign-off | Can print runs drift from this revision? |
| Compliance text | Owner of destination label wording | Importer rules confirmed? |
| Inner protection | Padding for bows, ruffles or platforms | Was a packed sample reviewed? |
| Sealed sample | Pre-bulk reference pack held | Does bulk match the sealed pack? |
Common gaps in a buying brief.
Leaving packing out of the RFQ
State pack level so quote and carton data match.
Approving artwork without a packed sample
Approve folding, barcode and placement together.
Printing before a sealed sample
Hold a sealed pack against the approved revision.
YOUR NEXT CONVERSATION
Bring these details to the discussion.
Choose the points you want to review. Your selection will be added to the editable specification notes in your enquiry.
Sample approval recordBlank CSV worksheet · opens in a spreadsheetNEXT STEP