Buyer guide

Three things that decide your margin

1. Thickness, not gauge

0.4mm and 0.6mm look identical in a photo and differ about 30 percent in price. Ask for the millimetre figure, not a gauge number.

2. Volume beats unit price

Lids and steamers are bulky-light. A design that nests can put 20 percent more units in a 40HQ, which often beats a lower unit price.

3. Certification timing

Testing takes 7-15 days. Start it before the production window, not after, or the container waits.

Questions to ask any supplier

• What is the exact thickness in millimetres?
• How many units per carton, and what is the CBM?
• How many fit in a 40HQ, with and without pallets?
• Which test report, issued by which lab, and when?
• Who polishes the product – you or a subcontractor?