A packaging project goes more smoothly when you gather the right information before you ask for a quote. This checklist walks from the initial idea to a complete inquiry, in roughly the order the decisions arise. The aim is to share what you know about your formula, format, fit, finish, volume and timeline. You do not need every answer before contacting APG; flag the decisions where you need help.
Step 1: Define the product and formula
Everything starts with what you are packaging. Note the product type and the formula's behaviour: its viscosity, whether it is air- or light-sensitive, any oils, high fragrance loads or particulates, and how the customer will apply it. These details drive most later choices and should be the first thing you share. If you can provide a formula sheet or a sample, even better.
Step 2: Choose a format and dispenser
Decide how the product comes out of the package: a lotion or treatment pump, an airless bottle, a foamer, a fine mist or trigger sprayer, a dropper, a jar or a tube. Match the dispenser to the formula and to the application, and set a target dose per stroke where relevant. If you are unsure, note the options you are weighing so a specialist can help you compare. APG's pumps and sprayers collections show the range of formats available.
Step 3: Confirm fit and capacity
Pin down the practical dimensions: the fill capacity you need, the bottle's proportions for shelf and carton fit, and the neck finish, written as two numbers such as 24/410, so closures seal correctly. If you are reusing an existing bottle, confirm the finish from its drawing or send a sample. Getting fit right early prevents the most common and most frustrating delays.
Step 4: Plan materials and sustainability goals
Decide what the package should be made of and what sustainability goals apply. If those goals matter, keep the terms precise: all-plastic is not the same as mono-material, and neither guarantees recyclability, which depends on the full package and local systems. Note whether you want post-consumer recycled content, metal-free dispensing or a refillable system, and treat any recyclability claim as something to confirm for the specific components rather than assume.
Step 5: Specify decoration and color
Describe the look: finish (matte, gloss, frosted, metallized and so on), decoration method (screen printing, hot stamping, heat transfer, embossing or debossing), and your color reference as a Pantone code. Remember that color reads differently across materials and finishes, so plan for sampling and physical approval. APG's customization page lists the available options.
Step 6: Set volume, timeline and testing
Finally, settle the commercial and validation details:
- Quantity. Estimate your production volume. Confirm minimum order quantities for your chosen component, material and decoration.
- Timeline. Note your target launch date and any fixed deadlines.
- Samples and testing. Plan to discuss samples and to test the complete, filled package with your real formula, including fit, dispensing and, for online sales, a shipping test.
Your inquiry checklist
| Have ready | Example |
|---|---|
| Product and formula details | Light serum, air-sensitive, low viscosity |
| Format and dose | Airless treatment pump, small controlled dose |
| Capacity and neck finish | 30ml, 18/410 |
| Materials and goals | All-plastic, PCR content if available |
| Finish, decoration and color | Matte, hot-stamped logo, Pantone reference |
| Quantity and timeline | Estimated annual volume, target launch |
The entries above are illustrative examples of the kind of detail to supply, not a recommendation for any particular product.
Next step with APG
APG is a manufacturer of stock and custom packaging for beauty, skincare and personal care brands, with design, molding and decoration capabilities in-house. Bring the details from this checklist, and the team can suggest suitable formats, confirm fit and discuss samples and testing. Request a quote to turn your idea into a packaging plan.