5 Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering Custom Shopping Bags
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When you sourcing custom reusable shopping bags for your business. Choosing the right supplier is only half the battle. The second important thing is to ask the right questions before confirming production. It will help you ensure your order meets quality standards, arrives on time, and aligns with your brand goals.
This guide will give some help to customers below. Such as a retailer, promotional product buyer, wholesaler, or procurement manager. It will show you the 5 most critical questions you should ask every supplier. Especially if you're working with factories overseas, like in China.
Why it matters: Every manufacturer has its own MOQ policy. It can affect your budgeting and inventory planning.
* MOQs vary by material and customization. For instance, non-woven bags may have MOQs as low as 1,000 pieces. But while cotton or RPET bags with full-color printing often require 3,000–5,000 units per style.
* Ask if smaller test orders are available. Some suppliers can offer pilot production runs. This is a great way to test product quality and customer response before committing to a larger order.
???? *Tip:* Check the MOQs are per color, size, or design? It can significantly affect costs.
Why it matters: Your bag is more than packaging. It's also part of your brand image. The supplier should offer flexibility in materials, sizes, and printing techniques.
* Materials: Can they offer below materials? Like non-woven polypropylene, laminated PP, cotton, canvas, RPET, and jute?
* Sizes: Are custom sizes available? Can they adjust existing templates?
* Printing methods: What printing methods can be provided? Are processes such as silk screen, heat transfer, gravure, and digital sublimation available? Are full-color prints possible?
Well-equipped factories will be able to guide you toward the best material and print method based on your budget and usage scenario.
???? *Tip:* Ask for past samples or photos of previous work to assess quality. Check the print sharpness, color accuracy, and fabric quality.
Why it matters: You need to make sure your bags comply with local environmental and safety regulations. Especially when you're importing into the EU or the US market.
Ask the supplier if they can provide below certifications:
* Material safety: REACH, RoHS, or OEKO-TEX (for textiles)
* Recycled content: GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
* Factory audits: BSCI, SEDEX, or ISO certifications
* Social responsibility: Ethical sourcing and labor practice compliance
???? *Tip:* If you're working with large retailers or government procurement. These documents are often mandatory. Preparing the document in advance can save time. You can also reduce the risk of customs delays or brand reputation issues.
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Why it matters: If delays in production or shipping disrupt your entire supply chain. Especially during peak seasons. Like Christmas or trade fair months.
Ask your supplier to provide:
* Estimated sampling time (usually 5–10 days for custom bags)
* Production time (commonly 25–40 days, depending on complexity and quantity)
* Shipping time depends on the method (air, sea, train, express)
Also, confirm whether the supplier can handle urgent or split shipments if needed. Some experienced manufacturers offer door-to-door service, DDP options, or consolidation with your freight forwarder.
???? *Tip:* Build in buffer time in your planning-especially if bags are for events, promotions, or retail launches.
Why it matters: Many overseas buyers assume a supplier will automatically understand branding requirements. But without proper communication, mistakes like blurry logos or color mismatches happen.
Key things to clarify:
* Do they provide digital mockups or dielines before production?
* Do they use Pantone color matching for printing?
* Can they print logo placements on different sides, handles, or inside tags?
* Can they help optimize artwork for sharpness and print suitability?
Some manufacturers (like Max Profit China Ltd.) even offer free basic design assistance and sample confirmation before full-scale production, which reduces the chance of error and improves brand consistency.
???? *Tip:* Always confirm the final artwork layout and written production specs before mass production begins.
Bonus Tip: Request a Pre-Shipment Sample or Third-Party Inspection
* A pre-shipment sample (via air express)
* Or a third-party inspection report from SGS, Intertek, or your own agent
This ensures that what you approved in sampling is what you get in the final delivery.
Ordering custom shopping bags might seem straightforward, but details matter. From understanding MOQs and customization to verifying certifications and shipping schedules, asking the right questions ensures you get quality products that truly represent your brand.
At Max Profit (China) Ltd., we've helped thousands of global buyers. They include retailers, agencies, and wholesalers. We help them bring their custom bag ideas to life. Our monthly production exceeds 350,000 bags with certified materials and 100% traceable production. We are committed to offering efficient, reliable, and sustainable solutions for your packaging needs.
* ????️ Free artwork review and dieline support
* ???? Material selection advice based on your usage and market
* ???? Transparent pricing and sampling
* ???? Global shipping support with customs documentation
* ???? Certifications including REACH, GRS, and BSCI
???? Contact us today to request a quotation or sample:
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Learn more: www.smartshoppingbags.com/
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