CUSTOM FOOD PACKAGING TERMS

MOQs, lead times and production made clear.

Everything you need to know before ordering custom food packaging from WHQ, including minimum quantities, artwork requirements, payment terms, production timelines and approval rules.

Get a packaging quote Packaging overview
10–12 weeksTypical standard custom production
10–15 working daysTypical sticker production
Full payment upfrontRequired before production
Artwork approvalRequired before manufacturing
MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITIES

Why custom packaging has an MOQ.

Custom branded packaging is manufactured specifically for your business, so minimum quantities apply. The exact MOQ depends on the product and final production specification.

Your MOQ can depend on:

There is no single MOQ that applies to every custom packaging product. WHQ confirms the relevant minimum as part of the quotation process.

  • Product type
  • Packaging size
  • Print specification
  • Material selection
  • Branding complexity
  • Final production setup
PRODUCTION LEAD TIMES

Different products. Different timelines.

STANDARD CUSTOM PACKAGING Approx. 10–12 weeks

Typical production time for most custom printed packaging, including branded cups, takeaway boxes and printed accessories. The timeframe begins after artwork approval and payment confirmation.

STICKERS & LABELS Approx. 10–15 working days

Stickers and labels benefit from a shorter production window and can be a faster route into branded packaging. The timeframe begins after artwork approval and payment confirmation.

BEFORE PRODUCTION STARTS

Three things must be in place.

01 / PAYMENT

Full payment received

Custom packaging production does not begin until the order has been paid in full.

  • Full payment required upfront
  • Production scheduled after confirmation
02 / ARTWORK

Artwork submitted

Print-ready artwork must be supplied for the final packaging specification.

  • PDF format required
  • High-resolution logo files
  • Correct sizing proportions
  • Colour specifications if applicable
03 / APPROVAL

Artwork approved

Manufacturing starts only after the final design and production specification have been approved.

  • Check logo placement
  • Check colours
  • Check sizing
  • Check quantities
ORDERING PROCESS

From enquiry to production.

STEP 01

Request a quote

Tell WHQ the packaging type, size, quantity and branding requirements for your project.

STEP 02

Confirm specification

WHQ confirms the relevant MOQ, price, print details and expected production timeline.

STEP 03

Pay & approve artwork

Submit the final artwork, complete payment and carefully approve the production specification.

STEP 04

Production begins

Your custom packaging is scheduled for manufacture after payment and artwork approval are confirmed.

IMPORTANT PRODUCTION TERMS

What to check before final approval.

Changes & cancellations

Once payment has been made and artwork has been approved, custom packaging orders cannot be amended or cancelled.

  • Review logo placement carefully
  • Check all colours
  • Confirm sizing
  • Confirm final quantities
  • Only approve when everything is correct

Print & colour limitations

Standard custom packaging production includes 1–2 colour printing. Additional colour requirements may need a bespoke quote.

  • 1–2 colours included in standard production
  • Extra colour requirements quoted separately
  • Sticker pricing varies by complexity
  • Shape and finish affect sticker pricing
  • On-screen colours can differ from final print
QUALITY, QUOTES & PRODUCT VARIATION

A few final things to know.

Quality assurance

Custom food packaging is quality checked before dispatch. Product issues should be reported to WHQ within 48 hours of delivery with photographic evidence.

21-day quote validity

Custom packaging quotes remain valid for 21 days from the date of issue. Pricing may change after this period due to material costs or production variables.

Product variation

Final appearance can vary slightly due to printing processes, material finishes, photography and normal manufacturing tolerances.

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

MOQ & lead-time FAQs

There is no single MOQ for every product. Minimum quantities vary depending on product type, packaging size, print specification, material selection and branding complexity.
WHQ may be able to advise on alternative solutions or plain stock packaging when your required quantity falls below the standard custom production minimum.
Most custom printed packaging currently has a typical production lead time of approximately 10–12 weeks from artwork approval and payment confirmation.
Custom stickers and labels currently have a typical production turnaround of approximately 10–15 working days from artwork approval and payment confirmation.
Yes. Full payment is required upfront. Production starts only after payment has been received and the final artwork has been approved.
Print-ready PDF artwork is required, together with high-resolution logo files, correct sizing proportions and colour specifications where applicable.
No. Once payment has been made and the artwork has been approved, custom packaging orders cannot be amended or cancelled.
WHQ custom packaging quotes remain valid for 21 days from the date of issue. Pricing may change after that period.
Notify WHQ within 48 hours of delivery and provide photographic evidence so the issue can be reviewed.
WHQ may be able to assist through extended sourcing options. Submit your requirements through the quote form or contact the team with the packaging product you need.
READY TO PRICE YOUR PROJECT?

Get the exact MOQ and lead time for your packaging.

Tell WHQ the packaging type, quantity, size and branding requirements and the team can confirm your project-specific pricing and production details.

Get a packaging quote Packaging overview