Two answers change most between quotes: the lead time counted from sample approval, and the minimum order for your exact size. Put those side by side first. Then ask about samples, packing, invoicing and payment, and compare how plainly each factory answers.
Buyer guide
How to choose a private label manufacturer: 12 questions to ask, with our answers
How to choose a private label manufacturer: ask every factory the same twelve questions and compare the written answers. Give most weight to the lead time counted from sample approval and to the minimum order for your exact size. Then compare the samples side by side, on the real material.
Which answers matter most?
The checklist
Which twelve questions should I ask?
| Question | Why it matters | ArtzFolio's answer |
|---|---|---|
| Do you make it yourselves? | Whoever makes the product controls sampling, changes and faults. | Yes. Our own factory in Noida, nine stations from prepress to packing. |
| What is the minimum order for my exact size and finish? | The minimum depends on size, material and finish, not on the category. | Varying by category. The exact figure is in your quote. |
| How does the sample work, and does it cost anything? | A fixed reference prevents arguments at delivery. | Samples are paid; by agreement the cost can be reimbursed or adjusted in the final order. You approve it before the run. |
| Is the lead time counted from sample approval? | A lead time counted from enquiry cannot be compared. | Confirmed in your quote. Ask what would delay it, such as late artwork. |
| What exactly is in the written specification? | It is your checklist for every delivery and every repeat order. | Sizes, materials, colours, printing technique, packaging and branding, agreed in writing. |
| How will glass or clear-front products be packed? | Damage in transit is a refund and a delay. | Packing is the last of the nine stations and is planned around how the product will travel. Packaging test results and damage rates are not published. |
| Can I see the print on the real material? | A screen never shows the finish. | Yes, through the sample, on the real material. |
| Who owns the artwork, and who may see it? | Without it in writing, a design may be shown to others. | Raise it in your first enquiry. No confidentiality policy or exclusivity promise is published on the site. |
| What legal name will be on the invoice? | To know who you are paying. | Vishnu Image Folio Pvt. Ltd. Registered office Delhi, working office Noida. |
| What is the payment schedule, in writing? | Never pay before you have it. | 50% advance, balance as agreed. |
| What does the shipping price include? | Freight is a separate cost in an ex-works price, so ask what the price covers. | EXW Noida: goods at our factory; you arrange the freight. We assist with the logistics. |
| How do repeat orders stay the same? | Reorders that drift lose you listings. | Keep the approved sample, specification and artwork together; the same set is used each time. |
The questions come from the nine problems brands meet with a manufacturer. The right-hand column shows how we answer each one. Where an answer says the figure is in the quote, we do not publish it here. See pricing, minimums and lead times.
How to use it
How to choose a private label manufacturer: run the comparison
Send the same brief to each factory: product, size, material, finish, quantity band and packaging. Ask them to answer in writing, then compare the answers line by line.
Then compare the samples, on the real material, side by side. The factory that answers plainly where it has no figure to give is usually the one that will tell you the same when something goes wrong.
Questions buyers ask
What should I ask a private label manufacturer first?
Ask whether they make the product in their own factory, what the minimum order is for your exact size and finish, how the sample works and what it costs, and how the lead time is counted. Then ask for the payment schedule and the legal name on the invoice in writing.
Next step
Send the brief. We answer in writing, with questions or a quote.
Send us the same brief you send other factories and compare our answers.