You said, “Yes!” Congratulations! This is such exciting news! Who should you call first? You are so happy the decision on food packaging has been made, but wait…what happens next? You’ve selected your packaging, but you may have questions or concerns about your order. Are you curious about your food packaging order timeline? What if it arrives damaged? Could the incorrect number of packages arrive?
Don’t worry; we’re here to help! We understand how frustrating it must be to wonder about your incoming packaging. It can also be nerve-wracking to worry if you’re receiving it on time.
In this article, we’ll unwrap what you can typically expect after sealing the deal with your packaging order. This way, you can get back to focusing on that special recipe that makes your business stand out!
The Two Methods of Sales
Your sales manager has already communicated to you whether you will be buying directly from the manufacturer or going through distribution. It’s important to remember the key differences between these two methods as they affect everything that happens once your order is placed.
High-volume customers may qualify for “direct sales,” in which the products are sent directly to either their business or a food processor from the manufacturer. These customers are responsible for paying their own storage and shipping costs.
The other, and most common path of sales, is working with a distributor. There is tremendous value in working with a distributor as they store and ship the products to you. They can also provide products from other manufacturers, such as cutlery, cups, and plates. If they have your order in stock, you will receive your shipment faster, as distribution centers are located nationwide and worldwide. The sales manager for the manufacturer will put you in touch with the distribution representative.
(Full disclosure: here at Inline Plastics, we sell both directly to businesses and distributors, so we know the pros and cons of each approach.)
What You Need to Know Post-Sale
So, you’ve shaken hands (literally or metaphorically), you’ve submitted your order for plastic food packaging, and now you are ready to put your products into your customers’ hands. But what happens now? Should you just sit around and wait? What if you need to change something? What if there’s a problem? When is your order coming?
Here is a behind-the-scenes look at what happens after you have placed an order. Take a look at the next steps.
1. Order confirmation
Whether ordering through a distributor or directly from a manufacturer, you’ll receive an order confirmation with complete details about your purchase. Any issues, such as products placed on backorder, should be communicated promptly. When a product is placed on “backorder,” it means that it’s temporarily out of stock or unavailable but can still be ordered with delivery scheduled for when it becomes available again.
This is where your customer service expert steps in. This individual can either work for the manufacturer or the distributor. Think of them as the babysitter for your order. If anything should come up, they are the ones who will look over and take care of your order. This person, your distribution representative, and your sales manager should be your points of contact.
Having this expert adds value to your relationship with the distributor or manufacturer as you continue to do business together. You can email or call them with any questions or concerns you may have during the process.
2. Order Fulfillment
Once your order has been received and your customer service expert has been assigned to you, they will review your order. They can look at all open orders and determine if there are any potential issues. If your order is in stock, the distributor will put it on a truck to ship it to your cozy front porch or bustling loading dock.
3. Food Packaging Order Timeline
A customer’s most common post-sale question is, “When can I receive my product?” It is a valid question. You don’t want to start baking cookies if you have nowhere to put them! “Lead time” is the amount of time it takes to ship your order once it has been placed. The sales manager, distribution representative, or customer service expert will tell you how long your food packaging order timeline is. If this changes, you should be notified. Factors can influence the lead time, including:
- Product availability.
- Problems with shipping.
- Seasonality, meaning the demand for a particular product during a specific time of the year. Think about pie containers around Thanksgiving.
- Global events such as inclement weather or port strikes.
Why Forecasting is Important
No, we’re not talking about the weather, here. Think about forecasting for your business as looking back to the past year and examining what trends and data influenced your ordering. Did you need more packaging around Christmas last year? Did you run out of a certain product around summertime?
Food packaging distributors and manufacturing representatives often meet with businesses with high volume requirements to review their future forecasts, particularly when planning upcoming promotions. It’s crucial to discuss any promotional activities, such as BOGO (buy-one-get-one) offers, planned for the next 3-6 months. Since these promotions can rapidly deplete inventory, it’s essential to ensure sufficient product is ordered to meet the anticipated increase in demand.
Pro-tip: take advantage of the experts in the industry to help you strategically forecast. Speaking to the distributor or manufacturing sales manager can bring more insight into areas to consider. This way, you will get the right amount of packaging at the right time throughout the year so that you are never left without a food packaging solution.
What About Adjustments?
Let’s say you have decided to order all-round containers. But now, looking at your shelves, you think you would prefer square containers. Adjustment processes differ among manufacturers and distributors. Be aware that adjustments like this can influence your food packaging order timeline, meaning you may receive them at a later date.
What If There Is an Issue?
Uh-oh. Your packages for your cupcakes just arrived, and when you opened them, you discovered that they’re sandwich containers!
First, you should take a deep breath and not dive into a panic attack. It’s going to be okay.
Next, you should contact the distributor. If you purchase directly from the manufacturer, contact their customer service expert. They should look to revise the problem as quickly as possible.
Another scenario could be that your product has been placed on backorder. The customer service experts are typically well-versed in options, such as offering similar solutions or finding a way to ship your products from another facility.
Continuing Your Relationship
After your order has been delivered, your sales manager should continue to foster and grow your business relationship. Remember, they are your plastic food packaging expert and should be able to handle any questions you have. If you’re looking to launch a new product and need advice, they can offer you solutions that are right for you and your business.
Your Future with Plastic Ordering Food Packaging
Ordering your food packaging is just the beginning of your journey. Success requires careful attention to order fulfillment, future forecasting, lead time management, and issue resolution. Think of your packaging manufacturer and distributor as true business partners. Effective communication, precise timing, and attention to detail are essential for a successful long-term relationship.
We believe in finding the right fit, not just any fit. Reach out for honest guidance without pressure. Inline Plastics is here to answer your questions.
