Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Ordering Custom Bags in Bulk

1 What’s Your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

This is usually the first thing that hits you when shopping for custom bags in bulk. Every supplier has different MOQs – some might ask for 50 pieces, others won’t even talk to you unless you’re ordering 500+.

Here’s the thing: lower MOQs often mean higher per-piece costs, but they’re perfect if you’re testing the waters. On the flip side, hitting those higher MOQ thresholds can slash your unit price by 30-50%. It’s all about finding that sweet spot for your budget and needs.

2 What Customization Methods Do You Offer?

Not all custom bags are created equal! You’ve got screen printing (great for simple designs and bulk orders), embroidery (looks super professional but costs more), heat transfer (perfect for full-color logos), and digital printing (ideal for complex artwork).

Each method has its pros and cons. Screen printing might be cheapest for 1000 bags, but if you only need 50, heat transfer could be your best bet. And if you want that premium feel? Embroidery is totally worth the extra cost.

3 What Materials and Quality Levels Are Available?

This is where things get interesting! You’ll hear terms like “80gsm non-woven,” “12oz canvas,” or “premium polyester.” Don’t let the jargon scare you – just ask them to explain it in plain English.

Think about how your custom bags will be used. Are they one-time promotional giveaways or something people will use for months? A lightweight non-woven bag might be perfect for a trade show, but if you want something that screams “quality,” you’ll want to invest in heavier canvas or even leather options.

And hey, if sustainability matters to your brand (and let’s face it, it should these days), ask about recycled materials or organic cotton options. Your customers will notice, and they’ll appreciate it.

4 How Long Does It Take to Complete an Order?

I cannot stress this enough – don’t assume anything about timing! Production times for custom bags can range anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the customization method, order size, and how busy the supplier is.

A typical timeline might look like this: 2-3 days for digital proof approval, 1-2 days for sample creation (if needed), then 5-15 business days for production. Add shipping time on top of that, and you’re looking at potentially 3-4 weeks total.

5 Can I Get a Sample First?

Honestly, if a supplier won’t provide samples for bulk custom bags, that’s a red flag. You want to feel the material quality, see how the customization looks, and make sure everything meets your expectations before committing to hundreds or thousands of bags.

Some suppliers offer free samples of their blank bags, while others might charge for fully customized samples (usually $25-50). It might seem like an extra expense, but trust me – it’s insurance against disappointment.

Pro move: Order samples from 2-3 different suppliers so you can compare quality side by side. Your decision will become crystal clear once you can actually touch and see the differences.

6 What Are All the Costs Involved?

Here’s where some suppliers get a little… creative… with their pricing. The initial quote might look amazing, but then come the surprise charges: setup fees, design fees, shipping costs, rush charges, and sometimes even “handling fees.”

When shopping for custom bags, always ask for a complete breakdown. A good supplier will be upfront about everything from the get-go. Typical extras might include:

• Cost Item	Estimated Cost Range	Notes
  Mold Opening Fee	$25 – $100	Depends on the customization method and logo complexity
  Shipping Costs	Varies (can be significant)	Especially for bulk orders and international shipping
  Additional Color Charges	Based on design	Extra fees may apply for complex or multi-color designs
  Sample Fees	Varies	Often refundable after placing a full bulk order

7 What’s Your Quality Control Process?

Quality control separates the pros from the amateurs in the custom bags world. You want to know: Do they inspect every bag? What’s their defect rate? How do they handle quality issues?

A reputable supplier should be able to walk you through their QC process. Maybe they inspect 10% of every batch, or they have a final inspection before shipping. Some even send you photos of the finished products before shipping – now that’s customer service!

Ask about their typical defect rate too. If they hem and haw or won’t give you a straight answer, that tells you something right there.

8 Do You Handle Design Services or Need Ready Artwork?

Many suppliers offer design services, though the quality can vary wildly. Some have in-house designers who create amazing custom artwork, while others might just slap your logo onto a template.

If you’re bringing your own artwork, ask about file requirements upfront. You’ll typically need high-resolution files (300 DPI minimum), and specific formats depending on the customization method. Vector files (.AI, .EPS) are gold standard for most printing methods.

9 What’s Your Experience with Similar Projects?

Experience matters big time in the custom bags business. A supplier who’s done hundreds of orders similar to yours will navigate potential issues before they become problems. They’ll know which materials work best for your intended use, what customization methods will give you the best results, and how to price everything fairly.

Don’t be shy about asking for references or examples of similar work. A confident supplier will happily share case studies, photos, or even put you in touch with previous customers.

10 What Happens if There Are Issues with the Final Product?

Nobody wants to think about problems, but stuff happens. Maybe the colors don’t match what you expected, or there’s a defect in some of the bags. How does the supplier handle these situations?

A solid supplier will have clear policies about quality guarantees, returns, and remakes. Some offer 100% satisfaction guarantees, others might have specific criteria for what constitutes a “defect.” Know where you stand before you place that order.

Also ask about their customer service – can you reach someone easily if issues arise? Are they responsive to emails and calls? Great custom bags are just part of the equation; great service makes all the difference.