When ordering paper bags by the truckload, the risk is not the spec; the basic weight and handle type are fairly easy to get right. Whether or not a supplier receives a reorder of a spec, whether or not reorder 12 has the same printed die line as reorder 1, whether or not a rush order during a busy season actually ships on time and not a week later. If you’re selling restaurant paper bags to businesses for bulk sales, it’s the consistency that will get you the customers, not the initial quote.

A restaurant paper bag account will be judged by the following:

The restaurant paper bag is being tested on three points:

 1) a consistent basis weight and handle strength, tested from batch to batch,

 2) a printed die line that won’t drift slightly from each reorder, and 

3) a lead time that is consistent during a boom period. Most bag quotes refer to the price per case and do not mention any of the three.

Protect a high-volume order more than the spec

The bulk food bags purchased as a true supplier will shield you from two failure modes that really harm: a reprinted die line that shifts just a bit too far and crops the logo in a different manner than the original approved proof, or a loss in basis weight when it is purchased for a discounted reorder, which causes the bags to start tearing. With a standing account, the foodservice packaging supplier can also fix a cost into a margin calculation, rather than letting kraft market pricing change with each reorder. A supplier has the documentation and retains the original die line on file to provide a high-volume account with something to look at besides feel, instead.

Although the spec is important, these are also questions to ask.

70- 90 GSM is standard for typical retail and takeaway applications; 100 GSM-plus is standard for premium, standard sizes of 5x3x9 to 12x7x17. Questions to ask a paper bag supplier: Will the die line be stored for repeat orders? What is the documented lead time? What would happen to the lead time during a seasonal surge? There is, in fact, a supplier who provides a written response to all three.

Who is responsible for conducting this assessment? 

Restaurant chains and franchises require this evaluation the most because if there is a loss of supply or a misaligned die line at one restaurant during a rush of business, it can be seen by customers at once. Brands that are delivery- and takeout-centric and have consistent, high volume require a supplier that will not discreetly use a lower basis weight to help their bottom line. Distributors that are selling to independent foodservice packaging supplies must have confidence in their own supplier, for any fluctuation will pass through.

The one purchasing error that prices the high-volume order 2 times.

The error is to suppose that a reorder will be identical to the original reorder, simply because it’s the same supplier and the same file name. Make sure that the die line and basis weight are truly on file and are being used again, not having to be rebuilt from scratch every time, and then ask what happens as far as lead time is concerned before signing up for a high-volume account.

FAQs

Q: Will the reprinted bag be exactly like my original approved bag? 

A: It should, if the supplier maintains the original die line and colour proof on file and does not need to create a new one every time.

Q: Is there locked pricing for high volume restaurant accounts with the paper bag supplier? 

A: Typically, manufacturers do; resellers vary more. Don’t take a contract duration for granted; specify it.

Conclusion 

For a steady supply of your custom food wrapping paper, request a free quote and inquire about standing order options and die-line retention. If you’re calling 832-900-9245 or sending an email to sales@thedelipaper.com,  you’ll get some answers about what happens to lead time during busy season.