How to source plastic packaging wholesale
The short answer, in five steps: spec the item, request samples, confirm the MOQ (usually by the container — 1 FCL), agree Incoterms & payment terms, then QC before shipment. It is the same container-direct path whether you buy IBCs, plastic pallets, pallet boxes, crates, bins or chemical packaging.
1 · Specify the item
Nail the spec first: internal dimensions and footprint, material (HDPE, PP), load and stack ratings, and any certification you need — UN marking for dangerous goods or food-grade for edibles. A clear spec is what a factory-direct quote is built on and keeps IBCs, pallets, crates and bins comparable.
2 · Request a sample
Before committing to a full order, request a pre-production sample to verify quality, colour and finish against your spec. Checking a physical unit removes guesswork on material and dimensions. Sample and shipping costs are quoted case by case and commonly credited against a confirmed order.
3 · Confirm the MOQ
Most factory-direct packaging ships by the container, so the practical MOQ is one full container load (1 FCL). You need not fill it with one model — a mixed-model container combines IBCs, pallets, pallet boxes, crates and bins to fill a 40' high-cube. Per-item counts are confirmed on quote.
4 · Agree Incoterms & payment
Pick the Incoterm that fits how much logistics you want to manage — EXW (ex-works), FOB (on board at load port), CIF (freight + insurance to your port) or DDP (delivered, duties paid). Payment is typically a deposit with the balance before shipment by T/T; the exact split is confirmed on your quote.
5 · Quality & shipment
Before the container ships, goods are inspected against the agreed spec, then loaded to make efficient use of the floor and volume. Ask for a landed CIF estimate so you can compare the true delivered cost to your port. Final figures are confirmed on quote.
Incoterms & payment at a glance
Choose the Incoterm by how much of the logistics you want to run. EXW is ex-works at origin, FOB puts goods on board at the load port, CIF adds sea freight and insurance to your destination port, and DDP delivers to your door with duties handled. Payment is typically a 30% deposit with the 70% balance before shipment by T/T — stated as typical and confirmed on your quote. Full definitions live in the trade glossary.
Frequently asked
What is the MOQ for plastic packaging?
Most factory-direct plastic packaging is priced and shipped by the container, so the practical minimum is one full container load (1 FCL) — typically a 40' high-cube. You do not have to fill it with a single model: a mixed container can combine IBCs, pallets, pallet boxes, crates and bins up to the container's floor and volume. Exact quantities are confirmed on quote against your chosen items and container.
Can I mix different products in one container?
Yes. A mixed-model container is common for wholesale buyers who want a range without ordering a full container of each item. We plan the load so the products fill a 40' high-cube efficiently — heavier or nestable items stacked to make use of the floor and volume — and give you the resulting per-item counts on the quote.
What Incoterms do you offer?
We quote on the standard Incoterms — EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP are the ones buyers ask for most. EXW is ex-works at origin, FOB puts the goods on board at the load port, CIF adds sea freight and insurance to your destination port, and DDP delivers to your door with duties handled. The right term depends on how much of the logistics you want to manage; see the glossary for definitions and pick the one that fits your setup.
How do samples work?
Before a full order you can request a pre-production sample to verify material, dimensions, colour and finish. Samples confirm the item matches your spec so there are no surprises on the container. Sample and courier costs are quoted case by case and are commonly credited against a confirmed order — the exact arrangement is set out on your quote.
What is the typical lead time?
Lead time depends on the items, quantities and whether stock is on hand. As an indicative guide, in-stock lines ship soonest while made-to-order runs take longer for production, followed by QC, container loading and sea transit to your port. We confirm a firm production and shipping window on the quote once the spec and quantities are fixed.