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Don’t Get Ghosted: How to Spot a Packaging Supplier You Can Count On

Written by Foam Industries | Apr 11, 2025 11:10:27 PM

Ever been ghosted by a packaging supplier? When you meet, they promise durability and cost savings. But when you actually start a relationship, they’re slow to respond, provide inferior service and don’t seem to make you a priority.

A real packaging partner doesn’t leave you guessing (or spending twice as much fixing their mistakes). Swipe left on these flaky suppliers. Choose a partner who’s in it for the long haul.

With years of experience in the packaging and shipping industry, Foam Industries knows how to help you weed through the red flags and find your best-fit packaging supplier.

What to Look for in a Packaging Supplier

Knowing what to look for in a packaging supplier can help you find a partner who knows what they are doing and ensure you save money in the long run. Some suppliers are all talk until it’s time to deliver. A great packaging partner won’t leave you on read when your products (and reputation) are on the line.

When looking at packaging suppliers, these are the traits that you’ll want to swipe right on.

1. Reliable Communication

One of the most important factors to keep in mind when trying to find a good packaging supplier is reliable communication. The more reliable their communication, the more reliable your partner is as a whole. If they are reliable with you, chances are they are reliable with their job and know what they are doing. Are they proactive in their communication? Or do you have to always make the first move?

Unfortunately, this red flag often doesn’t appear until you get out of the sales process and become a customer. One of the ways you can test the waters on communication is to reach out to some of that supplier’s current customers and to look at reviews online. 

2. Proven Results

A key part of knowing you’ve made a great choice in your packaging supplier is that they have proven results. You can determine this through checking reviews, testimonials, case studies, and your own communication with that company. Most of this information is easy to find on their website if they are a reputable company. For example, you can find success stories at Foam Industries through a quick glance at our website. Other reputable providers will include something similar to show credibility. Outside of finding information on their website, you can find Google reviews and/or speak to someone directly to answer any questions you may have. Some great questions to ask include:

  • How long have you been in the industry?
  • Have you shipped products similar to mine in the past?
  • What materials do you use for shipping?
  • How does your process work?
  • What is your SLA (service level agreement)?

3. Customization Options

The best packaging companies offer customization according to your product needs. A lot of packaging partners will work with a one-size-fits-all suggestion because it’s cheaper and easier for them to charge you for excess materials. However, the best packaging suppliers offer customization in every aspect of their services. They understand that there are specific shipping challenges for every product and industry, and they offer packaging that fits your particular needs. For example, a heavy car part is going to require much different packaging materials than a fragile, breakable, or lightweight item.

The best packaging providers are going to consider the product, determine the exact type of material and amount needed, and ensure you aren’t overspending on materials that won’t even work for your product.

Related Content: Custom Foam Fabrication

4.  Commitment to Sustainability

The most eco-conscious packaging companies are doing their best to ensure extra waste doesn’t happen. From using recyclable materials every chance they can to acing the packaging the first time around, these are all ways that companies work to reduce their economic impact on the environment. Check to see what your desired packaging expert is in the sustainability sector before committing to them. If your values are on the same page, that’s a great sign for a great partnership to come.

Related Content: Sustainability with Foam Industries

Finding the right packaging supplier shouldn’t feel like navigating a bad dating app. If they’re slow to respond, inconsistent, or cutting corners on quality, it’s time to move on. A reliable supplier will communicate clearly, back up their claims with proven results, offer custom solutions, and stay committed to sustainability - all while making sure your products arrive safely and efficiently.

At Foam Industries, we believe in long-term relationships, not fleeting flings. No ghosting. Just high-quality packaging to protect your products. Ready to find a packaging partner you can actually count on? Let’s talk.

Find Your Best Option with a Packaging Expert

As a leader in the packaging industry, Foam Industries has set the bar with an unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional client service, and constant innovation. Through our extensive inventory of endlessly customizable products, we ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Protect My Products!

Foam Industries is a custom protective packaging company specializing in foam – with additional wood and plastic fabrication services. Our custom foam fabrication services are ideal for any type of packaging, display, or support service needed – from design to finished product.