Questions to Ask When Hiring A Packaging Box Printing Company in Malaysia
Using the right materials for packaging is crucial — especially for food and medical products. For food packaging, food-grade paper must be used. If the wrong type of paper is chosen, it could contaminate the food and pose serious health risks to consumers.
Likewise, when it comes to medical product packaging, the choice of lamination is important. The wrong finishing can damage the product and affect its integrity — something no medical company can afford to risk.
In Malaysia, many printing companies offer a wide range of services, from leaflets and brochures to catalogues, buntings, and banners. However, not all of them specialize in packaging box printing.
If you are a new business searching for a packaging box printing company in Malaysia, it’s worth doing your homework before making a decision. Asking the right questions can save you time, money, and future headaches.
Asking the Right Questions
These key questions will help you better understand how each company operates and what you can expect from them.
1. How long have you been in the packaging box printing business?
Experience matters. A company that has been in the business for years and has handled various types of packaging box projects can offer valuable advice on suitable materials and finishes for your specific needs.
Check their website portfolio and client list. Also, make sure the company is not servicing competitors within your industry. It’s best to avoid using the same printer as your competitors to protect your product design and business confidentiality.
2. Have you worked with businesses in my industry before?
If the printing company has experience working with similar products or industries, it can be a major advantage.
For example, if you’re using EVA foam inserts to hold your product, an experienced printer will know that EVA foam can turn yellow over time. They might suggest covering it with paper to preserve a clean, exclusive look. This level of insight can help ensure your packaging remains attractive and professional.
3. Do you have an in-house graphic designer?
Many businesses assume that once the artwork is completed by their designer, everything is ready for print. But several common issues can cause problems during production:
• Fonts not outlined: Fonts should be converted to outlines to avoid unexpected changes.
• Incorrect black settings: Black text should be set to 100% black, not CMYK black, which can result in dirty, multicoloured black.
• Line thickness: Lines must be at least 0.3 pt; anything thinner may show up on digital proofs but disappear in offset printing.
• Colour format: All artwork should be in CMYK. RGB files may look fine on screen but will appear faded in print.
• Bleed Area: Many designers are unaware that artwork must include a bleed area for proper printing. This ensures that when the material is trimmed to size, there are no unwanted white edges or gaps.
Having a graphic designer on the printer’s team to check these technical details helps ensure a smooth production process and prevents unnecessary reprints and costs.
4. Do you have a packaging box structural engineer?
Creative designers often push the boundaries to make packaging boxes stand out on shelves. However, some designs may look great but be impractical or expensive to manufacture — especially for custom rigid boxes.
At Uniquelink, we’ve faced such challenges before. That’s why we rely on our structural engineer to adjust complex designs while preserving the core aesthetic. The result is eye-catching packaging that’s also cost-effective and production-friendly.
5. What is the scope of your manufacturing capabilities?
It’s common to prefer larger printing companies due to their capacity and reputation. However, if your order volume is small, big companies might deprioritize your job in favor of higher-volume clients.
Consider the scale of your project and ensure the printer can give your business the attention it deserves.
7. What about your lead time?
Lead time is a critical factor for planning — from storing packaging materials and packing products to organizing shipments.
Make sure the printing company’s production timeline aligns with your business schedule so your operations are not disrupted.
8. Can you show me actual samples of your work?
Website portfolios are helpful, but there’s no substitute for examining real samples. By handling the actual packaging, you can assess the materials, finishes, and overall durability — giving you a true sense of the printer’s quality standards.
Request a physical sample or mock-up to ensure that what you see is what you’ll get. This step helps confirm that the final product meets your expectations.
Ultimately, this can save you time, prevent costly errors, and provide peace of mind during the print production process.
9. Can you provide contact details of previous clients?
Ask for references from current or past clients. A trustworthy company should be happy to share them. If they hesitate, it may be a red flag.
Speaking directly to their customers gives you honest feedback and confidence in your decision.
10. How do you stay up to date with industry trends?
The printing industry is always evolving. At Uniquelink, we use advanced technology such as 5-color offset machines and digital printers, and we’re proudly certified by the Forest Stewardship Council®.
We’ve also invested in specialty machines for 3D hot stamping and spot UV to enhance packaging appeal. We believe that if you don’t innovate, you’ll be left behind — so we continuously upgrade to serve our clients better.
Final words
Choosing the right packaging box printing company is about more than price or reputation — it’s about finding a true partner who understands your business and is committed to supporting your success.
Don’t just choose the biggest or most established company. Choose the one that makes your business feel valued and gives you peace of mind.