Compiled by the LuxoPacks production team in Dongguan · last reviewed August 2026 · see the production floor
Setup and Repeat Charges in a Packaging Quote
Give every setup line a purpose: cutting the structure, printing an artwork layer, stamping a mark or approving a sample. Ask which specification revision each item serves and which later changes would require replacement. The table separates cost types; the quote must identify the actual tool and the conditions for using it again.
| Charge | What it actually is | What drives it | Repeats on reorder? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural design / dieline | The flat cutting template for your exact box size, with fold and glue allowances | Structure complexity, number of panels, whether the shape is standard or bespoke | May be reused if the approved structure and dimensions are unchanged |
| Cutting die | The physical steel-rule die that cuts the flat blank | Blank size, shape complexity, number of cut-outs | Confirm stored-tool condition, suitability and reuse charges |
| Printing plate | A plate used for a colour or artwork in the selected print process | Number of colours, artwork variants and printing process | Confirm reuse if artwork, process and plate condition permit |
| Foil / emboss die | A separate metal die for hot foil stamping or embossing | Stamped area, detail depth, whether foil and emboss are combined | Confirm stored-tool condition and reuse charges |
| Physical sampling | A real box built on the actual board and wrap before mass production | How many rounds you need before approval | Only if you re-sample |
| Machine changeover | Setting up the wrap and print lines for your job | Setup tasks for the selected materials, print and construction | Yes, per production run |
These are the same line items LuxoPacks itemises on its own quotations from its Dongguan plant, so a quote can be compared against another supplier's on a like-for-like basis.
How LuxoPacks Handles Each One
Free design support and a 3D mockup are available for reviewing your project. The quotation sets out the structural work, physical sampling and tooling for the selected specification.
| Item | LuxoPacks policy | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3D mockup | Free | Timing confirmed after review of your logo, box size and design scope |
| Structural dieline | Scope and any separate charge confirmed after review | Developed around your dimensions, structure, fold and glue allowances |
| Mould / size surcharge | Tooling and setup charges identified in the quotation | Confirm what a quoted mould fee covers and whether a size change requires new tooling |
| Physical sample | Sample fee, courier and any order credit confirmed before sampling | Usually 3–5 days after structure and artwork confirmation; transit is additional |
| Tooling storage | Ownership, storage period and any fee agreed in writing | Check tool condition, availability and reuse charges before a reorder |
| Printing plates / foil dies | Quoted per specification | Depends on colour count and stamped area — itemised on the quotation |
LuxoPacks prepares quotations from its Dongguan factory for custom production from 500 pcs per design and size. Compare the full first-order cost with the expected reorder cost using the same specification.
When a Quote Has No Separate Setup Line
A missing setup line is a question to resolve, not evidence that no setup work exists. Ask whether the quoted price includes the work and whether the same cost remains in an unchanged reorder. Keep a written first-order and repeat-order scope so an apparent saving is not offset by a later charge or omitted process.
- It was amortised into the unit price. Ask whether the allocation changes on a repeat order once the original tooling has been paid for.
- It was omitted from the current quotation. Request the complete setup scope before approving samples or issuing the purchase order.
- An intermediary is coordinating the tooling. Confirm the factory, tooling ownership, any markup and the storage agreement in writing.
Ask every supplier to separate one-time and repeat charges, then compare the first-order total and reorder total. Confirm tooling ownership, storage, reuse charges and any setup waiver in the written quotation; repeat orders still follow the current production minimum.
Six Questions to Ask Before You Pay Anything
Use the questions below to turn a general assurance into a usable purchase record. Match each answer to the relevant die, plate or design file, and include the conditions in the quotation. A statement that tooling is included does not by itself establish ownership, storage duration or permission to transfer it.
- Which charges are one-off, and which repeat on every order?
- What is the sample fee, does it include courier charges, and is any amount credited against a production order?
- Who owns the cutting die and foil die after the first run, and where are they stored?
- Is there a storage fee or storage limit if I do not reorder within a set period?
- If I change the wrap or finish but keep the size, which tooling can be reused and what will be charged again?
- Is this quotation from the factory that will run the job, or from an intermediary?
Cross-check the answers against the cost guide for the per-unit side, the MOQ guide for where minimums come from, and the size guide to lock the dimensions before any die is cut.
Design & Tooling Cost FAQ
Is there a design fee for custom packaging?
LuxoPacks offers free design support and a 3D mockup. Confirm the scope of structural dieline work, artwork redrawing and any separate charge in the quotation. Design timing depends on the brief; physical sampling and production tooling are separate items.
What is a mould fee and will I be charged one?
In a paper-box quotation, “mould fee” may refer to a cutting die, foil die or embossing die. Ask which tool is included, who owns it and whether it can be reused. Charges depend on the structure, artwork and process; the quotation should identify each tool rather than assume all custom sizes have the same fee.
Is the sample fee refundable?
Confirm the sample scope, fee, courier charge and any credit against production in the written quotation. If a credit is offered, identify the order and conditions that qualify and how it will appear on the production invoice. Do not budget on a refund that has only been assumed from the sample discussion.
Do I pay tooling again when I reorder?
Ask whether the stored tool is available and suitable for the unchanged specification, then confirm any retrieval, setup or reuse charge. A different box size, logo scale or finishing process can require new tooling even when the product name stays the same. Record the approved tooling reference with the reorder. Existing tooling may be reusable when the specification and process are unchanged and the tool remains in suitable condition. Confirm storage, ownership and any reuse or replacement charge in the reorder quotation. Reorders still require at least 500 pcs per design and size.
How do I compare two quotes when only one lists tooling?
Ask both to split one-off from repeat charges, then build two totals: first-order cost including all one-off items, and reorder cost excluding whatever is stored. Compare those two numbers rather than the per-box price, which on its own tells you very little.
Instant Inquiry
Get an Itemised Quote — One-Off and Repeat Costs Separated
Share the box format, product dimensions and target quantity. Our team will review the brief and prepare an itemized quotation with free design support and a 3D mockup; timing depends on the project scope.
Email info@luxopacks.com or contact us on WhatsApp with your packaging requirements. Include the product dimensions, quantity for each design and size, artwork or references, and destination. Attach files directly in your message; request an NDA before sharing confidential artwork.
