Questions to ask a co-packer, and when to ask them
Timing matters as much as the questions. Opening with a long list before a facility knows what you make is the fastest way to get pushed down the list. Here is what to ask, and when.
Before first contact: send, do not ask
Lead with what you have: product, process, packaging, run size, 12-month volume, and timeline. Our free brief builder turns that into one page. Save your questions for the call.
On the first call
- What is your minimum run per SKU, and do you offer smaller first runs? Minimums are the most common deal breaker for new brands.
- What setup, changeover, or testing fees apply to a first run? These can change your real cost per unit more than the quoted rate.
- Do you source ingredients and packaging, or do I supply them? It affects your cash needs and your lead time.
- How long from a final formula to a first production run? Scale-up and testing usually take longer than founders expect.
- Can you send your current certificates? Ask for the documents themselves.
Before a pilot run
- Food safety: Can I see your food safety plan and your most recent third-party audit, such as SQF or BRCGS?
- Allergens: Which allergens are in the facility, and how do you prevent cross-contact between runs?
- Testing: Who arranges and pays for shelf-life testing, microbial testing, and nutrition analysis?
- Scale-up: How do you handle adjustments when my recipe behaves differently at production scale?
- Registration: Is the facility registered with FDA, or inspected by USDA if my product contains meat or poultry?
- Organic: Is my product type covered by your organic certificate, and what does it take to add it?
Before you sign
- Who owns the formula, and will you sign a confidentiality agreement?
- What exactly does the price include, and what is billed separately?
- What are your payment terms and deposit requirements?
- How far ahead do I need to book production?
- Do you store finished goods and coordinate freight?
- What insurance do you carry, and what is your recall plan?
- What happens if a batch does not meet the agreed specifications?
Red flags
- They cannot show current certificates or audit results.
- They will not let you visit the facility.
- Fees stay vague after you ask directly.
- There are no written quality specifications.
- They push for large deposits before a pilot run.