As with any relationship, business or personal, communication is key for an effective one.  In our self-driven culture, too many relationships (business or personal) assume the worst in the other party, and thus take on a defensive posture from the beginning.  We are taught to do this, to imagine that whoever we’re dealing with is trying somehow to trick us into giving them more money for less work.  While this of course happens, it bodes for a much more effective working relationship to realize what the common goal is and collaborate with the other party.  A packaging company wants to help you optimize the appeal of your product, you want that input.  Start there.

1. Feel free to ask all the question you need answered. Transparency is important in any working relationship.  Ask about prices, fees, any time-sensitive deals, etc.  Asking questions shows a proactive interest and knowledge about what you’re doing and puts a voice to the product being packaged  All of this helps the company take your needs seriously.
2. Tell them what you’re trying to communicate with your packaging. They’re experts in knowing all the various options, so you don’t have to be.  You need to be an expert in what you’re selling and how; they can help fulfill those options.
3. Ask questions about prices. Being given a reason behind the price of something will help you determine if you want that particular route.  Think about communication of your product before thinking only about price, as considering intended audience will sell more than just going the cheapest route with packaging.
4. Let them know if you want to establish longevity. If you’re going to use the same packaging company for a while, it can help relationship and smooth transactions early on.
5. Be willing to collaborate with ideas so you both have a say in packaging and rely on expert advice.