When choosing a folding carton supplier, it’s tempting to focus solely on price. But in packaging, as in most things, you often get what you pay for. What appears to be a good deal on paper can turn into a costly mistake when delivery dates are missed, quality is inconsistent, or support is nowhere to be found.

Jason from ZoRoCo, who’s spent over a decade managing complex food manufacturing programs, lives this firsthand:

“This isn’t selling a car—it’s not a transaction. It’s a highly specialized process with numerous hoops and pitfalls to navigate. When we’re developing new business, I need suppliers who will invest time and expertise even when a PO isn’t guaranteed.”

Too often, price-driven decisions ignore the long-term costs. If a packaging partner can’t deliver on time or consistently meet your specifications, the downstream impact can be significant—lost production hours, missed retail windows, rework, and even lost revenue.

“If quality slips or deliveries are late, we lose money,” Jason explains. “Our employees lose hours, shipments fall behind, and shelves stay empty. Gratefully, Sonderen has never let us down.”

In manufacturing, time is money. Packaging that doesn’t run well on your equipment or arrive when expected slows everything down. Choosing a partner who understands your business, communicates clearly, and takes responsibility matters far more than a few cents per unit.

“I’ve come to trust Sonderen’s team because they’ve proven, time and again, that they’ll show up, offer strong judgment, and help me execute,” Jason says. “That means test cuts, redesigns, color, and art chase-down—and it affects their whole team. I know this and I value it.”

When the stakes are high—like during a new product launch or a fast-turn production run—you don’t want to be left guessing. Can your supplier reprint quickly? Will they answer your call when something goes wrong? Do they take pride in your success?

Switching suppliers is difficult. That’s why it’s essential to get it right the first time: choose a packaging partner who’s committed, capable, and in it with you—not just until the invoice clears.

“The Sonderen team has always executed,” Jason says. “They communicate with high integrity and sincerity—and I know their quality won’t let me down. I may not see all of them, but I feel them every day my production lines keep turning.”