What To Ask Your In Mold Labeling Manufacturer

In mold labeling (IML) companies and services can vary widely, and choosing your partner in product design is a big decision that can leave a lasting effect on your business. Your choice in an IML partner not only influences your product, but it can also affect other important elements of your business, such as your reputation for quality and even your bottom line.

Experience is one of the most important concerns. Does the IML manufacturer you choose have the know-how and resources to bring your design to life?

Cost and waste reduction are also major factors. You’ll want to make sure your price points align, and that you’re not paying for additional waste from inefficient processes. A seasoned IML company can help your business reduce costs, meet production timelines, and present a product that showcases your business’s unique brand.

It’s also important to remember that your IML manufacturer can also have an impact on YOUR reputation. Their work will be reflected in your final materials, and play a part in the way your customers eventually interact with your product. Because of this, making sure you are in business with the right company is extremely important to maintain your standards for quality and on-time delivery.

4 Questions to Ask Your In Mold Labeling Manufacturer

“What is your company’s history and experience?”

When it comes to delivering high-quality IML services, experience is key. If your project runs into challenges or roadblocks, it’s imperative that you’re working with a company that can make adjustments on the fly. Knowing the best options, possibilities and costs of any change in plans is the responsibility of your IML manufacturer, so you want to make sure they are up to the task.

You may want to ask how long they’ve been in business, and how long they’ve been providing IML specifically. Likewise, you can ask about their communication processes and troubleshooting. If they don’t have clear answers to your questions, it could be because they haven’t been in business long enough to know the answers yet.

Conversely, if the IML manufacturer you’re speaking with is able to brainstorm and give examples of overcoming challenges in the past, then you can be better assured that they’ll offer creative solutions for your project along the way.

“What are your processes? Do you do IML in-house?”

When it comes to printing and in mold labeling, choosing a company that offers a full-suite of services in-house can make a difference. Many times, a company will focus on one main printing or design service, and then outsource additional project work. While this can expand a company’s offerings, it can also lead to production delays and communication challenges. Additionally, there can be multiple sources for defects, which can sometimes lead to the “blame game.”

When a company can handle the many facets of a printing project in-house (from design to prototyping, mold creation, printing and more), delivery and production become streamlined. Working with one manufacturer, and one point of contact, means that communication timelines are usually reduced, and accountability for project success lies in one company’s hands.

Some follow up questions about process might include:

• Do you outsource any of your services?
• Who is my point of contact if I have questions?
• What is the process in case there is a defect or issue with my product?

“What is a typical IML production timeline?”

Working with an IML manufacturer who can give accurate timelines is essential for setting your project’s expectations. You can ask about a timeline for a similar product they’ve worked on in the past, or what roadblocks might pop up to delay production.

This is another area where it can be wise to go with a company that is responsible for each step in-house. This will reduce start up and adjustment timing, which is good to know if you’re on a set production schedule. Remember to also ask about shipping and communication along the way, too. When will you be notified of updates? What is their track record for meeting deadlines? And what are some factors that might delay a project?

“Do you have customer reviews or testimonials to share?”

If an IML manufacturer can share reviews from clients who’ve experienced success with projects similar to yours, great. Reviews are an excellent way to get real-person information about a company’s customer service, follow-through and track record. You can do your research for online reviews ahead of time, or ask about an IML company’s reviews during the initial interview.

Likewise, you may want to ask customer services-related questions such as:

• What would your last client say about you?
• Have you ever received a poor review, and why?
• Can you give an example of a time you went above-and-beyond a client’s expectations?

Getting to know your In Mold Labeling manufacturer

The above questions are only a starting point.

You’ll know better than anyone else your project’s specific needs and requirements. If you have concerns related to the functionality or lifespan of your product as it relates to IML, don’t be afraid to ask. A qualified and knowledgeable manufacturer will have the experience and background to answer your questions with confidence, or find you the answers you need.

If you have questions about your upcoming project, we invite you to get in touch with our team to learn about the possibilities. At Sanwa, we’ve been offering high-quality IML services since 1977, and there’s not much we haven’t seen or done. So if you have questions about options, timelines, prototyping and more, we’re here to shed light on the answers you need, and get you pointed in the right direction.

Contact us, and one of our product experts will be in touch to learn about your design, your vision, and how we can help you realize your product’s success.