How to write an Amazon and Shopify packaging brief for a supplier in China.

A packaging brief for China suppliers should connect three needs: product protection, brand presentation and the receiving requirements of the intended sales channel. Amazon and Shopify sourcing projects often fail at this stage because “custom packaging” is treated as one line in a quotation rather than a system of unit packs, inserts, labels, cartons and approval files.

The brief should be channel-aware without assuming that one platform rule applies everywhere. Amazon requirements can vary by marketplace, product, fulfillment method and program. Shopify merchants control their storefront but still need packaging that works with their fulfillment provider, carrier, destination law and product risk. Always confirm current platform and logistics requirements directly before production.

Map the complete packaging system

Start from the product and move outward. List any protective bag, tray, insert, retail box, instruction leaflet, label, master carton and pallet requirement. Define which parts are customer-facing and which exist only for transport. Suppliers need this structure to quote materials, printing, tooling and minimum quantities accurately.

For each layer, specify dimensions or the method for determining them, material expectations, finish, artwork version, closure method and acceptable alternatives. If packaging is still in development, ask for a structural sample before approving printed production. MICStore’s Amazon and Shopify sourcing solution coordinates product, packaging, inspection and delivery around the intended channel.

Separate fixed requirements from design preferences

Fixed requirements may include product protection, legally required information, scannable labels, package dimensions, warning statements or fulfillment-provider rules. Design preferences include color, finish, opening experience and decorative printing. Marking the difference prevents a visual improvement from accidentally removing a mandatory element.

• Product name or identifier used in your inventory system.
• Approved logo and artwork file with version date.
• Label content, size, position and quiet space.
• Required warnings or instructions reviewed for the destination.
• Unit count and included accessories.
• Retail-pack dimensions and target weight.
• Master-carton quantity, dimensions, gross weight and markings.
• Protection tests or handling checks appropriate to the product.

Control artwork and labels by version

Do not approve packaging from a screenshot alone. Supply editable or production-ready files in the format agreed with the printer, plus a low-resolution reference showing placement. Use a clear file name and version number. Ask the supplier to return a print proof or dieline with dimensions, barcode scale and any technical changes highlighted.

Confirm who creates barcodes or channel labels and who verifies the data. A supplier can print the file provided, but the brand remains responsible for ensuring identifiers and required content are correct. Never reuse a label from another product merely because the packaging is similar.

Design for fulfillment and transport

A beautiful retail box can still fail if the product moves inside, the carton crushes, labels peel or the pack dimensions create unnecessary shipping cost. Review the complete pack-out with accessories and documentation included. Confirm how unit packs are oriented in the master carton and whether empty space needs to be reduced or supported.

Share destination and receiving constraints early. A fulfillment center may have limits for carton weight, labels, appointments or pallet configuration. Those requirements may change, so treat the packaging brief as a controlled document that is verified again before each production run.

Approve packaging before mass printing

Packaging mistakes can affect an entire order at once. Approve structure first, then artwork and print. A digital proof helps catch content errors, while a physical packaging sample reveals fit, material, finish and assembly. Record the approved version in the golden sample file described in our golden sample approval guide.

Before shipment, include packaging checks in the inspection scope: unit-pack appearance, correct assortment, label presence, carton quantity, carton marks and a reasonable sample of dimensions or weights. See the quality inspection workflow for how checkpoints can be planned.

FAQ

Should the supplier design the packaging?

A supplier or packaging vendor may support structure and dielines, but the brand should own the brief, approve artwork and verify channel or legal content. Responsibilities should be explicit.

Can one package work for Amazon and Shopify orders?

Sometimes, but it must satisfy the product, marketplace, fulfillment and shipping requirements for each route. Separate outer labels or channel-specific preparation may still be needed.

When should final carton dimensions be confirmed?

Confirm them after the unit packaging and pack-out are approved and before the freight booking. Estimated dimensions are useful for planning but should not be treated as final.

Give the supplier a packaging approval calendar

Packaging often has a different production path from the product, so include dates for structural sample, artwork proof, printed sample, mass printing and final pack-out. Build time for corrections before the product completion date. If boxes are printed too early, a product or labeling change can create unusable inventory; if they are printed too late, finished products may wait unpacked.

Identify who approves each stage and the response deadline. The brand owner should maintain the master artwork and decision log, while the supplier confirms print feasibility, materials and production timing. This simple calendar keeps packaging decisions connected to sampling, production, inspection and freight booking.