Answers before files, samples and purchase orders.

The reviewed catalogue contains 122 size records across 47 exact piece counts from 4 to 1,008 pieces, including standard flat, round, shaped and tray-backed structures. The flat-puzzle directory provides the exact count and size records. The 992-, 1,000- and 1,008-piece records remain separate, and tool condition, die line and current availability are reconfirmed before quotation.

There is no published universal MOQ. Historical thresholds refer to different products and production methods. The current minimum is confirmed after reviewing the product family, production route, dimensions, substrate, print layout, tooling, finishing, component sourcing, packaging, quantity and capacity.

Yes. After the files and construction are reviewed, the quote identifies the appropriate sample route, what it proves, its cost and timing, and whether production tooling or final materials are included. A visual prototype should not be treated as proof of mass-production materials unless that is stated.

A reliable schedule is issued after artwork, structure, quantity, materials, finishing, testing and packaging are defined. Ask for the schedule to separate file review, sample approval, material preparation, production, inspection, booking and transit.

No. Price and available capacity depend on the current production plan and the approved specification. Send a quantity ladder where possible, for example an initial order plus higher-volume scenarios, so comparable unit pricing and tooling effects can be reviewed.

Provide company and contact details, product type, finished dimensions, piece or card count, quantity, material direction, print and finish, packaging, target market, destination, required date and available files. Mark unknown fields as “recommendation needed” rather than guessing.

Define dimensions and tolerances, materials, colour reference, print and finish acceptance, piece count, fit or assembly test, packaging, barcode and carton requirements. Classify critical, major and minor defects and identify the evidence needed at each inspection point.

Yes. Supply the sampling level, AQL values, defect definitions, functional tests and report format with the RFQ. If no standard is supplied, the parties should agree a project inspection plan before production; no universal AQL is assumed.

Company materials include certificate, audit and product-test references. They do not establish universal coverage. For due diligence, request current controlled copies showing the legal entity, named sample or material, standard, report or certificate number, issue date, validity and scope. Applicability is matched to the actual product, destination market and order.

State the destination country, intended user and required standard at RFQ stage. The responsible laboratory, sample selection, test scope, cost, retest process and report ownership are then confirmed in writing. A company certificate is not a substitute for a product-specific test where one is required.

Agree what the production record must link: purchase order, approved file revision, material batch, production date or lot, inspection report and carton identification. Required retention time and access to records belong in the quality agreement.

Preserve samples, photos, carton labels, quantities and lot details and report the issue against the approved specification. The agreed process should cover containment, sorting, root-cause analysis, corrective action and commercial disposition. Rework, remake, replacement or credit is determined by evidence and the purchase contract.

A mutual or buyer-provided NDA can be reviewed before unreleased artwork, customer identities or production files are shared. Define confidential information, permitted recipients, security method, duration, return or deletion, exclusions and governing terms in the signed agreement.

Pre-existing IP remains with its owner. The buyer should warrant that it can authorise production, and the contract should limit use of supplied artwork to the approved project. Marketing or portfolio use requires separate written permission.

Ownership does not follow from payment alone unless the documents say so. State who funds and owns each item, where it is stored, who may use it, maintenance and re-order rights, storage period, transfer cost and disposal instruction in the quote or tooling agreement.

Set a retention period for quote files, approved production files, inspection records, tooling, golden samples and excess materials in the contract or NDA. Also define the authorised deletion or return process. Do not upload sensitive files until the agreed transfer method is confirmed.

Trade projects can define neutral packing, restricted project access, customer isolation and non-circumvention. The protected accounts and contacts, duration, authorised communications, exceptions and remedy need to be explicit in a signed trade agreement.