Operations & Growth
12 Questions to Ask a Co-Packer Before You Sign
Compare co-packers using product fit, minimum runs, capacity, sourcing, ownership, quality, traceability, recalls, change control, pricing, scheduling, and exit terms.A co-packer can expand capacity and capability, but the wrong operating fit can create large inventory commitments, missed launches, quality disputes, or incomplete records. Ask for documented answers before contract review.
12 questions
- What similar products and processes do you run? Ask about equipment, viscosity, particulates, allergens, package format, and validated capability.
- What are pilot, minimum, and efficient run sizes? Clarify flavor splits and setup charges.
- What capacity and lead time are actually available? Include peak season and maintenance.
- Who purchases ingredients and packaging? Define approved suppliers, customer-supplied stock, ownership, and excess materials.
- Who owns formulas, methods, improvements, tooling, and artwork? Put confidentiality and intellectual-property terms in writing.
- Which food-safety and quality programs apply? Review scope, audits, qualifications, and open corrective actions appropriately.
- How are lots traced and records shared? Test a backward and forward trace.
- How are deviations, holds, rework, and release decided? Define each party’s authority.
- Who leads complaints and recalls? Specify notification times, contacts, cost allocation, and evidence.
- How are formula, supplier, process, and packaging changes approved? No silent substitutions.
- What does the complete quote exclude? Add setup, tests, freight, storage, waste, overrun, admin, and deposits.
- How can either party exit? Cover remaining materials, work in process, records, tooling, notice, and transition.
Compare like-for-like economics
Normalize every quote to cost per good released unit at realistic volumes. Include cash timing, inventory created by the MOQ, freight, project management, travel, retained samples, testing, and rejected output.
Use the co-packer versus in-house calculator and review the real-cost comparison guide.
Batch Scale’s permission-scoped partner production sharing can provide a frozen work-order snapshot without exposing the entire workspace. Have qualified food-safety, financial, insurance, and legal advisors review the exact arrangement before signing.