FAQ
What operators ask before a first run.
Lead time, minimums, payment, artwork, compliance, and what happens if a run arrives wrong. If your question is not here, send it with your quote request and we will answer it directly.
Working with LINK
How the work runs
What does LINK actually do?
We source packaging through manufacturers, put the order through, manage the logistics, and deliver the finished run to you. We do not own the factories. Pricing is set per run at quote.
Who will I be working with?
LINK is a founder-led packaging business in San Diego. You work directly with the person who owns your run rather than an account queue.
What formats do you source?
Six, sorted by what the package is rather than what goes inside it: Jars, Bags, Tubes, Tins, Boxes, Specialty. Open a format to compare the products in it and see what each is used for.
How do I get a price?
Use the quote form. The format and an estimated volume are enough to start. Material, finish, and price come back confirmed at quote, against your format and the price the run needs to hit.
Can I send artwork through the website?
No. The quote form takes no file upload. Send artwork and dielines by email once the conversation is open.
Ordering a run
Time, minimums, and money
How long does a run take?
About 7–9 weeks from approved artwork to delivered stock. Expedited air freight is available and quoted per run. Stock we’re already holding for you delivers the same week.
Can I get a sample before I order a full run?
Yes, and they’re free. We can send photos and specs right away. Physical samples take about two weeks.
Is there a minimum order?
5,000 units is our standard minimum. Smaller sample runs can be discussed at quote.
Do I have to pay for the whole run up front?
No. 50% deposit to begin production, 50% when your run ships. Terms for established accounts can be discussed.
How do I reorder?
A reorder is a new production run, so plan for 7–9 weeks, and the minimum applies again. If nothing changed on the artwork, we skip proofing.
Can you hold our stock?
Hold-and-release is available on qualifying runs. We hold your finished stock and release it when you call for it, which is how you skip the lead time entirely: stock we’re already holding for you delivers the same week. The first call decides whether holding makes sense for your run.
Artwork and files
What you send, and what stays yours
What files do you need from me?
You don’t need a dieline. We supply the dieline for your format, you supply the artwork. Print-ready vector files are ideal: AI, EPS, or PDF. A logo and a rough layout works too, including Canva or Figma exports. We place the artwork, send you a proof, and nothing goes to press until you approve it.
Who owns the dieline and the artwork files?
You do. Ask for your files any time and we’ll send them, and you can take them anywhere you want. Dielines are yours to keep as well. Expect a new supplier to adjust them to fit their own equipment; that is standard practice, not a restriction on your files.
Will your name be on my packaging?
No. Your brand goes on the packaging, ours doesn’t. Every pack carries your branding and whatever compliance information you’re required to show, nothing else from us.
Compliance and delivery
Standards, delivery, and a run that goes wrong
Are the child-resistant formats compliant?
Child-resistant formats are built to ASTM D3475 and 16 CFR 1700, with certification documentation available. We supply spec sheets to support your labeling. Final compliance sits with the licensee.
What happens if a run arrives wrong or damaged?
Every run is proofed before it goes to press. You approve a digital proof, we confirm specs against your file, and production doesn’t start until that’s signed off. Off-spec and defective runs shouldn’t happen. If one ever does, we replace or credit it at our cost. Transit damage is rare, and we cover that too. Report damage within 7 business days of delivery.
Can you deliver to us outside San Diego?
We hand-deliver across San Diego and Orange County. Everywhere else ships by carrier or freight, quoted with the run.
Still deciding
Ask it with your quote request.
Send the format, the volume you are planning, and the question you still have. The answer comes back with the quote.