How to Prepare a Custom Tote Bag Project for a Manufacturer

A quotation is only as precise as the brief behind it. Preparing a short, structured brief before you enquire shortens the conversation and produces a quotation you can actually compare and act on.

State the purpose in one or two sentences

Explain what the bag is for and who will use it — a retail bag, an event kit, a corporate gift, an internal set. This single line lets a manufacturer suggest sensible options instead of guessing.

Describe the product

• Bag type or a reference model you like
• Approximate dimensions: width, height, depth
• Handle type and length, if you have a preference
• Material preference, or the properties you need if you are unsure
• Body colour, or whether natural fabric is acceptable

If you do not know the material yet, describe the requirement instead — for example "needs to hold shape and carry boxed items". That is more useful than a material name chosen at random.

Prepare the branding information

Include the artwork in a usable file format, the intended print width, placement on the bag, the number of print positions, and colour references. Fine detail, gradients, and photographic imagery should be flagged so their reproduction can be discussed openly.

Give quantity and timing

State the quantity you are planning, and mention whether it is fixed or indicative. If there is a date the bags are needed by, give it — the timeline affects what is realistic across sampling, production, and delivery.

Add practical requirements

• Delivery location, or multiple destinations
• Packing requirements, such as individual bagging or bulk cartons
• Whether a sample is required before production
• Any internal approval steps that affect your schedule

Say what is flexible

Indicating which points are fixed and which are open lets a manufacturer propose alternatives — a slightly different dimension, a comparable fabric, an adjusted print size — that meet your intent without compromising it.

A brief template

• Purpose and users
• Bag type, dimensions, handles
• Material and colour
• Branding: artwork, size, placement, colours
• Quantity and target date
• Delivery, packing, and sample requirements
• What is fixed and what is flexible

You can review current models in the tote bag catalog, read about who we are, and send your brief through the quote request form.