Glass Container Sourcing FAQ – Your Most Common Questions Answered
Sourcing glass packaging for the first time? Or looking for a new supplier? Over the years, we have answered hundreds of questions from brands like yours. Here are the ones that come up most often – answered clearly and simply.
1. What is your MOQ for glass candle jars?
It depends on the product type:
- Stock clear glass (no customization) : MOQ 100 pieces
- Custom spray color (any Pantone/RAL color): MOQ 1,000 pieces
- Custom logo printing : MOQ 1,000 pieces
- Custom mold (new design) : MOQ 10,000 pieces (mold fee applies)
If you are a new brand or testing a new design, we recommend starting with stock clear glass + label stickers – low risk, fast turnaround.
2. Do you offer free samples?
Yes, for stock clear glass bottles, we offer free samples – you only pay the shipping cost.
For custom colors or logo printing , a small setup fee applies (e.g., $10–$30 per color/design). This fee covers color matching, machine cleaning, or screen/plate making. In many cases, these fees are deducted from your first bulk order.
3. How do I order a sample?
- Tell us which product and size you need
- Specify the color (clear or custom)
- We confirm availability and calculate shipping cost
- Pay shipping (and sample fee if custom color/logo)
- We ship the sample within 2–5 days
It’s simple and transparent.
4. Can I choose any color?
Yes. We can match any Pantone (PMS) or RAL color for glass spray painting. For stock items, we offer clear glass. For custom colors, MOQ is 1,000 pieces per color.
If you are unsure which color to choose, you can send us a reference photo – we will recommend the closest match.
5. What logo printing methods do you offer?
We offer three main methods for glass bottles:
| Method | Effect | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk screen | Flat, matte or glossy finish | Simple logos, large quantities | Medium |
| Hot stamping | Metallic, raised effect | Luxury / premium brands | Higher |
| Decal transfer | Fine details, complex art | Small batches, intricate designs | Highest |
We also offer laser engraving on wood and bamboo lids.
6. What about custom packaging / branded boxes?
Yes, we support custom packaging. MOQ for custom boxes is typically 1,000 pieces. The price depends on your design, size, and material.
The best way to get an accurate quote is to send us your artwork (AI or PDF). We will check with the factory and confirm the cost and lead time.
7. How long does production take?
| Product type | Lead time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Stock glass (clear, no customization) | 3–5 days |
| Glass with custom color or logo | 7–12 days |
| Custom mold glass (new design) | 25–35 days |
| Ceramic (custom) | 35–45 days |
These are estimates. We will give you a confirmed lead time before you place the order.
8. How do you pack glass bottles for shipping?
We use a multi‑layer packaging system to minimize breakage:
- Egg‑crate dividers inside each carton – each bottle sits in its own cell
- Cartons stacked on pallets and wrapped with stretch film
- For sea freight orders, we add wooden crates to protect against stacking pressure and forklift damage
For smaller LCL (less than container load) shipments, we add extra foam padding inside cartons. For full container orders, we keep pallets and wooden crates intact.
9. Do you ship worldwide? What are the shipping options?
Yes, we ship worldwide. To the UK, for example, we offer:
| Method | Lead time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Air freight (DDP) | 8–12 days | Urgent small orders |
| Truck + train (DDP) | 15–20 days | Medium urgency |
| Rail freight (DDP) | 25–28 days | Non‑urgent stable supply |
| Sea freight (LCL/FCL) | 45–60 days | Large volume, long lead time |
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means we handle customs clearance and pay all import taxes – you just receive the goods at your door.
10. What if the bottles break during shipping?
Breakage is rare but can happen. To protect you, we:
- Use proven packaging – egg‑crate + pallet + wooden crate for sea freight
- Replace broken items – if breakage happens due to our packing, we replace them free of charge
- Work with reliable freight forwarders – especially for LCL shipments, we now use forwarders who do not remove pallets during loading
For sea freight with pallets + wooden crates, breakage is minimal. For small LCL orders without pallets, we recommend adding extra foam protection.
11. What is your payment process?
For first orders, we typically require:
- 30% deposit before production
- 70% balance before shipment (or against Bill of Lading)
For small orders (under $500) or samples, full payment upfront is common. We also accept payment through Alibaba Trade Assurance for buyer protection.
12. Can I visit your factory?
Yes – we welcome clients to visit our partner factories. Please contact us in advance to arrange a visit. We can also arrange a virtual factory tour via video call if you cannot travel.
13. Do you work with small brands? What if my quantity is low?
Absolutely. Many of our clients started with small quantities. Stock clear glass bottles start from just 100 pieces. We are here to support brands at every stage – from startup to full‑scale production.