Generic / Other Customers
Use these standard requirements when shipping to customers without a specific guide. These are conservative defaults that should be acceptable to most buyers.When to Use This Guide
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| New customer, no guide provided | Use these defaults |
| Customer says “standard packing” | Use these defaults |
| Small order, no specific instructions | Use these defaults |
| Customer has specific guide | Use their guide instead |
Safe Defaults Summary
| Requirement | Safe Default |
|---|---|
| Carton Label Size | A4 (210mm × 297mm) |
| Barcode Type | Code 128 |
| Max Carton Weight | 15 kg |
| Max Carton Dimensions | 60 × 40 × 40 cm |
| Size Sorting | Single size per carton |
| Poly Bagging | Yes, individual |
| Sealing | H-seal, clear tape |
| Documents | Invoice, Packing List, COO |
Carton Label
Recommended Layout
Label Specifications (Safe Defaults)
| Specification | Default |
|---|---|
| Size | A4 (210mm × 297mm) |
| Orientation | Portrait |
| Paper | White, 80gsm minimum |
| Barcode Type | Code 128 |
| Barcode Height | Minimum 20mm |
| Quiet Zone | Minimum 10mm each side |
| Laser printer, black ink | |
| Placement | One label per carton, largest face |
A4 is universally accepted. If customer prefers smaller, A5 (148mm × 210mm) is also widely acceptable.
Product Label
Safe Default Specifications
| Specification | Default |
|---|---|
| Size | 50mm × 80mm |
| Material | 250gsm card minimum |
| Barcode | EAN-13 or customer-provided |
| Attachment | Clear loop or cotton string |
Required Elements
| Element | Include |
|---|---|
| Product Description | Yes |
| Size | Yes, clearly visible |
| Colour | Yes |
| Barcode | Yes, with human-readable |
| Composition | Yes |
| Care Instructions | Yes |
| Country of Origin | Yes |
| Price | Only if customer requires |
Packing Requirements
Carton Specifications (Safe Defaults)
| Specification | Default |
|---|---|
| Maximum Weight | 15 kg gross |
| Maximum Length | 60 cm |
| Maximum Width | 40 cm |
| Maximum Height | 40 cm |
| Carton Material | Double-wall corrugated |
| Carton Color | Plain brown kraft |
Packing Rules (Safe Defaults)
Size Sorting
Size Sorting
Default Rule: Single size per carton.This is the safest approach as most customers require it.
Exception: Only mix sizes if customer explicitly permits it in writing.
| Approach | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Single size per carton | Low risk |
| Mixed sizes | High risk - may be rejected |
Poly Bagging
Poly Bagging
Default Rule: Individual poly bagging required.
Why: Almost all customers require individual bagging. It protects garments and is expected by DCs.
| Specification | Default |
|---|---|
| Bag Material | Clear polypropylene |
| Bag Thickness | 25 micron minimum |
| Closure | Self-adhesive or fold-seal |
| Warning | Include suffocation warning |
Sealing Method
Sealing Method
Default Rule: H-seal with clear tape.
Why: H-seal is the most secure and widely accepted.
| Specification | Default |
|---|---|
| Tape Width | 50mm |
| Tape Color | Clear |
| Pattern | H-seal (all edges) |
| Quality | No gaps, neat edges |
Void Fill
Void Fill
Default Rule: Use paper void fill.
Why: Paper is universally acceptable and environmentally friendly.
| Material | Acceptable |
|---|---|
| Kraft paper | Yes (preferred) |
| Tissue paper | Yes |
| Bubble wrap | Check with customer |
| Packing peanuts | Avoid |
| Air pillows | Check with customer |
Required Documents
Standard Document Set
| Document | Copies | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | 3 | Yes |
| Packing List | 2 | Yes |
| Certificate of Origin | 1 original + 2 copies | Yes |
| Bill of Lading/AWB | Original + 2 copies | Yes |
Commercial Invoice (Safe Format)
| Field | Include |
|---|---|
| Your company details | Full name, address, contact |
| Customer details | Name, address |
| Invoice number | Your reference |
| Invoice date | Current date |
| PO reference | Customer’s PO number |
| Description | Each style/colour |
| Quantity | Units per line |
| Unit price | Per piece |
| Total value | Line totals + grand total |
| Currency | As per PO (usually USD or GBP) |
| Incoterms | As per PO (FOB if not specified) |
| HS codes | 6-digit minimum |
| Country of origin | Pakistan |
Packing List (Safe Format)
| Field | Include |
|---|---|
| Shipment reference | Your reference |
| Customer PO | Customer’s PO number |
| Carton numbers | 1 of X, 2 of X, etc. |
| Carton contents | Style, colour, size, qty per carton |
| Carton weights | Gross and net |
| Carton dimensions | L × W × H |
| Totals | Total cartons, total pieces, total weight |
Troubleshooting
Customer rejected shipment
Customer rejected shipment
Cause: Non-compliance with unknown requirements.Solution:
- Ask customer for specific reason
- Request their compliance guide
- Document for future shipments
- Update internal records
No PO reference available
No PO reference available
Cause: Order placed informally.Solution:
- Request formal PO from customer
- If not available, use your internal reference
- Clearly state “No PO provided” on documents
- Get customer confirmation in writing
Customer wants specific barcode format
Customer wants specific barcode format
Cause: Their system requires specific format.Solution:
- Ask for exact specifications
- Request sample label for reference
- Test scan before bulk printing
- Document for future orders
Unsure about weight limit
Unsure about weight limit
Cause: Customer hasn’t specified.Solution:
- Use 15 kg as safe maximum
- Ask customer for their limit
- Err on the side of lighter
- Record answer for future reference
Mixed sizes required by customer
Mixed sizes required by customer
Cause: Customer requested ratio packs.Solution:
- Get ratio in writing (e.g., 1-2-2-1)
- Follow exact ratio specified
- Label cartons clearly
- Document in packing list
Getting Customer Requirements
Questions to Ask
When onboarding a new customer, ask for:| Information | Why Needed |
|---|---|
| Compliance/routing guide | Full specifications |
| Label template | Exact format required |
| Barcode type | EAN-13, Code 128, etc. |
| Max carton weight | DC handling limits |
| Size sorting rule | Single or mixed |
| Required documents | What they need |
| DC address | Delivery location |
| Contact for queries | Who to ask |
Sample Request Email
Quick Reference Checklist
Before shipping without specific customer guide:- Confirmed no customer guide exists
- Using safe defaults from this page
- Carton labels: A4 size, Code 128
- Single size per carton
- Individual poly bagging
- Carton weight ≤ 15 kg
- H-seal with clear tape
- Commercial Invoice × 3
- Packing List × 2
- Certificate of Origin
- All barcodes test-scanned