This guide helps organize an RFQ. Final dimensions, tooling compatibility, can construction, printing and production timing are confirmed only after project review.
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Intended use and product contact
You can start with a product photo, an idea for the shape, or a short description of what you want to pack. You do not need to know every packaging term before getting in touch. The details in this guide can be worked through with the sales team as your project develops. When specifying custom tin packaging, start by identifying the intended contents and application. Buyers should clearly state what product will sit inside the container. Confectionery, dry biscuits, or tea leaves may already be sealed within primary packaging such as bags or other inner packaging. In those instances, the tin serves as decorative secondary packaging. If your product touches the tin directly, discuss relevant contact requirements before confirming the packaging specification.
Measuring your product and arrangement
Accurate packaging dimensions depend on measuring the exact product you plan to package. If your goods use primary wrappers or bags, measure the product inside that packaging rather than unbagged items. Include any folds, seals and projecting edges when measuring the space the product occupies. Next, determine the internal arrangement of items within the container. Decide whether products will lie flat, stand on edge, or stack in multiple tiers. For multi-packs, determine the number of rows and columns. Assemble the items in their planned configuration, then measure the total width, length, and height of the full grouping. Measuring several production batches helps account for normal dimensional variations in product volume or wrapping.
Internal usable space versus external constraints
Enquiries often encounter confusion regarding internal capacity versus external boundaries. Internal dimensions define the clear space available inside the closed tin. This volume must accommodate the packaged product along with any protective inserts. If internal dimensions are insufficient, contents will not fit. External dimensions define the outer boundary of the closed container, including lid curls, base seams, and overall height. External measurements determine how tins fit into retail shelf spaces, shipping cartons, and transport pallets. When submitting dimensions, explicitly label the requested basis as either internal dimensions or external dimensions. Never assume that catalogue dimensions represent internal or external measurements by default. State the basis clearly, and ask the supplier to confirm the measurement basis of any catalogue reference under consideration.
Common dimension conventions in millimetres
Consistent communication reduces misunderstandings during enquiry assessment. Use millimetres (mm) to match the units on Ferostar's quotation form. If a reference uses another unit, label it clearly and check the measurements before submitting them. For rectangular tins and square tins, state measurements as Length × Width × Height (L × W × H). Use a labelled sketch to show which side you call length and which you call width. For round tins, state measurements as Diameter × Height (D × H). Clarify whether the diameter refers to the container body or the outer lid curl. If you know whether the height includes the lid, note this alongside your measurement. For an unusual shape, a simple sketch can help. If you do not have a drawing, share a photo and explain which dimensions matter to you.
Selecting preferred lid styles
Tin packaging supports diverse lid styles to suit product presentation and customer handling. Ferostar's lid options include slip lids, hinged lids, sliding lids, screw lids, and flip lids. Containers may also incorporate structural additions such as transparent windows, carrying handles, or clasp locks. Think about how you would like customers to open the tin. If you do not know the lid's name, send a photo or describe how you would like it to open. The sales team can discuss the options and arrange an assessment for your project.
Evaluating internal insert options
An insert is a tray or lining placed inside the tin to hold its contents in position. You can describe what it needs to hold without choosing a material at the outset. Ferostar's insert options include plastic inserts, paper inserts, and EVA or sponge linings. Rather than specifying insert dimensions separately, share your product dimensions and request an assessment with the product and insert together. This approach allows the supplier to review how the container, product, and insert fit together as a complete assembly, taking necessary production clearances into account.
Distinguishing fixed requirements from flexible elements
Categorising specifications into fixed constraints and flexible preferences assists suppliers during review. Fixed constraints typically represent non-negotiable boundaries, such as minimum internal space required for a pre-packaged item, or maximum external dimensions dictated by retail shelves or shipping cartons. Flexible elements represent parameters where minor adjustments are acceptable, such as slight variations in height, or choosing between a slip lid and a hinged lid if a compatible tool exists. Documenting what is mandatory and what is flexible helps the supplier determine whether an existing tooling set can be utilised or whether new tooling should be evaluated.
Practical specification handoff checklist
Use this checklist to organise the information you already have. It is a discussion guide, not a requirement to finalise every detail before contacting us. Mark undecided items as 'to be confirmed':
- Intended application, including whether contents are wrapped or directly touch the tin
- Target dimensions in millimetres, explicitly labelled as internal or external
- Notation clarifying whether height includes the lid
- Product arrangement, grouping, and quantity of items per container
- Preferred container shape (round, square, rectangular, or irregular) and preferred lid style
- Preferred insert material (plastic, paper, EVA, or sponge) for combined assessment
- Target initial order quantity and estimated annual volume
- Required delivery timing and destination
- Dimensioned sketches or drawings for irregular shapes
- Clear distinction between fixed requirements and flexible preferences
Explore available standard options by reviewing Ferostar's product range. Browse the product catalogue
If you are unsure about the technical terms and simply want to create custom tin packaging, you can contact our sales team directly. Tell us what you would like to pack and share a photo or reference if you have one. We can discuss the details together.
