Lead time is one of the most important factors when ordering custom poly plastic bags for your business.
When do you need your bags? How long does bag production take?
These are vital questions you need to ask your custom poly bag manufacturer.
Since custom orders often involve unique specifications—such as size, style, branding, and special features—the production process can take longer than a standard off-the-shelf product.
Understanding how lead times work can help you better manage your supply chain and avoid disruptions to your business.
What Are Lead Times and Why Do They Matter?
Lead times are the amount of time it takes for a custom poly bag manufacturer to produce and deliver a custom order after the initial request has been made.
In custom poly bag production, lead times account for every step in the manufacturing process—from design and proof approvals to production and shipping.
Lead times directly impact when you receive your product. Knowing how long it will take to get your custom bags helps plan inventory and meet deadlines.
A-Pac’s Commitment to Quick Production Turnaround:
At A-Pac Manufacturing, we understand the importance of timely deliveries, especially for custom orders.
Other custom poly bag manufacturers may find it challenging to meet short-notice demands, but not us. We’re proud to maintain an impressive on-time delivery rate of over 99%.
Our ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality is a key part of what sets us apart. Even with fluctuating schedules, we always aim to provide fast and reliable service, ensuring your custom poly plastic bags arrive on time.
What Factors Affect Lead Times for Custom Poly Bags?
Several factors can influence how long it takes to produce and deliver custom poly bags. Depending on the specifics of your order, these variables can shorten or extend the lead time.
Significant factors that can affect plastic bag production time include:
- Size – length, width, depth, and thickness
- Style – seals, handles, reinforced edges
- Quantity – large orders can take longer
- Branding – custom logos, colors, additional branding elements
- Additives – food grade capability, clarity, special coatings
- Proof Approvals – delays in approving proofs can significantly extend lead times
- Complex Specifications – nonstandard sizes, unique materials, complex designs
Note: Your lead time may be shorter if you already have a printed design and approved proof from the supplier. The order can take longer if you print a new order with many unique features, a nonstandard style, or custom logos.
How Much Lead Time Should You Provide?
Lead times for custom poly bags generally range from four to five weeks. Very large or intricate orders may take up to six months. It’s crucial to consider these potential timelines and plan ahead to ensure your bags arrive when you need them.
At A-Pac Manufacturing, our average lead time is around 3 weeks. This includes design, proof approvals, production, and shipping.
A good rule of thumb is to place your order at least four weeks before your desired delivery date to avoid any delays.
For example, if you need your bags by January 1, place your order by December 1 to give enough time for design adjustments, proof approvals, and production. Planning ahead ensures that your bags are ready exactly when you need them, without unnecessary stress or last-minute rushes.
The Custom Poly Bag Production Process
At A-Pac Manufacturing, we’ve implemented a five-step process to ensure you receive high-quality, custom products without delayed lead times.
This is how we do it:
Step 1: Understanding Your Application and Unique Needs
At A-Pac Manufacturing, we take the time to get to know your specific application and how you’ll use our products. Whether it’s size, durability, or other key features, we work closely with you to ensure our bags meet your exact needs.
After we analyze your unique needs, we’ll develop a plan to develop a custom-made product that is the best-performing and most economical solution for your business.
Step 2: Poly Film Production
With the bag design specifications and necessary features laid out, the film is ready to be produced. We will manufacture the poly film for your bags to the desired gauge (mil strength), color, bag clarity, and food-grade capability.
Our poly film is manufactured through a process called extrusion molding. In this process, the polyethylene is melted from pellets and then pushed through a die to form a bubble, which facilitates the cooling of the film to the required thickness.
Then, the film is used to create the bags.
Step 3: Poly Film to Custom Plastic Bags
Once the film cools, it’s rolled onto a spindle for easy dispensing. The film can be easily unwrapped, cut, and sealed to form the main body of the bags.
Handles are cut into the bags, and any other unique sealing options during this stage.
Step 4: Branding
The next step is to make the bags unique to your business and add custom branding.
During this part of the production, the bags are printed with logos, text, or any other elements requested in your proof.
Once branding is complete and the manufacturing process is over, the bags are ready to be sent to you.
Step 5: Shipping
The last step is to prepare the bags to ship using your preferred method.
Shipping time often depends on the distance to the destination and the order size, but it generally takes 5-7 business days from standard businesses.
At A-Pac Manufacturing, our shipping time is only 1-3 business days!
What to Look For in a Custom Poly Bag Manufacturer:
When choosing a custom poly bag manufacturer, two key factors to consider are quality and flexibility in production times.
A good manufacturer should deliver high-quality bags that meet your specific requirements while accommodating your schedule.
Why A-Pac Manufacturing Stands Out:
At A-Pac Manufacturing, we set ourselves apart by consistently delivering top-quality custom poly bags with quick production times.
We work on tight deadlines, especially for businesses with time-sensitive needs. We offer rush orders when necessary, ensuring your bags are produced and delivered promptly, even with short notice.
We have a proven track record of consistently meeting due dates—our on-time delivery rate exceeds 99%.
This commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction means you can count on us. When you choose A-Pac, you’re choosing a partner dedicated to meeting your production needs with speed and precision.
Get High-Quality Custom Poly Plastic Bags with A-Pac’s Fast Turnaround Times
If you need custom poly plastic bags quickly, give our team a call.
Our experts can help you design an outstanding product, and they can provide you with a time estimate for your order’s production. When you choose A-Pac for your manufacturing needs, you can be confident that you’ll have the best bags for your business when you need them.
Request a quote, and place your custom order today.
