Packaging Design Proposal Template

Packaging design has to work on a crowded shelf and on a printing press. This template walks the client from research and concepts to a design system across every SKU, works from the printer's own dielines, and offers an optional press check, with three options to choose from.

  • What We Heard
  • How We Work
  • Options
  • Timeline
  • What We Need From You
  • Revisions
  • Ownership and Licensing
  • Payment Terms
  • Acceptance
  • Signatures from you and your client
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it when a brand is launching a product, extending a line, or refreshing its packaging and is choosing a studio to design it.

The full template

Words in brackets, like [Client Name], fill in automatically from your client's details when you use the template in Clientary.

In the editor, you can change any section and package options. Once you send it, your client picks a package and signs online. Edit this template online

Thank you for inviting [Company Name] to work on [Client Name]'s packaging. This proposal covers what we heard, how we'll get from research to print-ready files, what you'll receive, and three options to choose from.

What We Heard

[Summarize the brief, for example: labels for a line of six small-batch hot sauces in 5 oz bottles, plus a three-pack gift box, ready for a retail and online launch.]

How We Work

1. Research. A look at your category on the shelf and online, a review of competitors, and a call with your printer or manufacturer to confirm materials, print methods, and constraints.

2. Concepts. Distinct creative directions, each shown on your lead product as realistic 3D mockups. You choose one to develop.

3. Design across the range. The chosen direction refined over two rounds of feedback, then applied to every product with a system for flavors, sizes, or variants.

4. Print-ready files. Final artwork built on the dielines your printer supplies, with bleeds, color specifications, and the text you provide. We review the printer's proof with you before printing.

5. Press check (optional). We attend the print run to check color and quality before the full run is printed.

Options

Every option includes research, concepts, two rounds of refinement, and print-ready files. Printing is quoted and billed by your printer directly.

Single product · One package or label, two concept directions
Research and production review$1,500.00
Packaging concepts, 2 directions$3,500.00
Final design and print-ready files$2,000.00
Total$7,000.00
Product line · A lead product and five variants, three concept directions
Research and production review$2,500.00
Packaging concepts, 3 directions$4,500.00
Lead product design and print-ready files$2,500.00
Additional variants (5)$3,000.00
Total$12,500.00
Line and launch · The product line plus secondary packaging, renders, and a press check
Research and production review$2,500.00
Packaging concepts, 3 directions$4,500.00
Lead product design and print-ready files$2,500.00
Additional variants (5)$3,000.00
Gift box or secondary packaging$2,500.00
3D product renders for your online store (6)$900.00
Press check (half day)$800.00
Total$16,700.00

Timeline

Most packaging projects take 8 to 12 weeks from kickoff to print-ready files. Printer lead times are on top of that, so we'll plan backward from your launch date at kickoff.

What We Need From You

  • Dielines, materials, and print specifications from your printer or manufacturer
  • Final product names, descriptions, and all regulatory text, such as ingredients, nutrition panels, and barcodes
  • Product samples for reference and photography
  • Consolidated feedback within five business days of each presentation

You're responsible for checking that regulatory text and product claims are accurate and meet the rules for your market. We place them exactly as supplied.

Revisions

Two rounds of refinement are included for the chosen direction. Further rounds, new variants, or a new direction after one has been chosen are billed at $150 per hour with your approval first.

Ownership and Licensing

Once the project is paid in full, [Client Name] owns the final packaging designs. Concepts that weren't chosen remain ours. Dielines belong to your printer or manufacturer. Fonts and stock imagery are licensed from their makers under their own terms. We may show the finished packaging in our portfolio once it's on sale.

Payment Terms

50% of the selected option is due on signing, 25% when you choose a concept direction, and 25% on delivery of the print-ready files. Invoices are due within 15 days.

Acceptance

Choose an option and sign below to accept this proposal. We'll be in touch within one business day to schedule kickoff.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any section, add your own, and add a fee table with packages the client can choose from. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your proposal is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it to be signed. Your client reviews, chooses a package, and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.

Learn more about proposal software in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

What is a dieline?

The flat template for a package or label that shows its cut lines, folds, and safe areas. It usually comes from the printer or manufacturer, so the design fits their equipment and materials exactly.

Who is responsible for the regulatory text on packaging?

Usually the brand. The designer places ingredients, nutrition panels, barcodes, and required statements, but the brand supplies them and checks that they're accurate and meet the rules for its market.

Is this packaging design proposal template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

More templates for design studios

Proposal · Design studios

Brand Identity Proposal Template

Use it when a company is naming, launching, or rebranding and is choosing a studio to create its identity.

Contract · Design studios

Design Retainer Agreement Template

Use it when a client needs ongoing design work each month, such as social graphics, presentations, ads, and sales materials.

Contract · Design studios

Graphic Design Contract Template

Use it for a defined design project, such as a brochure, packaging, a report, or a campaign, with a new or existing client.

Invoice · Design studios

Branding Project Invoice Template

Use it when a brand identity project is complete and you're ready to deliver the final files and guidelines.

Estimate · Design studios

Brand Identity Estimate Template

Use it when a company asks what a new logo or rebrand would cost, before you send a full proposal.