How to Order: From First Inquiry to Ink on Your Press
Ordering custom printing inks shouldn't take weeks of back-and-forth. Here is exactly how it works at StarColor — with our MOQ, sampling speed, and color consistency commitments stated up front.
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Our ordering commitments, in numbers
Minimum Order Quantity
Per color, for water-based flexo, gravure, and UV flexo series. Trial quantities available for first press tests.
Sample & Small-Order Dispatch
Standard samples and production orders under 1 ton are dispatched within 72 hours of confirmation. Custom-matched colors add 3–7 working days.
Batch-to-Batch Color
Spectrophotometric color control on every batch, so your brand color stays consistent from the first order to the fiftieth.
| Order Type | Quantity | Dispatch Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Free standard sample | 5 kg per color | Within 72 hours |
| Production order | Below 1 ton | Within 72 hours |
| Production order | Below 20 tons | Within 7 days |
* Lead time counted from order confirmation. Custom-matched colors add 3–7 working days for lab color matching.
How to order in 5 steps
Send Your Inquiry
Tell us your application, substrate, printing process, and target colors. The more detail, the faster the quote.
Get TDS & Sample
We recommend the right series, send the TDS/MSDS, and dispatch a free standard sample within 72 hours.
Press Trial & Color Match
Run the sample on your press. Need an exact shade? Our lab matches Pantone or your physical sample.
Confirm Quote & Order
Lock in pricing, MOQ, packaging, and delivery terms. OEM/private-label options confirmed at this step.
Production & Delivery
Batch production with ΔE ≤ 2 color control, QC report with every shipment, and export documentation included.
📋 What to include in your inquiry (for the fastest quote)
Copy this checklist into your first message — it cuts typical quote time significantly.
- ✅ Application / end-use (e.g., paper bags, non-woven bags, labels, flexible film)
- ✅ Substrate material (kraft paper, BOPP, PP non-woven, PE film…)
- ✅ Printing process: flexo or gravure, and press speed if known
- ✅ Anilox line count / cell volume (if known)
- ✅ Colors needed — Pantone codes or a photo of your current print
- ✅ Special requirements: food contact, heat resistance, wash durability…
- ✅ Estimated order quantity (first order + annual volume)
- ✅ Destination country / port (for accurate shipping terms)
🏭 OEM & private-label manufacturing
StarColor is a factory, not a trader. We support OEM and private-label partners with custom formulation, your branding on packaging, and dedicated technical backup — from a single SKU to a full ink range. Tell us about your project →
Shipping & delivery terms
We ship worldwide from all major Chinese ports. StarColor covers all domestic transportation from our Huizhou factory to the departure port (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Shanghai, Qingdao, and other main ports on request). International freight is paid by the customer — we deliver on FOB terms (Chinese port), using your forwarder or ours.
| Destination | Main Ports Served | Approx. Transit Time (from Guangzhou Port) |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Jakarta, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Manila, Port Klang | 7–12 days |
| South Asia | Mumbai (Nhava Sheva), Chennai, Karachi, Chittagong | 15–22 days |
| Middle East | Jebel Ali, Dammam, Doha, Istanbul | 18–28 days |
| Europe | Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Piraeus | 30–38 days |
| North America — West Coast | Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Vancouver | 15–20 days |
| North America — East Coast | New York, Savannah, Houston, Toronto (via rail) | 30–40 days |
| South America | Santos, Buenos Aires, Callao, Guayaquil | 35–45 days |
| Africa | Durban, Lagos (Apapa), Mombasa, Casablanca | 28–40 days |
| Oceania | Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland | 20–30 days |
| Russia & CIS | Vladivostok, Novorossiysk; rail to Central Asia | 10–35 days |
* Transit times are indicative sea-freight estimates and vary by carrier, season, and transshipment. Contact us for a door-to-port quotation for your destination.
📸 How we pack & ship
Every order leaves our factory sealed, labeled, and export-ready. Real photos from our warehouse and recent shipments:
Frequently asked questions — Ordering
❓ What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our standard MOQ is 5 kg per color for water-based flexo and gravure inks, and for UV flexo inks. Smaller trial quantities are available for first-time press tests — contact our sales team to arrange one.
❓ Do you provide free samples? How fast can I get one?
Yes. Standard samples of our regular series are free of charge; you only cover the courier cost. Samples are dispatched within 72 hours of confirming your substrate and application details. Custom-matched colors take 3–7 working days.
❓ Can you match my exact brand color (Pantone or physical sample)?
Yes. Our in-house color lab matches Pantone references or your physical print samples spectrophotometrically, and we maintain batch-to-batch color difference at ΔE ≤ 2 so your brand color stays consistent across every reorder.
❓ Do you offer OEM or private-label ink manufacturing?
Yes. We provide OEM and private-label services including custom formulations, your brand packaging, and dedicated technical support. MOQ and lead time for OEM orders are confirmed case by case with our sales team.
❓ What information should I include in my inquiry for an accurate quote?
For the fastest, most accurate quote, tell us: the ink series or application (e.g., paper bags, non-woven, labels), your substrate, printing process (flexo/gravure) and press speed, anilox line count if known, desired colors with references, and estimated annual volume.
Ready to order? Start with a free sample
Send us your application details — we'll reply with the recommended series, TDS/MSDS, and a sample within 72 hours.