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Ceramic Dinnerware Mass Production, Packaging and Shipment

With the growing fresh and organic food movements, many consumers are asking, “How did my food get from the paddock to my plate?” Restaurants are looking to stand out by using locally grown and farmer-sourced produce, on telling the story of where food comes from. So Stoneage Ceramics thought we’d share the story about the plate itself; from manufacturing to ceramics packaging, and onto ceramic distributors.

This article follows on from Part I, where we painted a picture of the ceramic design and product sampling process. In Part II, we’ll discover the next leg of the journey, from creation to sale via ceramic distributors.

From Customer Order to Products on Shelves

Getting the first sample back is one of our favourite parts of the ceramic dinnerware production process, but of course, this is just the beginning of the next phase. Once we get the sample to a happy place for the client, it’s time to fulfil an order!

Step 1: Customer Confirmed Order

After reviewing the final product sample, Stoneage confirms the final quoted price, including the production for the agreed quantity and packaging costs. From here the customer confirms the order and we’re all set to go to production.

Step 2: Ceramics Packaging

We brief our Merchandising Team on product packaging requirements, such as whether gift boxing is required or if a product will be open stock. If gift boxing is required, our talented ceramics packaging designer will be called in to dazzle the customer with the artwork design.

Our ceramics packaging includes brown boxing to protect the product during shipping. This is calculated by the merchandiser and included in the quote.

Stoneage delivers packaging solutions for a range of clients from the high-end department stores to supermarket chains, ensuring our customers get the most cost-effective option to meet the needs of each product order.

Step 3: Back Stamp & Bar Code

For ceramic dinnerware distributors, it’s important to note that each item produced requires a back stamp with branding, care instructions and country of origin. You may wish to provide your own back stamp or have our graphic designer create one.

Most importantly, Stoneage manages the creation, printing and application of barcode stickers for each item produced, ensuring there are no errors. The barcode contains the retail pricing and is essential for stock management.

Step 4: Arrange Mass Production

Our merchandising team liaise with the production line to schedule in the ceramic mass production as soon as possible.

The Stoneage Ceramics quality control team are constantly monitoring the production line to ensure that our products are produced to the highest standards.

Step 5: Book Ship Date

Shipping is booked promptly and must allow for mass production, photography (if required), ceramics packaging and delivery to port. We must also consider shipping timeline, warehousing and delivery to stores into the ceramic distributor’s deadline. There’s a lot to coordinate, but our experience makes this a seamless process.

Step 6: Landing & Store Delivery

After a shipment has landed at the destination port, the customer arranges delivery to warehousing and into stores.

At that point, the journey is almost complete. The last step: customers purchase the product to bring it into their homes. The story of their ceramics is then one of an heirloom, a favourite plate, a family celebration, and perhaps enjoying many locally-sourced, farm fresh meals.

Interested in learning more about ceramics productions with Stoneage? Please feel free to get in touch.