Creative Invoice Template

Free Packaging Designer Invoice Template

Invoice clients for product packaging, structural design, and retail-ready artwork. Get paid on time with Tidybill.

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What is a Packaging Designer invoice?

A packaging designer invoice covers fees for designing the visual and structural elements of product packaging. This includes developing the container shape or die-cut structure, applying brand graphics and typography to three-dimensional surfaces, preparing print-ready artwork for packaging suppliers, and sometimes sourcing or briefing manufacturers. Packaging design is often a complex, multi-discipline project that involves close collaboration with product teams, brand teams, and print or manufacturing suppliers. Because packaging directly impacts product sales, clients in the FMCG and retail space tend to invest heavily in this work. Invoices should clearly separate the structural/dieline design phase from the graphic design phase, as these may involve different specialists and significantly different levels of effort.

What to include on a Packaging Designer invoice

Common packaging designer invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Packaging Concept & Dieline Design £800 - £3,000 per SKU
Graphic Application to Packaging £500 - £2,000 per SKU
Print-Ready Artwork (per face) £100 - £300 per panel
Packaging Range Extension £200 - £800 per variant
3D Mock-Up Visualisation £200 - £600 per mock-up
Supplier Briefing & Liaison £80 - £150 per hour

How to invoice as a packaging designer

Packaging projects often run for months and involve multiple review and approval stages. Invoice in milestones: a deposit before structural design begins, payment after concept approval, and the balance on final print-ready artwork delivery. For range extensions on an existing packaging system, invoice per SKU or per additional format. Supplier liaison and manufacturer briefing are valuable advisory services and should not be given away for free — invoice at an hourly rate or as a flat project management fee.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I price packaging design for a range of products?
Price the first SKU as a full project (including structural design and brand system development) and subsequent SKUs in the range at a reduced rate per variant, since the primary design work has already been done. The reduction reflects efficiency, not discount — communicate this clearly in your proposal.
Do I charge for 3D visualisations?
Yes. Creating 3D mock-ups for client presentations or retailer line reviews is additional work and should be invoiced separately. Define whether 3D visualisation is included in your base fee or is an add-on. Many clients do not realise this is not automatically part of flat graphic design work.
Who pays for physical packaging samples and prototypes?
Sample production costs are a pass-through expense charged at actual cost. Clearly separate prototype costs from your design fee on the invoice, with a brief description of what was ordered. Agree on who bears sample costs in your contract before ordering.
How do I handle packaging design for regulated industries (food, cosmetics)?
Regulated industries require specific label copy and compliance information. While you are responsible for the design, the client is responsible for ensuring the copy is legally compliant. Make this explicit in your contract. Note on the invoice that content accuracy is the client's responsibility.
What file formats do print-ready packaging files need to be in?
Typically a layered PDF/X-4 or PDF/X-1a for litho printing, or specific formats requested by the packaging supplier. Include file format details in your invoice description so there is a record of what was delivered. Deliver CMYK colour profiles unless the supplier has specified Pantone or RGB for digital print.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Packaging Designer invoice template straight away after signing up.