u/Round_Hovercraft2115

I’ve never ordered custom packaging before and had a question about the normal process.

I’ve been talking with a few manufacturers about custom boxes for my business. Most are asking for payment before we’ve finalized any designs, and I wasn’t sure if that’s standard for custom packaging orders.

We’ve only discussed box size and quantity so far. Should I expect to see mockups/proofs before payment, or is paying upfront normal in this industry?

I dropped a package off over 24hrs ago at usps. The clerk scanned it and printed a receipt out for me. Tracking online still says “label created”…it’s been over 24hr since I dropped it off and it was suppose to be priority mail. Should I be worried?