Orders, Stock Cycles & Shipping FAQ
"How long is the lead time on out-of-stock products?" and "How much is freight?"
Navigating supply chains can be one of the steepest learning curves for an early-stage startup. At Ant Packaging, we want to make ordering your packaging as predictable and stress-free as possible.
Whether you are placing your very first order or scaling up to larger production runs, here is a transparent breakdown of how our manufacturing lead times work, how freight is calculated, and how you can qualify for free shipping.
Manufacturing Lead Times & Out-of-Stock Products
We work hard to maintain a consistent inventory of our most popular sustainable bottles and closures. However, because we manufacture right here in Australia, if an item you need is temporarily out-of-stock, we can spin up a new production run relatively quickly.
- Standard Manufacturing Lead Time: If a product is marked as out-of-stock, our standard lead time to manufacture a new run is generally 2 to 3 weeks. However, please note that certain imported components—such as specialised misters and pumps—rely on global supply chains and can occasionally carry longer lead times. We recommend tracking these components closely with our team when planning your production schedule.
- Planning Ahead: For startups, we always recommend placing your repeat orders when your inventory drops to about 4 weeks' worth of stock. This gives you a safe buffer for manufacturing and transit times so your filling lines never grind to a halt.
How Freight is Calculated
No one likes hidden fees at checkout. To give you the most accurate pricing possible, our website features dynamic postcode integration.
When you place items in your cart and head to checkout, our system connects directly with our freight partners in real-time. It calculates the exact shipping cost based on the total physical volume (cubic dimensions) of your cartons and your precise delivery postcode. This ensures you only ever pay the actual, competitive cost of transport.
Our Premium Shipping Offer: 12+ Cartons Freight-Free
We love helping local brands grow, which is why we offer a highly competitive shipping incentive designed to save your startup money as you scale up your order sizes.
Orders of 12 cartons or more qualify for 12+ Cartons Freight-Free delivery to the Eastern States of Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania).
If you are close to the 10 or 11-carton mark, adding an extra carton or two to your order to hit the 12-carton threshold can completely wipe out your shipping costs—instantly boosting your profit margins.
Frequently Asked Shipping Questions
“Where does Ant Packaging ship from?”
All of our sustainable bottle packaging is manufactured and dispatched directly from our certified carbon-neutral facility here in Australia, ensuring faster local delivery times compared to overseas suppliers. Please note, however, that while our bottles are locally made, all misters and pumps, as well as select other closures, are imported.
“Do you ship to Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory?”
Yes, we ship nationwide! While our free freight offer applies specifically to the Eastern States due to transport logistics, our dynamic checkout will find the absolute best available regional carrier rates for our Central and Western Australian customers.
“Can I track my delivery?”
Absolutely. As soon as your order leaves our warehouse loading dock, you will receive an automated tracking link via email so you can monitor its journey and prepare your team for arrival.