Quantity tolerance (over/under run)

Quantity tolerance (overrun/underrun) is the agreed percentage by which a delivery of printed packaging may differ from the ordered quantity. With ±10% on 10,000 pouches, you may receive roughly 9,000 to 11,000, and invoicing is usually based on the actual quantity delivered.

Why it exists

Printing, lamination, slitting and pouch making each generate set-up waste, splices and rejects that cannot be predicted exactly. Converters start with extra material, so the final count lands slightly above or below target. Restarting a whole line for a small shortfall is not economical.

What influences it

• Smaller orders usually carry a higher percentage.
• Tolerance often applies per design.
• Zippers, valves, spouts and shaped cuts add waste.
• Digital printing allows tighter tolerances.

For rollstock, tolerance is usually stated in metres or kilograms, with a separate limit on splices per reel.

Buyer tips

Get the percentage and direction in writing, budget for the upper limit, tell the supplier if you need a guaranteed minimum, and check counts on delivery. Consider tolerance together with MOQ to see your real order cost.