Mold fees on glass jars, without the fog
When a mold fee applies, who owns the tool, and how tooling time changes the calendar - answered from the way GlassPacker actually quotes.
When does a mold fee apply?
Only when a private mold is machined. Stock shapes already run on proven tooling in the factory, so they carry no tooling charge and enter the 5-7 day production band directly. A private mold is a brand-owned silhouette that must be machined, tried and approved before any run.
Who owns the mold once the fee is paid?
The customer. A private mold is brand-owned tooling: it is held for your exclusive runs and is not offered to other buyers. Ownership is stated at quotation, before the tooling window starts.
How long does tooling take before production?
Roughly 35-45 days for machining, trial and approval, added in front of the production band. The trial stage is where wall thickness, capacity and finish are checked against your drawing, so the window protects the first run rather than delaying it arbitrarily.
Stock shape or private mold - how do I choose?
If a stock silhouette fits your shelf plan, it removes the tooling window and the fee entirely. Choose a private mold when the silhouette itself is brand identity - a proprietary curve or shoulder that no competitor can buy. Many brands start on stock and tool a hero shape later.