Questions and answers
ABOUT US
WHO ARE WE?
Since the beginning of 2020, we have been successfully revolutionizing the packaging market with a highly motivated team. We have created a solution to our packaging problem: Customized, perfect packaging. On-demand. Environmentally friendly. Hassle-free.
WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
We are at home in the cosmopolitan city with a heart (Munich).
WHAT IS THE IDEA BEHIND MANYFOLDS?
Everyone knows the problem: shipping packaging is almost always far too large and unsuitable for the goods ordered. For a small product comes a huge cardboard box, which is then also stuffed with environmentally harmful filling materials. On average, there is 50% air in the packaging (Fraunhofer study, 2019). The reason for this is simple: shippers almost never stock the cartons that fit the goods being shipped, because keeping many different carton sizes on hand results in very high costs. But that, in turn, results in higher spending on environmentally harmful filling materials and shipping, while also adding unnecessary delivery traffic to our cities. This problem is not just huge. It is absolutely gigantic in the world!
Our solution: A packaging portal as a central entry point for every item you want to package. Size-optimized, customized, and environmentally friendly packaging at the push of a button, ordered quickly and delivered in a few days or produced directly at your site with a compact Manyfolds machine.
But the best thing is: you no longer have to worry about which service, manufacturer or solution to take for packaging, but can be sure that with Manyfolds you ALWAYS get the right solution, best in terms of price-performance ratio and environmental friendliness. Because smaller packaging not only reduces the shipping price, but also logistics traffic, which not only relieves our inner-city roads, but also allows significantCO2 savings.
OUR SOLUTION
HOW DOES OUR PACKAGING SOLUTION WORK?
In general, you can think of Manyfolds as a good tailor who "tailors" the perfect packaging based on the product. Only almost completely automatically.
1. define / add the product to be packed
You currently have three different options to define your products to be packaged in Manyfolds:
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- Option 1: Manually enter the length, width and height of the products in Manyfolds PackPortal.
- Option 2: Capture the goods with our Manyfolds scanning/image upload app and upload directly to the respective user account. The app is available in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
- Option 3: Upload a 3D file of the goods via the "3D Manager" in Manyfolds PackPortal.
2. digitally package the defined product
After the product definition, the product appears in the Manyfolds PackPortal product list. A click on the "+" to the right of the product name is all it takes to digitally pack the product, including the protective inserts and outer carton. The (digital) packaging can be extensively customized if needed: Additional products can be added to the packaging, the position and arrangement of the products can be changed or additional layers can be added. It is also possible to create existing outer cartons and then generate the inserts to match exactly this outer carton.
3. produce packing(s)
Once you are satisfied with your custom packaging design, you have two options to produce the package(s).
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- Option 1: Order the packaging online. In only about 6-10 days your packaging will be produced and delivered. Manyfolds has a network of production partners which is gradually being expanded throughout Europe.
- Option 2: On-site production of the packaging with a copier-sized machine from Manyfolds. This option will be available from the end of Q3 2023. Series production of the first Manyfolds machines is currently being prepared.
WHO IS THE MANYFOLDS PACKPORTAL WITH ONLINE ORDERING SUITABLE FOR?
The Manyfolds PackPortal with online ordering is basically suitable for all companies (regardless of size), especially for the following use cases:
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- Small series of individual, size-optimized packaging
- Shipping of high-value or fragile products that must arrive safely to the recipient
- Packaging for product combinations that are normally difficult / costly to pack -> to increase process stability
- Reduce or eliminate the need for expensive packaging design services.
And if you...
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- ...take customer appreciation to the next level and
- ...want to avoid environmentally harmful plastic filling materials and make a statement in the field of environmental protection with this packaging technology.
FOR WHOM IS THE SOLUTION WITH THE MANYFOLDS MACHINE SUITABLE?
The Manyfolds machine for on-site production is particularly suitable for the following applications:
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- Immediate production of many different, individual packages and small batches (from batch size 1) directly on site
- Shipping of high-value or fragile products that must arrive safely to the recipient
- Packaging for product combinations that are normally difficult / costly to pack to increase process stability
- Reduce or eliminate the need for expensive packaging design services.
- Minimization of storage and organization costs for packaging
And if you...
-
- ...take customer appreciation to the next level and
- ...want to avoid environmentally harmful plastic filling materials and make a statement in the field of environmental protection with this packaging technology.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR SOLUTION?
Manyfolds is the first fully digital platform for individual shipping packaging. It is the overall system that makes Manyfolds stand out: from the simple, yet highly variable input of product data, to the fast intelligent creation of digital packaging, to uncomplicated online ordering or optional on-site production with the Manyfolds machine. Unique in the world to date.
Manyfolds is quite practical in daily fulfillment:
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- Less stress for fulfillment managers and packers, since the optimal solution is always available "on-demand" quite automatically, rather than having to purchase various (usually mismatched) cartons, store them temporarily, and make them available at the packing table.
- Filling materials are (almost) no longer needed - a big plus for the environment and packers.
- Packaging process stability is built into Manyfolds: The inlay system automatically ensures correct packaging every time.
Clear cost advantages:
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- Due to smaller packaging on average: Reduction of shipping costs.
- Through on-demand creation of the right packaging every time: reduction of costs for warehouse space and working capital.
- Through safer packaging (through the Manyfolds Inlay System): Minimizing costs due to breakage.
Good feedback built in:
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- Opening a Manyfolds package already triggers joy: Manyfolds packaging is smaller, more manageable, the products are undamaged, orderly and thus beautifully presented. Annoying filling material is no longer an issue.
- And: Manyfolds packaging is 100% unmixed and can be put into the paper recycling garbage can "without thinking again".
With our solution you can make a real statement!
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER?
To make Manyfolds favorable for all parties involved, our customer support is designed to be as "digital-intelligent" as possible. In the initial launch phase (online ordering / portal operation), we offer our customers a support email address.
At support@manyfolds.de we will gladly accept your inquiries and respond as soon as possible.
In the second launch phase (end of Q3 2023, on-site Manyfolds production machine), we are establishing a video and AR system (via app) that can be used to quickly and directly record support cases and clarify questions.
This support technology enables assistance without the need for a Manyfolds support representative to be at your site. If a machine malfunctions, you can handle minor service issues yourself through interactive instructions and by connecting a Manyfolds service representative. If the machine can no longer be brought into operation by remote maintenance or self-maintenance, a replacement machine will be sent to you and the defective machine will be collected in return.
CAN I SAVE SHIPPING COSTS WITH MANYFOLDS PACKAGING?
Yes, because our packaging is usually created size-optimized / tailor-made for the respective product assortments, Manyfolds packaging is on average smaller than conventional shipping packaging. Smaller packaging sizes save shipping costs. Please note: Depending on the selected packaging model and individual (or self-selected) arrangement of the shipping goods, different packaging sizes and thus different shipping costs may arise.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT MANYFOLDS?
Manyfolds still has a lot to do, especially in the area of solutions for the industry. Here we will have a lot to report in the future. So "stay tuned"!
MANYFOLDS MACHINE
WHAT IS THE MANYFOLDS MACHINE MF1?
The Manyfolds machine (product designation: MF1) is an office copier-sized machine that can produce digitally created packaging immediately on site. The consumable material (continuous corrugated board, zig-zag folded) is transported into the machine via an automatic feeder, where it is creased ("folded"), cut and then output.
The consumables are reordered by our system in time and delivered by a Manyfolds material partner. You only pay for the material actually used, you are not charged for offcuts.
HOW DOES YOUR SUBSCRIPTION MODEL WORK WITH THE MACHINE?
Manyfolds is, at its core, a "Packaging as a Service" model. This means that the finished box in your hands, tailored to your packaging needs, is what you receive and ultimately what you pay for. We (Manyfolds) take care of the technology around it. That's why you can't buy any software or hardware from Manyfolds, but strictly speaking use it "only" as a means to an end.
Our subscription model is similar to mobile phone contracts, where you pay a monthly amount for the basic use of the services, for the hardware and for consumption.
DO I HAVE TO MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MACHINE TO BE INTEGRATED INTO MY SYSTEM?
By and large: No.
However, the following things are recommended:
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- It would be good if the environment of the machine is as dry, low-dust and evenly tempered as possible and the installation base is stable.
- The machine is a so-called "IoT device". An Internet connection via WLAN that is as uninterrupted as possible must therefore be available.
WHERE IS YOUR MACHINE PRODUCED?
Manyfolds machines are produced exclusively in Germany.
I WANT A MACHINE! WHAT TO DO?
Currently, only a pre-order (as a request via form/e-mail) is possible. Series production of the Manyfolds MF1 will start in Q3 2023. Unfortunately, we are not yet able to allocate the limited number of machines to every interested party.
But: We are working hard to significantly increase our machine availability over the next few months so that more customers can enjoy "Perfect Packaging On-Demand". Until then, you can try out our system via the portal solution, generate the first packages and order them online.
PORTAL SOLUTION / WEB CLIENT
QUICK START GUIDE VIDEO
what is the maximum packaging size?
The maximum packaging size is
height + width = 570mm and
length + width = 1075mm
WHY IS THE PACKAGING SIZE LIMITED?
The raw material used to produce your packaging has a certain size, which limits the size of the generated outer packaging in particular. In addition, we are limited in packaging size by shipping (it must fit their Manyfolds packaging in the shipping box).
WHAT DESIGN OPTIONS DOES THE WEB CLIENT OFFER?
Currently, the Pack Editor in PackPortal offers the following basic functions:
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- Space optimized packaging
- Rotate (horizontally & vertically) the products
- Arranging the products in different rows
- Adding additional product layers
- Switching spacers on and off (top/bottom)
- Generate outer carton (off/on), selection of suitable, previously defined outer cartons
- Increase of product protection (automatic addition of one more organizational unit/deposit)
- There will be plenty of other design options in the future!
HOW IS THE PRICE OF THE PACKAGING MADE UP?
The price of custom packaging is a combination of material consumption, processing of the material (machine and manual labor) and handling/fulfillment. Shipping costs are then added to this.
WHO DOES THE PACKAGING PATTERN BELONG TO?
Basically, a distinction must be made between "packaging cutting pattern" and "packaging product".
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- The packaging cut pattern (i.e. the packaging construction generated from the Manyfolds system, the packaging design) is protected by copyright and does NOT become the property of the user/customer, even if the user/customer has customized the construction/design himself in Manyfolds PackPortal. Reason for this: The Manyfolds packaging cut patterns and the algorithms and programs for user customization of these cut patterns were developed by Manyfolds GmbH and are and remain its intellectual property.
- Therefore, the following applies: The cutting patterns contained in the respective packaging generated via the Manyfolds system may NOT be copied, passed on or modified outside of the Manyfolds system. The packaging cut patterns may NOT be produced externally without permission.
In case of violation, Manyfolds GmbH reserves the right to take civil action. - The packaging product (incl. parts of the produced shipping packaging) remains the property of Manyfolds GmbH until the cut, grooved end product and until full payment by the customer.
- The user/customer shall receive the right to use the packaging for an unlimited period of time from the time of full payment for the packaging product.
HOW DO I SCAN MY PRODUCTS CORRECTLY?
With the Manyfolds Scanning App (available in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store ), you can digitize new products for use in PackPortal in a fairly simple way:
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- After opening the app, please connect the app to your Manyfolds account: To do this, go to "Your account" in the web client and then to "Install 3D scan".
- You will see a page with a QR code, please take a picture of it with the Manyfolds scanning app -> in the app go to the menu "Config" and there to "Scan QR Code" to connect to your account via photo
- Afterwards you can use the Manyfolds app under the main menu item Scan and there via the button "Scan an object".
- A) take several photos of your object with the camera icon. Up to 60 photos from different angles are optimal (see subsequent explanations below).
- B) select already existing images of the object in the list
- When you have shot or selected up to 60 images of the object, press "Done". In a following screen you can then initiate the upload of the images -> the uploaded images will be analyzed/calculated by our system and a 3D model of your photographed object will be created.
- Please keep the following things in mind when photographing the objects:
- Use a cell phone that is as up to date as possible with good to very good camera optics -> Ideal is e.g. an iPhone from version 12 or an Android cell phone in the Google Pixel class
- Only one object may be visible in the image at a time
- Use a neutral white background
- Ensure that the illumination is as uniform as possible
- If possible, always hold the camera in the same position -> it is best to use a camera tripod
- In the image of the camera, the object should be seen from diagonally above, at an angle of approx. 45°.
- Rotate the object a little further for each exposure until as much of the object as possible has been captured.
- Highly reflective and very smooth objects (e.g. goods made of glass) usually do not provide satisfactory scan results -> If you have the possibility: Matt the reflective surfaces with e.g. 3D matting spray (available in specialized shops).
HOW DO I MEASURE MY PRODUCT CORRECTLY?
The following instructions apply to the manual definition of a product in PackPortal:
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- A product should always be measured with "longest length, widest width, highest height". Or in other words: the longest, highest and widest part of the object is decisive for the overall dimensioning. This is because Manyfolds can only handle cubic/rectangular and cylindrical object specifications at the moment.
- To optimize the sections of the objects, we recommend performing 3D scans with the Manyfolds APP.
- Example: Let's take a grill wire brush. Here, the decisive part for height and width is the brush head. We measure this first (height and width). Then the brush has a brush handle, which determines the total length of the grill wire brush. Here we measure the length from the outermost brush head to the outermost end of the handle. This digitally defines a rectangular object, which then also gets a rectangular cutout in the inlay. You will see: Although the brush normally looks anything but cuboid/rectangular, it will still be held perfectly in the package later.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINGLE WALL AND DOUBLE WALL CORRUGATED BOARD?
The difference lies in the thickness and stability of the corrugated board.
Single wall corrugated board consists of a total of three papers - a third paper is glued between two flat papers in a corrugated shape. Double wall corrugated board consists of a total of five papers. It has three flat papers and in each space between them another paper is glued in the shape of a wave.
WHAT IS AN ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT?
Organizing unit refers to the inserts (inlays) that "organize" your objects so they are held securely in place and do not slip around in the package.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF A PACKAGING PRODUCTION?
Generally, there are three steps to creating packaging with Manyfolds:
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- Definition of the goods (manually or by scan)
- Add goods to a package (or have the package regenerated in this step)
- "Order" (release for production) and in this step select the production method (online order or on-site production with Manyfolds machine)You can get a more detailed description in the section "How does our packaging solution work?".
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANUAL PACKING AND AUTOMATIC PACKING?
In our packing editor we offer the options "pack manually" and "pack automatically". With "manually pack" you have the possibility to arrange the goods in the shipping package as you wish. With the "automatically pack" function, our software automatically generates the most optimal and safest packaging for your goods.
HOW DO I SHARE A PACKAGING DESIGN I HAVE CREATED?
With the Share Link, the digital packaging (the packaging design) can be viewed by other people. Recipients of the Share Link can view the packaging, but cannot make any changes to the packaging. For example, the Share Link is good for sharing the digital packaging with a team, and then getting buy-in for the packaging if necessary, or for sharing changes.
To be able to use the share link, the following things must be observed:
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- Save and close the opened package in the web client
- When the packaging is opened again, an icon appears in the upper right corner of the Packaging function module
- Clicking on the icon will then show the link to share the package
- In addition, if you are logged in to the portal yourself, you can use the share link to copy the shared package to your own user account.
WHAT IS A CLOSED / OPEN BODY?
Use these options in the product definition to specify which type of inlay cutouts should be used for the object:
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- Open body: the interlining cutouts are simple ("open") tabs, folding these interlinings is a little easier, but the fabric is a little less "tailored" in the interlining.
- Closed body: The inserts are "closed cut", this method creates so-called cross-cut tabs, which allow optimal hold of the fabric. The folding effort of this method is slightly higher.
- Tip: Just try it out!
You can always change an already created/defined product with these options and then see how this affects the insert design.
WHY DO I HAVE TO SELECT WHETHER THE SURFACE IS NORMAL, SCRATCHABLE OR NON-SCRATCHABLE?
This (optional) specification allows the system to generate the optimal packaging for your goods. With "surface non-scratchable", a different inlay design is automatically generated (depending on the positioning in the packaging). This function will be extended in the future.
WHAT TYPE OF FEFCO ARE THE GENERATED OUTER CARTONS?
The outer cartons generated by Manyfolds are similar to the FEFCO 0201 standard.
WHAT DO THE TERMS SPACER / OUTER / INLAY MEAN IN THE PREVIEW?
A "spacer" is the spacer between the inlay and the outer packaging. "Outer" is what we call the outer packaging and "inlay" is the insert, which is cut to fit your goods precisely so that it cannot slip.
HOW CAN I CREATE A PRODUCT TO BE PACKAGED FROM A SCAN?
These are the steps to create a product from a scan:
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- To scan an item with the Manyfolds Scanning App: Please go to the FAQ entry "How do I scan my goods correctly?" -> then follow these instructions
- Go to the "3D Manager" main menu item
- Under the "Scans" column, the scan provided by the Manyfolds Scanning App should be displayed
- Go to "Show" in the name card of the scan
- The "Show scan" column is called up. Here you can now enter supplementary goods data, such as weight, the material type or the body type.
- IMPORTANT: Please make sure that the height of the goods is correct. Our system will provide errors if the goods are outside a certain reduction or enlargement range.
- When all the data has been entered so far, press "Transfer to goods".
- Then go back to the "Package creation" area. There you should now see the goods transferred from the scan area in the "Goods" column.
- You can now pack the new goods digitally with our tools as usual.
HOW DO I FIND OUT WHICH ONE OF MY EXISTING ENCLOSURE BOXES FITS BEST?
If you only use Manyfolds for inlay generation/production and already want to work with existing outer cartons: No problem. Simply measure your existing outer cartons. This is very easy:
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- Assemble the existing box and measure the internal dimensions (length, width, height) of the box, preferably with an accurate tape measure.
- Because it is so important: It is about the inside dimensions and not about the outside dimensions of the box.
- Then go to the outer box management in the top menu of the web client.
- Click on "Create new box" and enter the data of the measured box there. Choose a suitable outer box name and define also (if possible) the box type.
- After saving the new carton/box in the carton management, this carton will be available in the selection of suitable cartons within the package creation.
- If your defined outer carton does not fit when creating the package, our software will report this or offer only outer cartons that are large enough for the respective goods composition.
can i make a large production over the limited production number with the packaging cutting pattern i made?
Yes, this is possible. When you have received the first delivery of their packaging, we will be happy to prepare an individual offer for large-scale production.
CAN I UNDO THE DELETION OF A CREATED PACKAGE?
No, this is not possible (yet). The packages or even the goods are immediately deleted and taken out of our system when "delete" is pressed.
Please be as careful as possible with the delete function.
I HAVE FORGOTTEN MY PASSWORD. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
On the portal login page, select "Forgot your password?" below the login field. Then simply paste the registered email and follow the steps in the email to reset the password.
SUSTAINABILITY
Manyfolds was founded and developed because we want to make a lasting positive change in the packaging world. The overall technology enables filling material-free (and thus plastic-free), break-free and smaller packaging of different goods in one package. A milestone in the packaging industry.
But Manyfolds can do so much more.
Related to the UN Sustainablity Development Goals, Manyfolds can make the following contribution:
9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE:
Manyfolds creates a complete data set of the individual shipping packaging - the "Digital Twin of Packaging". Industry and logistics can optimize their warehousing, plan their transport and further processing much more efficiently. And this spurs more innovation opportunities for new environmentally friendly services and preserves infrastructure by reducing delivery traffic (and saves a lot of CO2, see SDG #13).
11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES:
Because Manyfolds eliminates filler materials like plastic bubble wrap, reduces the amount of packaging material, and is 100% recyclable, it not only reduces municipal waste, but cleans it up from the start - reducing overall municipal costs and helping to strengthen sustainable city policies.
12 SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION:
Size-optimized shipping packaging is all about just that: reducing waste in the first place and helping consumers be more environmentally conscious.
Manyfolds uses only consumables that have a high percentage of recycled material (>80%), in addition the compact packaging production machines have a low energy footprint.
13 MEASURES AND CLIMATE PROTECTION:
An average shipping package has 50% air in the box. Manyfolds reduces the excess "air" (volume) in the packages by about 40%. Among other benefits, the size optimization enables the reduction of delivery traffic (last mile only) significantly: Manyfolds saves about 200g CO2 per shipping package on the last mile.[1]
[1]Explanation: on average, each shipping package delivered has a footprint of 500g CO2. Considered ONLY for "last mile delivery". Manyfolds has an average reduction in packaging volume of 40%. Volume is the key factor in "last mile" delivery due to the simple fact that when one van is full, an additional van must travel. Each Manyfolds package can save about 200g of CO2. And that's without calculating material savings (e.g. Manyfolds doesn't use extra filler material) and savings that can be made throughout the logistics chain (which can be amplified by using Manyfolds Digital Packaging Twin data). The cumulative CO2 reduction is calculated with 23 shipping packages produced per working day (500 packages per month), per Manyfolds machine.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ORDER
TO WHICH COUNTRIES CAN I HAVE YOUR PACKAGES DELIVERED?
We are working flat out to give you access to our shipping packages from anywhere. Unfortunately, we currently only deliver within Germany.
HOW CAN I PAY WITH YOU?
Currently we can only offer credit card payment. We are working at full speed to offer other payment options as soon as possible.
WHAT ARE THE SHIPPING COSTS?
The shipping costs are at least 12,50€ per package and are calculated differentiated depending on the order volume. It depends in particular on the weight and shipping volume of your order. This allows us to offer everyone a fair pay-per-use calculation.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY ORDER?
We do our best to make sure you receive your shipping packages as soon as possible. Usually it takes 6-10 days from the completion of the order to the shipment of the goods.
WHY CAN I ONLY ORDER ONE PRODUCTION AT A TIME AND NOT COMBINE ORDERS?
Since the packaging is manufactured individually, each order has different production requirements. Therefore, at the current time, we can not combine different productions into one order.
If this is about saving shipping costs, you can rest assured: We offer a fair pay-per-use calculation on shipping costs, depending on order volume and weight. Whether it is several small orders or one large order, it does not matter in this respect with regard to shipping costs.
CAN I VIEW THE STATUS OF MY ORDER?
Unfortunately, you cannot view the processing status of your order at the moment.
But you can be sure that immediately after receiving your order we will start producing your custom packaging. When your goods have been shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation.
IN WHAT FORM DO I RECEIVE THE MANYFOLDS PACKAGING?
The individual parts of the ordered packaging are delivered to you lying/standing or lined up in a suitable outer carton. You will receive the packaging unfolded.
WHAT ARE THE CONCRETE CONTRACTUAL MODALITIES WHEN CONCLUDING A SUBSCRIPTION?
You can find the concrete contract modalities on our website either under our GTCs or directly in the course of the registration process on the corresponding form pages. Transparency is important to us in this regard. If you have any questions about the modalities in advance, you can contact us at support@manyfolds.de at any time.
WHERE IS MY ORDER?
Please note the current delivery time, which is displayed during the ordering process. We usually ship your custom shipping packages in 6 to 10 days. Once the order has been shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation.
CAN I CHANGE OR CANCEL MY ORDER?
The Manyfolds ordering system is completely automated. With the completion of your order, your order is directly forwarded to our production partner, produced and prepared for shipment. Since your order is a delivery of goods that are not prefabricated and are produced individually for you, a subsequent change and / or cancellation is unfortunately not possible.
WHY DO I SOMETIMES RECEIVE MULTIPLE PACKAGES?
If the quantity of ordered packages exceeds the capacity of our shipping cartons, we will have to split the order into different packages.
WHERE CAN I GO IF I WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MY ORDER?
We do our best to make sure there is no reason to complain about your order. If something does happen that you are not completely satisfied with, please feel free to contact us at support@manyfolds.de. Our quality assurance team will contact you as soon as possible.
WE COULD NOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION?
Then please contact us directly at support@manyfolds.de
We will do our best to answer your question as soon as possible. But please be patient if it should take a little longer. Behind Manyfolds is currently only a small team. Thank you for your understanding.