for a start, use a high resolution - loads of people forget that...

find out exactly what format the manufacturer wants it in

dont forget to let the colour bleed a few mm off each side and do an x dead centre

find someone you know to give you some templeates...if you dont know anyone, I'll send you some...

If the distributer needs a barcode you can download a smple barcode making tool that lets you export barcodes in jpeg format. Do a search for 'barcodem' on google

and dont forget your catalog number

If you are designing your logo aswell try to keep it as crisp and simple as possible - remember that some people will use it opn flyers etc and it will probably only be as big as yer little toe-nail - so you need it to look sweet even tiny like that - which a really complex one will not!

Try dropping a little shaddow behind main bold text for a bit of sheen..

errr.cant think of anything else now, besides which i need to take a dump....i'm sure i'll think for more while im sqeezin one out though!