How do I create a template and styles that will sync to master copy, but retain editable text?

[cvkworks]

I have an incredibly annoying project, and I KNOW I must be missing something.

I'm creating packaging for a growing line of products. The boss changes his mind on the formatting constantly (small business problems), so I have edited the same exact labels at least 6x over the past 2 years. Every time, he says it's perfect. Then a few weeks/months later, he wants fresh edits to include new spacing that is finicky to implement, new ingredients or amounts for the Nutrition Facts box (originally indd files to get spacing, but still editable in ai), and new font styles for a bunch of different sections.

I am so sick of redoing this project x1000. It was easy enough to go through with a checklist and fine-toothed comb when there were 4 products, but we're now at 12 and about to expand to 17 and I am losing my mind. I can't keep doing this, I am going crazy.

Is there a way to create a template that can be used as a base for many other files, where the text content is fully editable and unique but the style and spacing will sync to the master document? I've found a few ways to do one thing but not the other, and that really doesn't help when there are this many moving parts.

PLEASE. Even if it's involved and tricky to set up, I will do anything to make this happen. Put me out of my misery.

[CarlosCanto]

can you post samples of the type of functionality you're looking for? If Templates won't cut it, probably a script or two could do some of the work for you.