Key takeaways
- At 100 pieces, our custom folding cartons start around $2.70 a box, mailer boxes around $9.75 and rigid boxes around $15.
- Quantity changes the price most: setup costs are paid once, so the price per box falls as the order grows.
- After quantity, size, board, print coverage and finishing decide the price.
- Compare quotes on the same specification, and check what shipping, proofs and samples include.
The short answer
It depends on the box style more than anything else. A printed folding carton for a cosmetic or soap costs a few dollars at small quantities. A corrugated mailer box costs more because there is more board in it. A rigid gift box is the most expensive because it is made from thick board wrapped by hand.
The table shows where our prices start for an order of 100 boxes. These are the same starting prices shown on our product pages. Your exact price depends on your size, quantity and finish, and larger orders cost less per box.
| Box style | Starting price per box at 100 pcs | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Folding carton / tuck end box | from $2.70 | Cosmetics, soap, candles, retail products |
| Kraft box | from $3.00 | Natural and eco-style retail packaging |
| Mailer box | from $9.75 | Ecommerce orders, subscription boxes |
| Shipping box | from $11.25 | Larger and heavier shipments |
| Rigid box | from $15.00 | Luxury gifts, perfume, electronics |
| Magnetic rigid box | from $16.50 | Premium gift sets and PR boxes |
Why 100 boxes cost more per box than 1,000
Every custom order has setup work that happens once, whatever the quantity: making the cutting die, preparing the printing plates, setting up the machines and checking the first sheets.
At 100 boxes, those costs are shared by 100 boxes. At 1,000 they are shared by 1,000, so each box carries a much smaller share. That is why the price per box can drop sharply as the quantity goes up, even though the total bill is larger.
The practical tip: ask for two or three quantities in the same request, for example 250, 500 and 1,000. You will see exactly where the price breaks are, and sometimes a slightly bigger order costs only a little more in total.
Already know your box? Get your exact price free within 1 hour.
Get Free QuoteWhat else moves the price
After quantity, these are the main levers, roughly in order of impact.
| Factor | Costs less | Costs more |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Box sized closely to the product | Oversized box, more board |
| Board | Paperboard or single-wall corrugated | Double-wall corrugated or rigid board |
| Printing | One or two colours, outside only | Full colour, inside and outside |
| Finishing | None or matte lamination | Foil, spot UV, embossing, soft-touch |
| Inserts | No insert | Custom cardboard or foam insert |
| Style | Standard tuck end or mailer | Magnetic, drawer or special shapes |
Extra costs to check in any quote
A low headline price is not always the cheapest order. When you compare quotes, check whether each one includes:
Shipping. Our quoted price includes standard shipping to one address unless the quote lists it separately. Some suppliers add freight later.
Plates and cutting dies. Some suppliers charge these separately on the first order.
Proofs and samples. A digital proof should be included. Ask whether a physical sample is available and what it costs.
Taxes and import duties for your country, which depend on local rules rather than on the supplier.
A quote that includes all of these at a slightly higher price can work out cheaper than a low price with extras added later.
Seven ways to pay less per box
1. Size the box to the product. Less board, less void fill and cheaper shipping.
2. Order a little more. If you will use 800 boxes this year, compare the price of 1,000.
3. Use one or two print colours. A strong logo in one colour often looks better than busy full colour.
4. Print inside only on mailers. A plain kraft outside with a printed inside still feels special when opened.
5. Pick one finish, not three. Matte lamination with a foil logo is enough for most premium boxes.
6. Choose the lighter board when two will do. It costs less to make and to ship.
7. Keep the same dieline for reorders. Repeat orders on an existing die are simpler to set up.
How to get your exact price
Send us the box style, the inside size, two or three quantities and a note about printing and finish. A photo of a box you like is fine if you do not know the names. We reply with pricing and suggestions, usually within an hour during business hours, and send a free dieline once you approve.
Minimum orders start from 100 boxes, and production takes about 12 to 15 business days after you approve the digital proof.
Products in this guide
