Key takeaways
- Custom boxes at Printy Packaging start from 100 pieces, so you can test a design with real customers.
- Start with one box for your best seller, in a standard style, with one or two print colours.
- Plan about 12-15 business days of production after proof approval, plus shipping.
- Labels or stickers on a plain box are a cheap way to brand while sales are still small.
Why small brands can now get custom boxes
Not long ago, custom printed boxes meant minimum orders of 5,000 or 10,000 pieces. For a new brand that was a garage full of boxes and a big bill before the first sale.
Today you can start much smaller. Our custom boxes start from 100 pieces. The price per box is higher at that quantity, because setup costs are shared by fewer boxes, but the total spend is small and you get real packaging to test with real customers before committing to a big run.
What to order first
Do not try to package your whole range on day one. Start with the box that will be seen most often.
One box, your best seller. If 60 percent of your orders are one product, that box does most of the work for your brand.
A standard style. A mailer box for online orders or a tuck end carton for retail. They are proven, quick to produce and cost less than special shapes.
One or two print colours. A bold logo in your brand colour looks more confident than busy full-colour artwork, and costs less.
You can add more sizes, inside printing and finishes once you know what your customers respond to.
| Business | First box to order | Keep it simple with |
|---|---|---|
| Online clothing store | Mailer box sized for one folded item | Kraft board, logo outside, one-colour inside print |
| Skincare or cosmetics | Tuck end carton for the best-selling product | White board, matte lamination |
| Candles | Carton or mailer with a fitted insert | One colour print, insert to protect the glass |
| Bakery or food stall | Window or bakery box in your most used size | One or two colours, no lamination |
| Gift or subscription brand | 10 x 8 x 4 inch mailer | Printed inside for the unboxing moment |
Already know your box? Get your exact price free within 1 hour.
Get Free QuoteKeeping the cost under control
Ask for prices at 100, 250 and 500. The jump from 100 to 250 often lowers the price per box a lot, and you may use them faster than you think.
Size the box closely to the product. Smaller boxes use less board and cost less to ship on every order.
Skip special finishes on the first run. Foil, spot UV and embossing can come later on a reorder.
If the budget is very tight, start with plain boxes and custom printed labels or stickers. It is the lowest-cost way to put your logo on every order while sales grow.
Your timeline from idea to delivery
Knowing the steps helps you order at the right time, so you do not run out of packaging just as sales pick up.
| Step | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Quote | You send box type, size and quantity | Reply usually within 1 hour in business hours |
| 2. Dieline | You approve the price, we send the flat template | Free, sent after approval |
| 3. Artwork and proof | Artwork is placed on the dieline, we send a digital proof | Depends on your design |
| 4. Production | Printing, cutting and gluing | About 12-15 business days |
| 5. Shipping | Delivered to your address | Depends on destination |
Mistakes first-time buyers make
Designing before getting the dieline. Ask for the dieline first, then design on it, so your logo does not land on a fold.
Ordering a box that is too big. It looks generous on screen, but it rattles, needs fill and costs more to ship.
Skipping the proof check. Read every word and check the barcode before approving. Once production starts, changes cost money.
Ordering too late. Start about four weeks before you need the boxes, so production and shipping are not a rush.
Choosing heavy board to feel premium. Customers notice good printing and a snug fit far more than an extra millimetre of board.
Growing from 100 to 1,000 boxes
Once your first box is working, reorders get easier and cheaper. The dieline and artwork already exist, so a reorder is mostly a matter of choosing the quantity. Larger quantities lower the price per box, and many brands add a second size or inside printing at this stage.
If you are planning a big run of 10,000 units or more, ask for our free sample kit so you can feel the boards and finishes first.
Ready to start?
Send us your product, its size and the quantity you are thinking about. If you do not have a designer, send your logo and brand colours: we will send a free dieline and can place your artwork for simple layouts. We reply with prices, usually within an hour during business hours.
Products in this guide
Custom Mailer BoxesBranded mailer boxes for ecommerce and delivery
Custom Folding CartonsCustom printed cartons for retail and product packaging
Custom Kraft Mailer BoxesNatural brown corrugated mailers with your brand printed on
Custom Labels & StickersCustom labels and stickers for product and packaging branding
