How much do custom boxes cost? What drives the price
Two quotes for the same box can be miles apart, and it is not always because one supplier is greedy. Here is what actually moves the price of a custom box, and how to bring yours down.
What drives the price
- Size. Bigger boxes use more board. Every centimetre counts on every box.
- Board grade. Double wall costs more than single wall; SBS more than recycled board.
- Printing. Plain is cheapest, one colour adds a little, full colour adds more.
- Quantity. Setup costs are spread over the run, so the price per box drops as quantity rises.
- Plates and dies. One time costs for flexo plates and cutting dies. Digital print needs no plates.
- Finishes. Foil, embossing, soft touch and windows each add cost.
- Inserts and extras. Partitions, inserts, tear strips and handles.
- Freight. Delivery to your door, which depends on volume and distance.
Seven ways to pay less
- Size the box to the product, not the other way around.
- Use the lightest board that safely does the job.
- Keep finishes for where they matter, like the front panel.
- Standardize on fewer sizes and order more of each.
- Use digital printing for short runs and flexo or offset for long runs.
- Reuse dies and plates by keeping designs consistent.
- Buy factory direct, without a distributor margin on top.
How we price
We quote factory direct with plates, dies and delivery spelled out, so there are no surprises later. Send us your details and we will price a few options side by side, including ones that could save you money.
Ready for a price? Send us your box size and quantity and we will reply with options and a production date.
