When you are looking to purchase custom packaging, one of the initial questions you may have is how much does custom packaging cost? It will depend on many factors including material, box size, order quantity, structural design, printing, finishes, inserts, set up and shipping.
Printing and manufacturing technology have come a long way and so have custom packaging. In the past, packaging options were limited and mostly used to protect the product in the storage and distribution chain.

In an age where there are a variety of options for the buyer, custom packaging can be designed to meet the product's size, brand requirements, retail shelf appearance, and protection requirements, but also introduces more variables into the cost calculation.

In this guide, we'll be talking about the most important factors that will affect the cost of your custom packaging, how each of these factors can affect the final quote and what you should keep in mind when you are requesting quotes for custom packaging solutions. Knowing these costs helps you to plan your budget and choose a packaging that is suitable for your product and production.

Custom Packaging Cost at a Glance

These are suggested prices only and not guaranteed prices. The actual price will depend on the specification of packaging and quantity of your order.

How Much Does Custom Packaging Cost?

The cost of custom packaging can differ based on the project and the requirements. The price of a basic folding carton (bulk) is around $1.00 or less per carton, while standard custom boxes cost around $1.50 to $3.00 per box. The cost of a high quality rigid packaging ranges from a few dollars to more, based on the packaging construction and features.

The difference in price is due to the product that you order. Various production factors like material, box size, quantity, structure, printing, finish, inserts etc. can affect the final cost.

The price range that is given in literature is useful to get a rough idea of the budget but shouldn't be taken as the price from a supplier. Your box size, material, quantity, box structure, printing and finishing will be the common requirements of a packaging manufacturer.

How Much Does Custom Packaging Cost Per Unit?

Cost per unit is the price per unit or box/each package.

For instance, you have 1000 boxes and they cost you $1000, then your packaging cost is $1 per box.

The unit price may be lower when purchasing more boxes because set-up and production costs are divided into more boxes. However, the total cost of order will also increase as you are purchasing more packaging.

You will need to determine the number of counts needed based on your sales, storage requirements, budget and packaging requirements.

What Is Included in a Custom Packaging Quote?

On the request of a custom packaging quote, most likely it will take into account the key requirements of your project such as:

Design of the boxes and the box shape.

• Box dimensions
• Material and thickness
• Order quantity
• Printing requirements
• Finishes
• Adds or extra parts
• Tooling and setup
• Shipping and delivery

This information is utilized by the supplier in order to come up with the production requirements and then supply you a price for your order.

What Factors Affect Custom Packaging Pricing?

There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of custom packaging. The 10 key factors are: 

• Order quantity
• Material selection
• Box size
• The box style and structure.
• Printing
• Packaging finishes
• Inserts
• Tooling and setup
• Sampling
• Shipping and logistics

It can help you to manage your packaging budget and determine whether better features are really worth the expense.

How Does Order Quantity Affect Packaging Cost?

The number of units you order can greatly affect your unit price.

Costs associated with packaging production may include setup costs prior to the manufacturing of the boxes. These costs can be divided between a greater number of boxes if you order additional units.

For instance, if you make 5,000 boxes, your unit cost will be lower than if you make 500 boxes of the same specification.

However, with some things, a little is just as good as a lot. Other factors businesses should also take into account are how fast the business will use the packaging, storage and cash flow.

How Does Material Affect Packaging Cost?

This material will set the basis of the strength, appearance, weight and production requirements of your package.

Various materials are suitable for various products and brands of style.

Paperboard Packaging

Paperboard is a lightweight, smooth material, often used in printed retail packaging. Ideal for food, cosmetics, skin care, supplements and other small consumer products.

It has a very smooth surface that's suitable for detailed graphics and brand colors. Paperboard is commonly used in businesses when they want a retail packaging that looks good, but not as heavy as a rigid box.

End Price is subject to variation based on the thickness of the board, box size, printing, quantity and other specifications.

Kraft Packaging

Of course, Kraft packaging is brown, making it a great choice for simple, minimal and earthy designs.

Food businesses, handmade brands, skin care providers and companies that want a naturalistic appearance often use Kraft packages.

There are several types of kraft and of varying thickness. Overall, you'll be able to alter the cost by selecting the material, printing, structure and quantity.

Corrugated Board Packaging

Packaging made of corrugated material has fluted material between the liner sheets. This arrangement provides strength to the box and some cushioning when handling and transporting the box.

It's okay for heavier, larger or delicate objects. The corrugated packaging is the solution when protection is crucial for companies that sell candles, cosmetics, skin care products, ecommerce products and shipped products.

The price depends on the type of boards, thickness, box size, print and order quantity.

Rigid Board Packaging

Rigid packaging is created from thick and strong board, providing a high quality and long-lasting packaging presentation. It's typically a component of high quality product brands that desire packaging that feels solid when touched by the customer.

For a more upscale presentation, rigid boxes can be used for premium retail products, luxury cosmetics, electronics, jewelry, gift products and more.

Rigid boxes generally consume more material and labour of production than simple folding cartons and may be costlier per piece.

How Does Box Size Affect Packaging Cost?

The amount of material needed in each box will depend on the size of the box.

Too large packaging can also be an issue when it comes to storage and transport.

But it's not like you have to just pick the smallest box you can. The packaging should be sufficient to protect the product and make it look good.

Why Is Choosing the Right Box Size Important?

An oversized box can cause the use of extra materials and shipping expenses. May not be large enough to protect the product if too small.

The aim is to choose dimensions that will allow the product to fit into the box and enough clearance to protect the product and/or for inserts or other packaging characteristics if needed.

How Does Box Style and Structure Affect Packaging Cost?

The structure of your box will affect the amount of material, cutting, folding, gluing and assembly you will require to create your box.

The majority of items are simpler to construct with a basic folding carton than with a complex box that has many panels, openings or magnetic closures or other features.

Which of the following Box Features can increase Packaging Cost?

Features such as:

• Custom die-cut shapes
• Windows
• Compartments
• Magnetic closures
• Ribbons
• Special lids
• Complex folding structures
• Multi-piece construction
• May need more production processes or materials.

Use these features as they improve the customer experience or product protection

How Does Printing Affect Packaging Cost?

Printing is the way you will print your branding, product information, graphics and colors on the package.

The production requirements may be increased by more detailed artwork, more print areas, special colors or some printing techniques, but simple printing may be more economical.

Consider the quantity of package which requires cover printing when choosing a printing option. A well planned design can be an effective brand presentation even if it doesn't fill every surface.

Do Packaging Finishes Increase the Cost?

Finishes can alter your packaging's look and texture.

These are typically matte or gloss coatings, spot UV, foil stamping, embossing, debossing and specialty effects.

Although a simple finish can add a little to the cost, multiple premium finishes can add to both production time and material requirements.

Sometimes, a good finish will give a luxurious feel without the complexity of the finish.

Do Inserts Increase Packaging Cost?

Inserts are extra packaging pieces that are added to the box.

They can be used to prevent a product from moving, protect a product, separate multiple products, and for presentation.

Cardboard inserts, foam inserts, molded parts, trays or other custom solutions all can be used depending on the product.

If a product is included in the packaging order, it will also need an insert, which needs to be included in the quotation, as the material and design of the insert must also be included in the quotation, as well as quantity and manufacturing requirements.

Does Sampling Add to the Packaging Cost?

With a sample you can see and test your packaging before ordering a full packaging order. It can be utilized to measure size, shape, form, content, imagery and design aesthetics of the box.

Free samples are offered at PremiumBoxes so that customers can sample the packaging before ordering in bulk. This provides you with a chance to test the packaging and ensure that the packaging design and specifications are to your satisfaction prior to production.

To get a free sample, please contact our packaging team with the details of your packaging needs and product.

Does Shipping Increase the Total Packaging Cost?

Some packaging companies include shipping charges in the final order price, while others calculate them separately. At Premium Boxes, shipping costs are not added to the packaging order price. Instead, the final shipping cost is calculated separately based on the package volume, total weight, number of cartons, shipping address, and shipping method. This helps businesses see the actual packaging cost separately from transportation expenses.

How Much Does Packaging Cost by Type?

Depending on the packaging style, there are different production requirements, which means that the prices for different packaging styles differ.

The initial ranges are listed below. The cost of a packaging type can differ widely depending upon size, quantity, material, printing, finishes and construction.

What Types of Businesses Need Custom Packaging?

In various industries, custom packaging can be beneficial, particularly where product protection, branding or presentation is a key factor.

• Food & Beverage: Product Protection, Branding and Retail Display. 
• Cosmetics and Skin Care: To attract them in a good manner and to make them look like a good brand.
• E-commerce: For safe delivery and a delightful unboxing experience.
• Electronics: To process and deliver products and accessories.
• Jewelry and Luxury Products: For a high level of presentation and product protection 
• Retail Products: Packaging for products to stand out on the shelves.
• Gifts and Specialty Products: To make a more memorable presentation.

Packaging is of various types and depends on the packaging requirements, brand goals and budget.

Why Do Packaging Suppliers Give Different Quotes?

In the case of two different packaging suppliers, it is not unusual for them to quote different prices for the same project.

The disparity could be due to differences in the quality of materials, production process, production capacity, setup costs, finishing options, shipping schedules or pricing calculations by each supplier.

However, a low quote does not always imply that it is the best quote. The specifications of each price should be compared.

How Should You Compare Custom Packaging Quotes?

When comparing quotes, be sure that each supplier is quoting the same:

• Box dimensions
• Material and thickness
• Quantity
• Printing
• Finishes
• Inserts
• Packaging structure
• Sample requirements
• Shipping terms

This will give a more valid comparison and will help to avoid the initial quote being increased and extra requirements being added on.

What Are One-Time Packaging Costs?

The packaging costs are some costs that may occur only at the start of a project.

These can be a portion of the tooling, set up, sampling or design expenditures.

There are also other costs such as materials, manufacturing, shipping, etc. which are normally linked to each production order.

Sometimes it is useful to have some idea of whether a cost will be one-off or recurring, to make better planning of your packaging budget.

How Can You Reduce Custom Packaging Costs?

Some important packaging characteristics need not be sacrificed to lower costs.

Look at the specifications that will be most significant in affecting the cost first.

When ordering in the correct quantities, the unit price will decrease. Depending on the thickness of the sheet, costs of the materials can be avoided. Minimizing the size of the box can lessen the amount of material and the volume of shipping.

Excessive finishes can also be removed, difficult structures can be simplified and only inserts can be used where they are clearly needed.

The aim is not to keep the packaging as low cost as possible. The aim is to achieve an optimum cost/power/appearance/usability combination.

What Information Should You Send for a Packaging Quote?

The closer the packaging specification is to the actual packaging, the more valuable the quote will be.

Before contacting a packaging manufacturer be sure to provide:

• Product dimensions
• Desired box style
• Knowledge about material preference (if known),
• Thickness of material (if known).
• Order quantity
• Printing requirements
• Preferred finishes
• Insert requirements
• Delivery location

If any special structural requirements are required, please let your child's school know.

If you are not certain what kind of materials, box style or structure you require, you can contact a packaging manufacturer.

The more details you can give the packaging team about the size of your product and how you want the packaging to look and function, the better they can be able to suggest options that will work for you.

Does Packaging Design Add to the Cost?

The design of packaging can affect the total cost of the project, particularly when the design is a custom structural design or professional artwork.

The simple existing box structure could be with a simpler design than the whole new structural idea.

Additionally, your design will affect the manufacturing. Artwork must be appropriate for the printing process, and the box structure.

Therefore, it is beneficial to take design requirements into consideration before production commences instead of changing the packaging after production has commenced.

How Do Manufacturing and Quality Control Affect Packaging Cost?

Manufacturing quality can have an impact on the quality of your packaging.

The packaging manufacturer is responsible for all the significant factors such as size, print accuracy, uniformity of colours, cutting, folding, gluing and finishing.

Although production control can help to drive the overall price, it can also help to minimize issues like incorrect dimensions, damaged packaging, inconsistent printing, boxes that don't fit together, etc.

Quality is crucial for businesses ordering packaging in bulk as packaging issues can impact the product and the customer experience.

Does Custom Packaging Have a Minimum Order Quantity?

A lot of packaging manufacturers have a minimum order quantity (MOQ).

Depending on the packaging type, packaging material, printing method, box size, production requirements, etc., the MOQ varies.

It is important to not purchase more packaging than can be used or stored as the unit price can be different depending on MOQ.

If you are a small or growing business, ask the manufacturer what is available in quantity before you get the packaging designed.

When Should You Choose Premium Packaging?

When the packaging is a critical component of the product's image, premium packaging is appropriate.

Products such as luxury cosmetics, jewelry, electronics, gifts and high-end retail items might require hard construction, special finishes, custom inserts or other high-end features.

A simpler box may be more preferred for everyday products.

The question is not: Does premium packaging look better? It's whether the extra expense is in line with your positioning and customer experience.

Why Does Packaging Manufacturer Experience Matter?

Convert all your packaging needs into a definite packaging production plan.

Never guess your package price, talk to a packaging manufacturer and ask him/her to give you a price quote based on your package needs.

PremiumBoxes has been providing the custom packaging industry with 10 years of experience, its own USA production facility, a dedicated customer support team and an in-house design team since 2016. The company works closely with companies to provide custom sizes, materials, structure, sample-to-bulk production printing and finishing.

The team can talk with you about your packaging structure if you need it and/or if you have artwork and dimensions, they can discuss your needs and work to create a solution around your product.

Request a quote from PremiumBoxes today and get a quote which is based on the specifications of the boxes, quantity and finishing.

Final Thoughts: How Much Does Custom Packaging Cost?

Therefore, how much does custom packaging cost?  One size doesn't fit all custom packaging projects. Packaging is simple, mass produced, and can cost as little as about $1 per piece or less, depending on the type, or can be premium rigid packaging with inserts, special finishes, and complex construction, costing several dollars or more.

Order quantity, material, box size, structure, printing, finishing, inserts, tooling, sampling and shipping are the key factors that influence custom packaging costs.

When comparing suppliers, make sure you compare the same material, size, quantity, printing, finish, structure, inserts, and delivery requirements.

The most economical packaging is not necessarily the lowest or highest priced. It is the package that will keep your product safe, support your brand and will fit your budget.

Get a Custom Packaging Quote

Ready to discover the cost of your packaging? Please supply product size, box style, material, order quantity, printing requirement, finish, inserts and delivery address to get the price according to your packaging requirements.

If you aren't sure about your product's material, box structure or finish, you should give your product information to the packaging team. We can help you select the one that fits your product, brand and budget.

Request a custom packaging quote today and be given a quote that is specific to your packaging needs and not a general quote.