Custom packaging boxes starting cost ranges from as low as $0.10 to as high as hundreds of dollars per piece. However, several factors influence the packaging cost, such as artwork, box size, and printing techniques.
In this post, we are going to discuss different types of costs associated with custom packaging. You will learn:
- What Factors Affect the Cost of Custom Packaging Boxes?
- Packaging Types & Their Costs
- How to Reduce Custom Packaging Costs Without Compromising Quality
Let’s get started.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Custom Packaging Boxes?
There are plenty of factors that influence the cost of Custom Packaging Boxes. Especially when it comes to custom packaging for small businesses, the cost matters a lot due to budget constraints. Let’s take a brief overview.
Type of Material Used
There are plenty of ways to design custom packaging boxes for small businesses. One of the reasons is the type of packaging material being used. For instance, cardboard, corrugated, rigid, and Mylar are commonly used materials in making packaging boxes.
In choosing the best material for packaging, you need to consider the size, weight, and type of product. Moreover, the fragility of the product is also a deciding factor when it comes to choosing the right packaging material. In case you are not sure about the best material, consider taking help from a Custom Packaging company to get a rough estimate and the type of material suitable to package your product.
Shape and Size of the Custom Packaging Box
The purpose of choosing custom packaging over stock packaging is to ensure the size and shape align well with the product. There is a wide range of shapes available, from standard to complex and die-cut boxes.
The more complex your design is, the increased the cost of packaging boxes due to the specialized type of skills and manufacturing required. Going for stock packaging may save you cost, but you might struggle with seeking the attention of the shoppers.
The perfect custom packaging box is optimized perfectly to fit the size and shape, and produce less waste.
Printing Techniques
Printing is the next big factor in reducing or surging the cost of packaging boxes. Modern and traditional printing techniques are popular among big businesses and small brands. For instance, traditional printing techniques include flexography and offset, which are quite common and the top choice of businesses. Whereas the modern printing techniques include digital, which is more costly than the traditional ones.
Choosing the right printing technique depends on what’s currently trending in the particular product category. Make sure to adopt the prevalent one so that your product gains as much traction as the other ones.
Graphics and Artwork
One of the factors that influences packaging cost is the graphics and artwork. In doing the branding of custom boxes, the complex designs can cost you much higher. However, the cost can be avoided if you go for simple artwork without any complexities or special skills.
Although in some cases, such as packaging luxury products like perfumes, you may need much more pleasing aesthetics and graphics. But you can also choose minimalism over complexity to set a new trend and save your costs. Remember, the cost of packaging has to be somehow charged to the consumers. In case your customers belong to the mid or low income, you may consider simple designs, colors, and artwork.
Quantity of Boxes Ordered
Some products are sold at a much higher rate than other products due to their daily use and demand. For instance, food and fast-moving consumer goods require much more quantity of packaging boxes than a pack of color pencils.
When ordering in bulk quantities, you may find your budget getting out of control. But if you calculate, the more you order, the better it is as the per-unit cost slashes. A large number of custom packaging box manufacturers offer wholesale prices on ordering boxes in bulk.
Add-ons and Finishes
Custom packaging boxes can further be embellished with foil stamping, embossing/debossing, and UV coating to enhance appeal. However, in doing so, the packaging box manufacturers require a special kind of machinery and skilled labor.
The additional material and add-ons lead to increased cost and may increase the cost to a much higher level. However, you can only choose add-ons and finishing options when necessary. For instance, when it comes to beauty and skincare products, the special add-ons and finishes will definitely bring more charm to the product.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainability is another important aspect to look for in custom packaging boxes, as consumers are becoming more and more eco-conscious. The options like biodegradable and recyclable materials are highly used in Eco-Friendly Packaging. With the increasing demand, the cost of producing boxes may surge, which might not be too hurtful to your wallet.
Packaging Types & Their Costs
Packaging types are used according to the nature of the product. For instance, dry lentils and nuts are usually stored in mylar bags, while electronics like phones and tablets can only be packaged in rigid boxes. This ultimately leads to a higher cost of packaging compared to any corrugated or cardboard box.
Below is a brief overview of packaging types, costs, and usage.
| Packaging Type | Usage | Cost/unit | Comments |
| Flexible Packaging | Pouches, bags for e-commerce | $0.05–$0.75 | Cheapest at high volumes; lightweight |
| Folding Cartons | Retail Boxes, Cereals | $0.30-$2.00 | Cost-effective for printing under $1 |
| Corrugated Boxes | Shipping, ecommerce | $0.75-$4.00 | Durable |
| Rigid Boxes | Luxury goods, gifts | $2.50–$10.00 | Premium feel |
| Glass Jars/Bottles | Beverages, preserves | $0.50–$3.00 | Premium, reusable but heavier |
| Chipboard Boxes | Small retail items, shoes | $0.25–$1.00 | Recycled, economical for light duty |
How to Reduce Custom Packaging Costs Without Compromising Quality?
Custom packaging for small businesses can really dent the budget, especially when it comes to startups. However, several tips can help in minimizing custom packaging cost without compromising on quality. Here’s a brief overview of how you can do it.
Optimize Your Packaging Boxes
Packaging optimization means the overall process of designing, producing, and customizing the boxes to make them functional, appealing, and cost-effective.
Hiring a trusted and renowned packaging company means that they are well aware of what packaging optimization is all about. To help you gain some info, it is the minimal use of material that provides ample protection to the product and eliminates any unnecessary components.
Without ensuring the right size, the extra space may go unutilized, which also means an increase in the shipping cost and excessive waste.
Choose a Cost-Effective Material
There is a whole plethora of options available when it comes to material. Don’t just limit yourself to a single material for packaging goods. You may find less costly alternatives that provide enough protection and security for the product. Moreover, these packaging boxes, when purchased in bulk, can also reduce the per-unit cost. Make sure to find a wholesale packaging supplier near your area.
Make Your Packaging Less Complex
One of the reasons small businesses often end up paying more for custom boxes is that they invest in unnecessary things. For instance, asking for add-ons or finishing options might not be necessary for some products, but adding them to boxes will surely increase the cost.
For a better understanding, it is necessary to look at what competitors are using. If the majority of them are avoiding such complexities, you can avoid them too.
Consider Shipping Cost
As we have discussed earlier, you can reduce shipping costs by optimizing your custom packaging. Moreover, another way to save on shipping costs is to look for packaging suppliers that offer free shipping on all orders with no minimum.
Packaging Pyramid offers free shipping on all orders with no minimum to help you save costs and increase revenue.
Use Lightweight and Sustainable Materials
In the wake of global warming, brands and customers are taking precautionary measures to make the planet greener and environmentally friendly. Using recycled and lightweight materials can not only be your eco-friendly packaging solution, but also help in reducing costs.
Packaging that can be reused or returned is best for small businesses looking to reduce costs.
Where to Buy Cheap Custom Packaging Boxes Near Me?
In the wake of rising demand for custom packaging boxes, finding the best packaging supplier is daunting. But not anymore, as Packaging Pyramid is here to serve you with premium quality packaging boxes at wholesale prices.
We offer a wide range of custom packaging boxes for small businesses in various categories, including CBD Boxes, retail, food, cosmetics, and many more.
Our in-house team is all ears to your requirements and makes sure to deliver top-notch packaging boxes without compromising on quality. Moreover, our wholesale custom boxes are best for startups, small businesses, and even big enterprises. So what are you waiting for? Just get in touch with our sales team at sales@packagingpyramid.com and get your packaging boxes delivered to your doorstep with free shipping and no minimum.