Question About Custom Printed Boxes for My Small Business

Hi everyone,

I'm considering custom printed boxes for my small business and wanted some advice. I'm primarily shipping products like handmade candles and skincare items. My main questions are:

1. What kind of materials would be best for these products (durable but eco-friendly)?
2. Are there minimum order quantities for custom printing?
3. Any recommendations for suppliers who offer affordable rates for small businesses?

I'm also curious about how custom packaging has impacted your brand image and customer experience.

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

As with anything in printing, the more you order, the lower the cost per unit. The minimum quantities will vary from printer to printer. If they have digital printing capabilities, they will do very low quantities (such as 50-100 boxes). If they print with traditional offset methods, they will have higher minimums usually from several hundred to thousands.

Take this box from Vista Print for example: They let you order as little as one box, but it's $15.99. When you order 120 it drops down to $1.48 per box, or when you order 3,000 they drop to $0.80 each. Another vendor to consider is 4imprint. Drag the quantity slider and watch the price per unit decrease.

Custom packaging, if done well, can be very impactful. You may not even realize it, but when you shop, your eyes are naturally drawn to the boxes with fancy foiling or embossing effects - making you feel like the product is high-quality. Children are drawn to colorful cereal boxes with cartoon characters, while health-conscious adults are drawn to organic low-sugar cereals that have more muted, earth-tone colors. Apple is a great example of well-made packaging. People love the unboxing experience of their smooth i-phone boxes, and are even able to re-sell an empty box on ebay for $15+.

 

Hi
For your handmade candles and skincare items, choosing the right packaging materials is essential for both protection and brand appeal. Here’s what you might want to consider:

Kraft Paperboard : This is a great eco-friendly option, as it's biodegradable, recyclable, and durable enough to protect your products. It also gives a natural, rustic look that aligns with artisanal and handmade brands.
Corrugated Cardboard : If your products are heavier or need extra protection, this material is ideal. Look for recycled or FSC-certified versions to maintain an eco-friendly edge.
Recycled Cardstock : Offers a lightweight, smooth finish that can be printed on easily while staying eco-conscious.

Minimum Order Quantities
- can vary depending on the supplier. Many large-scale manufacturers may require a minimum of 500-1,000 units. However, there are suppliers that cater to small businesses, offering lower MOQs, sometimes as low as 50-100 units.

Supplier Recommendations
- Packlane : Known for low MOQs and customization options, ideal for small businesses.
- Noissue : Specializes in eco-friendly packaging with lower MOQs and customization.
- Sticker Mule : Good for custom labels and stickers if you want to brand plain boxes economically.
- Vistaprint : Offers affordable custom packaging with no high minimum orders.

Brand Image & Customer Experience
Custom packaging can significantly enhance your brand's perceived value. It adds a personal touch, especially for handmade products like candles and skincare, making the unboxing experience more memorable. Unique packaging can also be a strong marketing tool, as customers often share their unboxing experience on social media, helping to increase brand visibility.

Starting with eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing packaging will help set your brand apart while keeping sustainability in mind.