Mailer box
Mailer boxes
Self-locking corrugated boxes that ship without an outer carton and open like a lid.
Corrugated
Mailer box · Corrugated
Custom packaging for small business
Custom packaging for a small business is a printed box made in a short run, so you can brand your product before you have a big order. Best value starts at 50 units per design, structural design is $0, and production takes 10–12 days from proof approval.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Best value
- From 50 units
- Design
- $0
- Contact
- One specialist
- Best value starts at
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Quote reply time
- 12–24 hours
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
Why short runs make sense
The catch is that short runs cost more per box than long ones, and the first run is a test. Order the box you'd be happy to reorder, change one thing, and scale up on the second run. If you need fewer than 50, tell us and we'll see what's possible.
A big minimum forces a small brand to commit to thousands of boxes before it knows what sells. A short run lets you test the box with real customers, learn what to change and reorder.
Best value starts at 50 units per design because of logistics and shipping. Below that the cost of making and moving a run gets spread across too few boxes. We can consider smaller orders, and your specialist will tell you what's possible and what it costs per box.
- One structure. We draw the dieline for free around your product.
- One specialist. The person who answers your first email stays until the boxes arrive.
- One proof. Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes.
- One reorder. Keep the same dieline and change only what you learned.
Specifications
Custom packaging for small business: specifications
Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Styles | Mailers, folding cartons, rigid boxes, sleeves, pouches, tubes |
| Board | Paperboard, kraft, corrugated or rigid board |
| Chosen to suit a short run: one or two colors on kraft, full color on white | |
| Inserts | Cut to the product |
| Add-ons | One finish, if it earns its cost |
| Size | Drawn to your product |
| Ships to you | Flat or assembled, depending on the box |
| Recyclability | Paper-first materials are 100% recyclable |
| Order size | Best value from 50 units per design, because of logistics and shipping. Smaller orders can be considered |
| Structural design | $0. We draw the dieline around your product |
| Proof | Digital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes |
| Production | 10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top |
| Default finish | Aqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box |
| Point of contact | One packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery |
Board and build
Which box for a first run?
Pick the box that earns its keep fastest.
| Your product | Box | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ships to customers | Corrugated mailer | Ships on its own |
| Sits on a shelf | Folding carton | Lowest cost per box |
| A gift or keepsake | Rigid box in a plain mailer | The weight signals value |
| Food or coffee | Paper pouch or kraft carton | Light and flexible |
See ecommerce packaging for shipping boxes, and custom folding cartons for retail.
Compare
Short run or stock box with a sticker?
Both work for a small brand. They suit different stages.
| Custom short run | Stock box and sticker | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Drawn to your product | Closest stock size |
| Cost per box | Higher than a long run | Usually lower at very small volumes |
| Look | Printed edge to edge | Plain with a label |
| Best for | Brands ready to test a real box | The first 10 or 20 orders |
A stock box with a sticker is a sensible first step. Move to custom when the box starts to matter.
Sizing
Sizing for a short run
Send the product's length, width and height, or a photo on a ruler. Short runs are where sizing mistakes hurt most, because you can't absorb a wrong box in a big order.
Read how to measure a box and send the numbers. We add clearance when we draw the dieline.
Who orders short runs
- Candle makers. See how to start a candle business.
- Jewelry brands. See how to start a jewelry business.
- Food and drink makers. See custom bakery boxes and coffee pouches.
- Subscription startups. See custom subscription boxes.
Finishes
Spend on one thing.
Most short-run boxes need one finish, not four. Aqueous coating goes on every box by default.
Foil stamping
Metallic foil on the logo. It catches the light on the shelf.
Debossing
Pressed in, no ink. Works on kraft as well as white board.
Aqueous coating
Water-based and on every box by default. It recycles with the box.
Quote
Get a quote for custom packaging for small business
One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.
How it works
Four steps, one person.
The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.
Step 01
Tell us what you're packing
Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.
Step 02
We draw the structure
Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.
Step 03
You approve the proof
Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.
Step 04
We make and ship
Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.
FAQ
Custom packaging for small business: questions.
What is the minimum order for small business packaging?
Best value starts at 50 units per design, because of logistics and shipping. If you need fewer, tell us: we can consider smaller orders.
How long do small business packaging take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top and depends on where the boxes are going.
Do you charge for structural design?
No. Structural design is $0. We draw the dieline around your product, and you only pay once you order boxes.
Can I order fewer than 50?
Possibly. Best value starts at 50 units per design, but if you need fewer, tell us. We can consider smaller orders, and your specialist will say what it costs per box.
What is a good first quantity?
Enough to test with real customers, which for most brands is the 50 to 250 range. Order what you'd be happy to reorder.
Can I reorder the same box?
Yes. The dieline is kept on file, so a reorder only needs your approval.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
You're still deciding what to sell
Print a box once the product is settled. Until then, a stock box with a sticker costs less and changes faster.
You only need a handful of boxes
Best value starts at 50 units, because of logistics and shipping. For 10 or 20 we can consider it, but the cost per box is higher and a stock box with a printed sticker may cost you less.
You need boxes next week
Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.
You want plain brown boxes
If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.
What are you selling?
Send the product's size and the number you'd like to start with. If it's under 50, say so.
Start a projectPopular boxes
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