Folding carton
Folding cartons
Tuck-end cartons for the shelf. Ship flat, fold in seconds, print edge to edge.
Paperboard
Folding carton · Paperboard
Custom retail packaging
Custom retail packaging is the printed box or bag that sells your product on a shelf: a folding carton, a rigid box, a counter display or a paper bag. We draw the structure for free, and production takes 10–12 days from proof approval. Best value starts at 50 units per design.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Formats
- Carton, rigid, display, bag
- Board
- Paperboard or rigid board
- Best for
- Shelf and counter sales
- Best value starts at
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Quote reply time
- 12–24 hours
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What does retail packaging need to do?
The catch is that a shelf box is judged in about a second, from a few feet away. Big logo, one clear claim, one finish that catches light. Save the small print for the back panel. If the box also ships in the mail, it needs a second box around it.
It has to stand out on a shelf, say what the product is, carry the legal text and survive handling. Most retail packaging is a folding carton because it prints edge to edge, stacks neatly and costs the least per unit.
Premium products step up to a rigid box, where weight signals value. Products sold at a till add a display box or a printed bag.
- Folding carton. The standard retail box. See custom folding cartons.
- Rigid box. For gifts and higher price points. See custom rigid boxes.
- Display box. A counter box that holds a row of units. See custom display boxes.
- Paper bag. The last piece of branding at the till. See custom paper bags.
Specifications
Custom retail packaging: 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 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Folding carton, rigid box, display box, sleeve, paper bag |
| Board | Paperboard, kraft or wrapped rigid board |
| Full color edge to edge, with barcode and legal panels | |
| Inserts | Cut to the product |
| Add-ons | Window, hang tab, foil, emboss |
| Size | Drawn to your product |
| Ships to you | Cartons flat. Rigid assembled |
| Recyclability | Paper-first materials are 100% recyclable. Window film and lamination add plastic |
| 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 retail box for which product?
Pick by price point and how the product is sold.
| Product | Box | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday product | Folding carton | Lowest cost, prints edge to edge |
| Premium or gift | Rigid box | Weight signals value |
| Impulse buy | Display box | Sells at the till |
| Add-on or small item | Sleeve or pillow box | Light and low cost |
See packaging by industry to start from what you sell.
Compare
Folding carton or rigid box on the shelf?
Both sell on a shelf. They signal different price points.
| Folding carton | Rigid box | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Arrives | Flat | Assembled |
| Feel | Light, clean | Heavy, kept |
| Best for | Everyday products | Premium products and gifts |
A rigid box doesn't ship bare. For shipping, see ecommerce packaging.
Sizing
Sizing for a shelf
Send the product's length, width and height, and the shelf or peg size if a retailer sets one. Retailers often have strict dimensions.
Read how to measure a box. We add clearance when we draw the dieline.
Who uses retail packaging
- Beauty and cosmetics. See cosmetic packaging.
- Food and drink. See food packaging.
- Wellness brands. See wellness packaging.
- CPG startups. See custom packaging for small business.
Finishes
One finish that catches the eye.
Most retail 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.
Spot UV
Gloss on one area of a matte box. Good for a logo, bad for small text.
Embossing
A raised shape you can feel with your thumb. No ink needed.
Aqueous coating
Water-based and on every box by default. It recycles with the box.
Quote
Get a quote for custom retail packaging
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 retail packaging: questions.
What is the minimum order for retail 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 retail 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.
What is high-end retail packaging?
Usually a rigid box or a heavy carton with one considered finish, such as foil or a deboss. The weight and the finish carry the message, not extra print.
Do retailers set packaging rules?
Many do, for size, barcode placement and labeling. Ask the retailer for its spec and send it to us with your first email.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
Your product only sells online
A retail carton in the mail arrives crushed. If you ship direct, start with a mailer. See ecommerce packaging.
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 putting on the shelf?
Send the product's size, the price point and where it sells.
Start a projectPopular boxes
Related boxes.
Rigid box
Rigid boxes
Two-piece lid and base boxes in wrapped greyboard. The box people keep on a shelf.
Rigid board
Display box
Paper pouch
Paper bags
Printed kraft and paperboard bags with paper or cord handles, for retail and takeaway.
Kraft