Posted on September 1, 2017 by Michael Boik

Custom Packaging Cost Calculator

 

Can you tell me about custom packaging cost?   

Can you send me your custom packaging price list?

How much does it cost to put my logo on a box?            

What does a custom printed box typically run?

How much is a basic print on a standard size?

 

We receive some version of the above questions multiple times a day, every day, and due to the nature of custom work, we are often unable to provide an answer until we have more information about the potential project. Keep in mind that there are no “basic” prints nor “standard” sizes. We don’t have a menu from which you can order from. When we make your box it is completely unique to you and your specifications, and our customers love it that way.

We like to use the car analogy. When you journey into a car dealership to buy a car, you wouldn’t walk up to the nearest salesman and ask “So how much does it cost to buy a car here?” You’d likely receive a hearty laugh in response, along with several follow up questions. What is your preferred model? Are you looking for a 2 door or 4 door? Base model, or do you want all of the upgrades and features? There are many options, and as such, many resulting prices.

The same is true in the world of custom packaging. While we won’t laugh at you for asking the price question too early, we will try to steer you into providing us with the details of what you need so that we can better guide you to an accurate answer.

Bottom line: If you can answer the following questions, we can provide you with estimated pricing on a custom printed box.

  • How many boxes do you need?
  • How do you want them printed? (Number of colors printed inside and outside)
  • What board color do you want inside/outside?
  • What are your box dimensions?

While this is considered the minimum information we would need to provide an estimate, the only way to get a firm quote is to send us artwork on a box template.

 

Custom Packaging CostThere are some general pricing guidelines that you can follow in order to better calculate your expected costs. However, these are not hard and fast rules.

 

Kraft vs White Board Color-On average, white board color tends to fall around 6% higher in cost than kraft. This applies PER SIDE, meaning, inside and outside of the box.

Inside vs Outside Print-Adding inside print to a custom box adds about 30% to the price per box, as well as the added start up costs of print plates. Remember, each color printed inside and outside of the box will require its own print plate.

Box Size-As a general rule, the smaller the box, the cheaper the cost of the box (per unit).

Print Plates-Typically fall between $400-800 per color, per side (inside and outside) as a one time fee (for flexographic printing). However, artwork will ultimately determine the final cost, and no print plates are needed if you are printing digitally.

Quantity Discounts-As is true of any product in the paper industry, your cost will go down in greater quantities.

Upgrades-Going back to the car analogy, the more bells and whistles you want, the higher your price will climb, and very likely, the higher the minimum as well. We do offer alternatives to traditional flexographic printing direct to board to add extra sparkle to your box. Many of those options are explained in this post: https://salazarpackaging.com/e-commerce-boxes-that-sparkle-and-shine/

 

Want to know more about custom packaging cost and your options? The best way to determine cost is to speak to us about your packaging needs directly. One of our branded packaging advisors is standing by. Please contact us at Salazar Packaging or call us at 630-551-1700.

Related Posts:

https://salazarpackaging.com/whats-your-price-for-custom-printed-boxes/

http://salazarpackaging.com/cost-estimates-for-custom-printed-e-commerce-and-subscription-boxes/

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