Getting Started
What is a good MOQ for custom boxes?
A realistic low MOQ for custom boxes is 100 pieces. The industry used to require 1,000-3,000+ units, but a Guangzhou factory with in-house printing can run a 100-piece test order economically. MOQ exists because tooling (the dieline) is amortized across the run - at 100 pcs the per-unit cost is simply a little higher, not impossible. See our low-MOQ guide.
How long does it take to make custom boxes?
Typical production is 7-12 working days after artwork approval. Sampling adds time: a free blank mock-up checks structure, and a printed pre-production sample checks print. Delays come from heavy finishing (foil, emboss), peak season (Q4), and customs clearance. Plan holiday rigid boxes by October. Full detail in our lead-time guide.
Can I print my logo on boxes at 100 pieces?
Yes. MOQ 100 supports full logo and artwork printing via in-house offset. You supply a print-ready file (or we help); we build the dieline and print your brand in CMYK or Pantone. We recommend a free blank sample first to confirm size and structure before paying for print.
Do you offer a free sample?
We offer a free blank (unprinted) mock-up so you can verify dimensions, material and fit at no cost. A printed pre-production sample carries a small charge because it uses plates and ink. Either way, sampling de-risks the order before bulk production. Process explained in our sample guide.
Materials & Structure
What is the difference between a rigid and a folding box?
A rigid (setup) box uses greyboard (1,000-1,500 gsm) mounted with 157 gsm C2S or specialty paper; it ships assembled and feels premium. A folding carton uses SBS white card, kraft or light corrugated and ships flat. Rigid costs more and freight is heavier (except the collapsible magnetic type, which flat-ships). Compare in our rigid vs folding guide.
What is a collapsible magnetic box?
It is a rigid box built to fold flat - same greyboard + art-paper construction with hidden magnets. It is the only rigid type that flat-ships, saving freight while keeping the premium look. Ideal for gifting and subscription brands. See collapsible magnetic boxes.
What is greyboard?
Greyboard is the dense paperboard core (1,000-1,500 gsm) of every rigid box, wrapped in 157 gsm art or specialty paper. It is what gives a rigid box its stiffness and luxury weight. Folding cartons use SBS instead and are much lighter.
Kraft vs white cardboard - which looks more premium?
Neither is inherently "more eco." Kraft reads natural, rustic and handmade; white SBS reads clean, modern and true-color luxury. Both are folding-carton materials. Premium feel comes more from finish (soft-touch, foil) than from color. More in our kraft vs white guide.
What do E, B and F flute mean?
They are corrugated board profiles: E flute (~1.5 mm) is thin and print-friendly for retail mailers; B flute (~3 mm) is stronger for shipping; F flute is very thin for small cartons. Corrugated is wrapped with white card, kraft or specialty paper. Full guide: corrugated flute guide.
What is soft-touch lamination?
A matte velvet coating that makes boxes feel premium to the touch, popular on rigid and collapsible magnetic boxes. Trade-off: it adds cost and is slightly less recyclable than standard matte. Use it for gifting where the unboxing feel matters.
Printing & Finishing
What is a dieline and why does it matter?
A dieline is the cut-and-fold blueprint of your box - the single most important file. Misaligned artwork on folds is the classic rookie error. We provide a free dieline and free structural design. Learn more in our dieline 101.
CMYK or Pantone - which should I use?
Use CMYK for most runs (cost-effective, consistent on offset). Use Pantone spot (up to 6 colors) for brand-critical colors that must match exactly across reorders. Screen-to-print variation is normal; request a printed sample for critical brand colors.
Foil, emboss or spot UV - which finish?
Foil adds metallic shine; emboss/deboss adds tactile depth; spot UV adds gloss contrast on a matte surface. Restraint reads as luxury - a single foil line beats full coverage. These pair best with rigid and collapsible magnetic boxes.
What should my artwork file include before print?
Bleed (3 mm), safe zone, outlined fonts, 300 dpi images, and a separate dieline layer. A clean file prevents reprints. We offer free design support to get files press-ready. Checklist: artwork checklist.
Window boxes - when do they help sales?
A die-cut window on a folding carton or rigid box lets the product peek through, boosting shelf appeal for food and gifts. Trade-off: less printable area and slightly less protection. Use windows when the product itself is the sell.
Sourcing & Shipping
DDP or EXW - which quote is fairer?
EXW looks cheap but you pay freight + customs on top. DDP (delivered duty paid) is all-in to your door. For small brands, DDP quotes are clearer and usually cheaper overall. We ship DDP. Compare in our DDP vs EXW guide.
What does "in-house printing" mean for my boxes?
A factory with offset presses controls color consistency, lead time and QC directly. A trading company subcontracts and loses that control. As a Guangzhou factory with in-house printing, we own the press, the color and the deadline. More: in-house printing explained.
Alibaba vs a direct factory - is there a markup?
Many marketplace "suppliers" resell the same Guangzhou boxes at a markup. Ordering direct from a Guangzhou factory (like us) gives the same product at a lower landed cost with DDP and consistent reorders. We are not bashing platforms - just noting the math for 100+ runs.
How do I read a packaging quote?
Check line items: board grade, print, finishing, dieline, sample, freight terms (DDP/EXW) and duty. Surprise fees hide in freight and tooling. We quote transparent DDP with free dieline and free blank sample.
Will reorders match the first batch?
Yes if we keep your dieline on file and you specify Pantone for brand color and the same board batch. Minor batch variation is normal in paper; we hold references from your approved sample. Ask for free blank sample on critical reorders.
Does right-sizing really save money?
Yes. A box "just right" cuts freight (dimensional weight), material and void fill. Custom dims are free to spec at MOQ 100 via our free structural design. Over-sized boxes are the most common hidden cost in ecommerce shipping.
By Use Case
Are kraft boxes recyclable?
Kraft (paper) is widely curbside-recyclable. Lamination can reduce recyclability, so mono-material paper is best. We avoid vague "eco" claims and do not claim FSC. Honest limit: a "recyclable" box still needs correct local sorting.
Are your boxes food-safe?
We use food-grade board and low-migration inks for food contact, and liners for grease where needed. We do not overclaim certifications. For direct food contact, confirm your local compliance; we can build to your spec.
Do you make child-resistant packaging?
We can build secure closures and inserts (e.g., for CBD / hemp) to a specified structure, but legal compliance is the buyer's responsibility and varies by market. We do not make health claims. Tell us the requirement and we engineer the box.
What packaging works for subscription boxes?
Corrugated mailers (E/B/F flute) with branded inserts dominate subscription shipping because they protect and flat-ship. Right-size and use DDP to keep per-box cost low at 100+ runs. See subscription box guide.