Getting Started

What is a good MOQ for custom boxes?

A realistic low MOQ for custom boxes is 500 pieces. The industry used to require 1,000-3,000+ units, but a Guangzhou factory with in-house printing can run a 500-piece test order economically. MOQ exists because tooling (the dieline) is amortized across the run - at 500 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 500 pieces?

Yes. MOQ of 500 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 does E-flute mean?

E flute is the corrugated board profile we build on: roughly 1.5 mm thick, smooth enough for sharp print, and strong enough for parcel and subscription shipping once the load is held by a die-cut fitment. Where a small carton needs extra rigidity we add a die-cut fitment rather than changing the wall. 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 of 500 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; We can source FSC-certified paper from FSC-certified mills to meet project needs, with chain-of-custody documentation on request. 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. 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-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.

Certifications & Compliance

Are you ISO 9001 certified?

Yes. Our Guangzhou workshop holds ISO 9001 quality management certification. We also hold High-Tech Enterprise certification (certificate no. GR202544012474) and our facility is SGS-audited. Ask us for certificate copies.

Can you supply FSC-certified paper?

We source FSC-certified paper from FSC-certified mills for projects that require it, with chain-of-custody (CoC) documentation available on request. Tell us at briefing if your project needs FSC fiber.

How do I verify your certifications?

We provide certificate copies and registration numbers on request u2014 ISO 9001, High-Tech Enterprise (GR202544012474) and SGS audit reports for our Guangzhou workshop. For FSC projects we supply the mill's chain-of-custody (CoC) documents so the certified fibre matches the material you receive. See our certification checklist.

Box-Type FAQ: Rigid, Mailer, Kraft, Gift & More

What is the difference between a rigid box and a folding carton?
A rigid box uses a thick greyboard core wrapped in paper. It arrives fully assembled and feels heavy and premium. A folding carton is made from thinner paperboard, ships flat and is folded into shape at your warehouse. Rigid boxes cost more but deliver a luxury unboxing experience.
Can rigid boxes ship flat?
Standard rigid boxes cannot ship flat. The only rigid style that can is the collapsible magnetic box, which folds flat and snaps into shape with hidden magnets at the warehouse.
What is the strongest mailer box flute for heavy products?
E-flute (1.5mm) is the wall we build on: it prints cleanly and keeps freight volume down. Heavier or fragile items get a die-cut corrugated fitment or moulded pulp cradle, and very heavy or high-value shipments get that cradle specified to a drop test.
Can I print inside a mailer box?
Yes. Mailer boxes can be printed inside, outside or both. Inside printing adds an unboxing surprise and works well for subscription and gift brands.
What is a kraft box best for?
Kraft boxes are best for brands that want a natural, recyclable look. They work especially well for food, organic cosmetics, apparel and subscription boxes.
Can I get full-color printing on kraft boxes?
Yes, but the brown board affects how colors appear. For bright colors we recommend a white ink base followed by CMYK. Dark or high-contrast designs work best directly on natural kraft.
What is a shoulder box used for?
A shoulder box has a raised platform on the base that the lid sits over, creating a visible step. It is commonly used for wine, spirits, luxury candles and premium gift sets.
Are magnetic closure boxes reusable?
Magnetic closure boxes are designed to be opened and closed repeatedly. The hidden magnets keep the lid shut without glue, making them popular for gift packaging and retail storage boxes.
What is the MOQ for custom hat boxes?
Custom hat boxes start at MOQ of 500. We can make rigid round hat boxes, rectangular hat boxes or corrugated hat boxes with handles, depending on retail display or e-commerce shipping.
Can food boxes be made from kraft paper?
Yes. Kraft board is a common choice for food packaging because it is widely recyclable and gives a wholesome look. For direct food contact we use food-grade board and low-migration inks.
What is the best box for subscription products?
Roll-end tuck-front mailer boxes are the most popular choice for subscriptions. They ship flat, assemble quickly without tape and offer a full printable surface inside and out.
Do you offer inserts for rigid boxes?
Yes. We can add EVA foam, paperboard trays, fabric liners or plastic vacuum-formed inserts to rigid boxes to hold the product securely.
What is the difference between E-flute and E-flute mailer boxes?
E-flute is about 1.5 mm thick with a smooth surface ideal for high-quality printing. E-flute is about 3 mm thick and stronger, better for heavier items.
Can I order rigid boxes without printing?
Yes. Plain rigid boxes in stock colors are available for MOQ of 500. Printed wraps can be added later or ordered from the start.
How do I choose between white board and kraft board?
Choose white board for bright, full-color artwork and a clean retail look. Choose kraft for a natural, sustainable feel and to hide minor scuffs from shipping.