Answers

Custom packaging questions

The questions we are asked most, answered directly. Category and product pages carry their own more specific answers.

Mailer Boxes produced by The Retail Packaging

Where to find more detail

This page covers general questions. Every category page carries answers specific to that range, and every product page answers questions about that format — minimums, sizes, printing and lead times for that item specifically.

For technical specification questions, the resource hub holds reference guides on materials, box styles, printing methods, finishes, sizing and file requirements.

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    Answers

    Common questions about custom packaging

    What is the minimum order quantity?

    A flat 100 units on any format. Print method changes the unit price rather than the minimum — digital suits shorter runs, and offset or flexo take over on cost once volumes climb.

    How much does custom packaging cost?

    Prices start from $0.30 per piece for large-volume orders. Final pricing depends on size, material, printing, finishes, and quantity. We quote each project rather than publishing a price list.

    How long does production take?

    Most orders complete in 3 to 5 business days after artwork approval, plus transit. Hand-assembled rigid boxes and specialty finishes take longer. Every quote carries a confirmed date.

    Can I order a custom size?

    Yes. Everything is cut to order, so the formats listed are starting points rather than fixed sizes. We build a dieline around your product.

    What materials can I choose?

    Paperboard, kraft, corrugated, rigid greyboard, laminated barrier films, recycled grades and certified compostable stocks. The right one depends on product weight and how it ships.

    Do you help with artwork?

    Yes. We can build packaging artwork from a logo and brand direction, or adapt existing artwork onto a new dieline. Our prepress team also checks every file regardless of who created it.

    Can I get a sample first?

    Yes. A plain structural sample tests fit; a printed prototype tests colour and finish. Sample costs are normally credited against a production order.

    Where do you ship?

    All fifty US states, plus the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, on the same 5 to 7 business day transit after 3 to 5 days of production. Freight is priced separately based on weight, volume and destination.

    Can you produce recyclable or compostable packaging?

    Yes. Recycled board, recyclable mono-material films and certified compostable stocks are all available. Those are three different claims, so tell us which one you intend to print on the pack.

    Do you print inside boxes?

    Yes, on mailers, folding cartons and rigid boxes. It matters most when the product does not fill the pack, since that is when the interior is visible at opening.

    What happens if I need to reorder?

    We hold your dieline, board specification, colour targets and approved artwork on file. Reorders skip most of prepress and reuse existing tooling at no further cost.

    How do I start?

    Send a quote request with your product dimensions, quantity and deadline. We reply with a specification, a lead time and a written price, usually within one business day.

    Next step

    Tell us what you are packing

    Send the product dimensions and the quantity you need. We come back with a specification, a lead time and a written price.