What’s the first thing your customer sees when they receive your product? The box. And in many cases, that box is your only shot to make a first impression. A recent study by Dotcom Distribution found that 60% of online shoppers say branded or gift-like packaging makes a brand seem more upscale. This shows how crucial custom boxes are—not just for protection, but for perception.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get started with custom packaging—without sounding like a sales pitch. We’ll share what matters, how to make decisions, and how to communicate with your packaging supplier so everything runs smoothly.
Custom boxes do more than just hold a product. They build your brand story, protect your goods during shipping, and show your customer what you stand for. Whether you’re packaging skincare, jewelry, wine, or wellness goods, custom printed boxes give you the chance to align your visual identity with your product’s purpose.
More importantly, in a world focused on eco friendly values and sustainable materials, your choice of packaging reflects your commitment to the planet.
Designing the right custom packaging starts with getting the details right. Here’s how to move through the process like a pro:
Start by selecting a box style based on your product and use case. Are you shipping? Consider mailer boxes or shipping boxes made from corrugated cardboard. For retail shelves, product boxes or retail packaging might be better suited.
Think about sustainability here—kraft paper, recycled cardboard, or FSC-certified materials help reduce your environmental impact.
Pro tip: Ask your supplier what eco-friendly materials they offer and whether they support sustainable packaging certifications (like FSC or SFI).
You don’t know how to choose material and style, check here.
Next, take precise measurements of your product—length, width, and height. Then, add space for padding or inserts if needed. This helps ensure your box sizes aren’t too big (which wastes materials and money) or too small (which risks damage).
How to confirm: Send exact product dimensions to your supplier. Many will offer a dieline template or 3D mockup to check proportions.
This step involves the creative side—custom box design and high-quality printing. Decide if you want your logo, brand colors, taglines, or special finishes like embossing, foil stamping, or UV coating.
Also, clarify:
Color model (CMYK vs. Pantone)
Whether your artwork includes full-bleed printing
File format (usually vector-based PDFs)
Ask your supplier: What printing technology do you use? (Digital? Offset?) This will affect turnaround times and quality.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) vary by supplier, especially for custom printed boxes. Ordering more reduces the cost per unit, but smaller brands may want to start with lower quantities.
Pro tip: Always ask for a quote based on multiple volume options—this gives you cost flexibility.
Also, clarify business days needed for production and delivery so you can plan your launch timeline accurately.
Here’s a checklist to send to any supplier:
Product dimensions (in mm/cm/inches)
Preferred box style and material
Required box sizes
Artwork files for custom box design
Quantity range (e.g., 500 / 1000 / 2000)
Special printing or finishing requests
Shipping destination + delivery deadline
A good supplier will respond with detailed pricing, material options, and lead times in business days. Some also offer customer service support for design tweaks or sampling.
Custom boxes are more than a packaging choice—they’re a brand asset. When done right, they elevate your product, reduce waste, and improve the unboxing experience.
From the material to the final print, every decision shapes how your product is seen and remembered. So, choose your packaging boxes thoughtfully. Ask the right questions. And work with suppliers who understand both your values and your vision.
You can write down your detailed requirements in the message, for example, style, material, size, quantity, printing requirements, etc. You can also leave accurate contact information, we will contact you within 24 hours!