Minimum Order Quantities
What is the minimum order quantity?
The minimum depends on the product. Minimums are 50, 100 or 500 units for most products, and lower for rigid boxes, and each product page shows its own. Browse our packaging to see them.
For example, rigid boxes have a low minimum, soap boxes can start from 50 units per style, because soaps often come in several variants. Tuck boxes start from 100 units, and paper bags from 500 units.
Why there is a minimum
Custom packaging is made to your size, design and finish. Setting up the printing and cutting for your order takes the same work whether the run is small or large, so each product has a quantity below which it cannot be made at a sensible cost. That is why the minimums are set per product rather than as one number for the whole site.
How to find the minimum for your product
- Open the product page. The minimum is shown near the top, next to the starting price.
- On the product cards in our catalog, the minimum is the line under the product name.
- If a page does not show a minimum, ask us in your quote request and we will tell you.
If you need fewer than the minimum
Tell us how many you need and what it is for. Digital printing is available on request for small runs: tell us the quantity and we will quote it. Before you decide, it can help to check the design with a sample, since a sample costs far less than a full run.
If you want to test first
You can order a sample before a full order: a structural sample to check the size and fit, or a printed sample to check the design. A single sample is credited toward an order of 500 units or more for the digital print proof, structural sample and simplified sample, and 1,000 units or more for the press proof and pre-production sample. Each sample on the samples page shows its own credit.
The Standard Sample Kit is $50, shipping included. It lets you see and feel different packaging samples. The kit fee is not credited toward an order.
Quantity and price
The price per unit falls as the quantity grows, so a larger order usually costs less per box. A good way to compare is to ask us for a quote at two or three quantities. See how pricing works.
Ready to order?
Request a free quote with your product, size and quantity, and we reply within 1 business day: Get a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order quantity for custom packaging?
It depends on the product. Minimums are 50, 100 or 500 units for most products, and lower for rigid boxes, and each product page shows its own. Rigid boxes have a low minimum, soap boxes from 50 units per style, tuck boxes from 100 units and paper bags from 500 units.
Why do different products have different minimums?
Each product is made differently, so the quantity needed to produce it at a sensible cost differs. That is why we show the minimum on each product page rather than one number for everything.
Can I order less than the minimum?
Tell us how many you need and what it is for, and we will let you know what is possible. Digital printing is available on request for small runs: tell us the quantity and we will quote it. You can also order a sample to test your design before committing to a full order.
Is the cost of a sample credited toward my order?
A single sample is credited toward an order: 500 units or more for the digital print proof, structural sample and simplified sample, and 1,000 units or more for the press proof and pre-production sample. The $50 Standard Sample Kit fee is not credited toward an order.
Does a bigger order cost less per unit?
Yes. The price per unit falls as the quantity grows. Ask for a quote at a few quantities to see where the price drops, and see how pricing works.
Ready to start your packaging project?
Get a free quote