Custom product boxes that fit the product, tell the story and sell.
Folding cartons, window boxes and inserts made to your product’s exact size, with room for the information your customer — and the law — expects to find.
- Made to your exact dimensions
- Space planned for legal and barcode copy
- Window, insert and hang-tab options
- Minimum
- 50 units
- SBS board
- 14–24pt
- Structural design
- Free
A product box has three jobs.
Protect. It has to hold the product without movement through warehouse, truck and shelf. That’s mostly about accurate sizing and the right board thickness — for most cosmetics, supplements and small goods, 16–18pt SBS is enough; heavier glass products move to 20–24pt or a corrugated insert.
Inform. A retail product box carries the information buyers check before they pay: what it is, how much is in it, who made it, how to use it and — depending on your category — ingredients, warnings or nutrition facts. Plan those panels before the design, not after.
Sell. On a shelf you have about a second to be noticed. A clear product name, one strong visual and good contrast do more than covering every panel in graphics.
Typical panel layout for a tuck end carton
- Front (principal display panel): brand, product name, key benefit and net quantity.
- Back: description, directions, ingredients or specifications, company address, barcode.
- Sides: secondary claims, warnings, a brand pattern, or the product name again for side-on stacking.
- Top and bottom flaps: batch/lot space, recycling guidance, a small logo.
Popular product box styles.
Tuck end boxes
The everyday retail carton. Fast to pack, low cost, endlessly printable.
Learn more →
Window boxes
Show the product without opening the box.
Learn more →
Folding cartons
All paperboard carton styles, including auto-bottom for heavier items.
Learn more →
Sleeve boxes
A tray with a printed sleeve — great for soap and chocolate.
Learn more →How to measure your product for a box.
Measure the product (or its bottle or jar) at its widest points, in this order:
- Length (L) — the longer side of the opening.
- Width (W) — the shorter side of the opening.
- Depth (D) — the height, measured from the opening to the base.
Custom boxes are quoted by inside dimensions. Add about 1–2 mm (1/16") per side for an easy fit in a carton, or the thickness of any insert. Pump tops, droppers and caps change the depth — measure with them on. If you can, send us a physical sample: it’s the surest way to get a snug fit first time.
Product box checklist before you order.
- Measure the product at its widest points, including caps, pumps and handles.
- Decide on an insert if the product is fragile, irregular or several items share one box.
- Pick the channel. Shelf boxes need a good front panel and a barcode; shipped boxes need corrugated strength.
- List the label copy — product name, net quantity, company name and address, warnings, barcode.
- Set a budget per unit so we can recommend the board and finish that fit it.
What drives the cost of a product box.
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Box size (board area) | The biggest single driver |
| Board type | SBS and kraft are least costly; rigid grayboard costs the most |
| Print coverage and colors | Full-bleed CMYK costs more than one-color |
| Finishes | Each one (foil, emboss, spot UV) adds a process |
| Inserts | Add material and assembly |
| Quantity | Higher quantity lowers unit cost |
Frequently asked questions
What thickness of board do I need?
Most product boxes use 16–18pt SBS paperboard. Heavier glass or metal products use 20–24pt, or a corrugated insert. We will recommend a thickness based on the product weight you give us.
Can I add a window to my product box?
Yes. A die-cut window with a clear film lets shoppers see the product. Windows are popular for bakery, toys and cosmetics. See our window boxes page for options.
Can you include a barcode on the box?
Yes. Send your UPC or EAN number or barcode file and we will place it on a light background at a scannable size. Barcodes should not sit across a fold.
Do product boxes ship assembled?
No, they ship flat to save space and freight. Tuck end and auto-bottom cartons assemble in seconds without tape or glue.
What do I need to send for a quote?
The inside dimensions of the box (or the product size), the quantity, and the style you have in mind. Artwork is optional at the quote stage — a logo and brand colors are enough for us to price printing accurately.
Can one box design fit several product sizes?
Sometimes, with an adjustable insert. It is usually cheaper to run two sizes than to ship small products in an oversized box.
Send us your product size.
We’ll recommend the carton style and board, then send a 3D proof and price.