5 Things to Consider Before Ordering Custom Cardboard Boxes

Ordering custom cardboard boxes sounds simple—until you're knee-deep in size specs, material options, printing decisions, and shipping deadlines. Whether you’re a startup launching a new product or an established brand upgrading your packaging, getting it right the first time can save you money, headaches, and missed opportunities.

At Packaging Forest LLC, we work with businesses of all sizes to design and deliver high-quality, custom boxes that fit your brand, product, and goals. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and where most people go wrong.

Before you place that order, take a moment to read this guide. These 5 essential considerations will help you make smarter choices—and ensure your packaging performs on every level.

1. Know Your Product (And How It Travels)

Before you even think about logos and color schemes, start with the most practical question: What’s going inside the box?

Ask yourself:

• Is the product fragile, perishable, or heavy?

• Will it be shipped directly to customers, displayed in stores, or used for gifting?

• Does it require padding, inserts, or temperature control?

Your product’s shape, weight, and handling requirements will determine:

• The type of corrugated cardboard (single-wall, double-wall, etc.)

• The right box dimensions

• Whether you need internal support (like foam, kraft inserts, or compartments)

For example, if you're shipping delicate seasonal gifts, your box design will differ greatly from someone packaging industrial parts. Need festive, ready-to-ship presentation? Our Christmas Packaging Boxes are a great example of how design and structure come together to protect and impress.

Packaging tip: Always add a buffer of 0.25–0.5 inches between your product and box dimensions for cushioning materials.

2. Choose the Right Box Style

There’s more than one way to fold a box.

Here are a few common types:

• Regular Slotted Container (RSC): Standard shipping box

• Mailer Box: Ideal for e-commerce; sleek with built-in flaps

• Tuck-End Box: Often used for cosmetics or retail displays

• Two-Piece Box (Lid and Base): Great for high-end unboxing

• Die-Cut Custom Shapes: Unique styles like moon, triangle, or cube

The box style you choose affects everything from shipping costs to perceived value. A luxury candle in an RSC box feels different than the same product in a custom-fit lid-and-base package.

Packaging Forest LLC offers a huge variety of box styles and finishes to help your packaging stand out, including specialty seasonal shapes and custom inserts.

Packaging tip: Think about how the box will be opened. First impressions matter—make it clean, easy, and memorable.

3. Design for Branding and Clarity

Custom cardboard boxes aren’t just containers—they’re mobile brand ambassadors. They speak volumes about your business before the customer even sees what’s inside.

A well-designed box includes:

• Your logo and brand colors

• A consistent font and tone of voice

• Relevant details (product info, social handles, QR codes, etc.)

• Simplicity—don't overcrowd with too much text or clutter

Think beyond the exterior. Interior printing is a great way to surprise customers with thank-you notes, promo codes, or storytelling moments. This is especially effective for direct-to-consumer brands, gift items, or holiday packaging.

Need inspiration? Our Christmas Packaging Boxes showcase how themed branding and creative design can elevate any product—making it more giftable and shareable.

Packaging tip: Request a 3D mockup or prototype before approving bulk production. What looks good on a screen may need tweaks in real life.

4. Think About Quantities and Cost Per Unit

Many first-time buyers underestimate how quantity impacts cost. The more boxes you order, the lower your price per unit—but order too many, and you risk storage issues or changes in branding before you use them up.

Key factors that influence price:

• Order volume

• Printing method (digital vs. offset)

• Number of ink colors

• Finishes (matte, gloss, foil, embossing)

• Die cuts or specialty folds

At Packaging Forest LLC, we help clients balance quantity with budget by offering flexible runs, low minimums, and scalable pricing.

Packaging tip: Start with a lower quantity to test packaging performance and customer feedback. Then scale up once you’re confident in the design.

5. Plan Ahead for Turnaround Time

Custom packaging isn’t off-the-shelf. It takes time to design, proof, print, and ship. The average lead time ranges from 10 to 21 business days, depending on complexity and volume.

If you’re prepping for a launch, seasonal drop, or holiday event, don’t wait until the last minute.

Here’s how to stay on schedule:

• Finalize artwork and dimensions early

• Approve proofs quickly

• Factor in buffer time for delivery and packing

• Confirm timelines with your packaging provider

For seasonal packaging (like holiday gifts or limited-edition boxes), ordering well in advance ensures you won’t miss out on key shopping windows.

Packaging tip: Ask your provider about rush options—but know they’ll come at a premium. Planning ahead saves both time and money.

Bonus: Sustainability Matters More Than Ever

Today’s customers are looking for eco-conscious brands. Choosing recyclable or biodegradable cardboard boxes shows you're listening—and makes your brand more attractive to modern buyers.

Look for:

• FSC-certified materials

• Soy-based inks

• Kraft paperboard

• Minimal plastic or foam components

At Packaging Forest LLC, we offer a range of sustainable solutions without sacrificing design or durability. Whether it’s a fully recyclable mailer or an elegant compostable insert, we’ll help you reduce your footprint while still impressing your audience.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Order a Box—Build an Experience

Ordering custom cardboard boxes isn’t about just picking a size and printing your logo. It’s about crafting a full customer experience—from the moment they see the box on their doorstep to the second they open it and say, “Wow.”

If you're going to spend time and money getting your product just right, your packaging deserves that same level of care. It’s the first thing customers touch, and often the last thing they remember.

At Packaging Forest LLC, we specialize in helping brands turn ordinary packaging into memorable moments. Whether you need sleek shipping boxes, elegant product displays, or themed seasonal packaging like our Christmas Packaging Boxes, we’ll help you deliver more than just a product—we’ll help you deliver an experience.