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Packaging 101Apr 12, 2025 · 8 min read

How to Order Custom Packaging with Low MOQ: A Complete Walkthrough

Think you need 10,000 units to afford custom packaging? Think again. Here's how to get premium custom boxes starting at 100 units — and what to watch out for.

Low MOQ Custom Packaging Is Real

If you've been told you need to order 5,000 or 10,000 units for custom packaging, you've been talking to the wrong suppliers. **Low MOQ custom packaging** is not only possible — it's increasingly the norm for DTC brands.

What "Low MOQ" Actually Means

In the packaging industry, "low MOQ" generally means **100 to 500 units per design**. This is achievable because of digital printing technology, which eliminates the need for expensive printing plates.

The Low MOQ Packaging Process

<strong>Step 1: Define Your Box Specs</strong>

- Dimensions (L × W × H in mm or inches)

- Material (kraft, white coated, corrugated)

- Printing type (digital for low MOQ, offset for 3,000+)

- Finishing (matte/gloss lamination, foil stamping, embossing)

<strong>Step 2: Prepare Your Artwork</strong>

You'll need print-ready files (AI, PDF, or PSD) with:

- Dieline (cut line)

- Artwork within safe zone

- CMYK color mode, 300 DPI minimum

- 3mm bleed on all sides

<strong>Step 3: Request a Digital Proof</strong>

Always get a digital proof (PDF or physical sample) before production. Check:

- Color accuracy

- Text positioning

- Dieline alignment

- Barcode readability (if applicable)

<strong>Step 4: Production & Shipping</strong>

Digital print runs take 7-14 days for production. Add 7-21 days for ocean freight to the US, or 3-5 days for air freight (higher cost).

Cost Breakdown: 200 Units Custom Mailer Box

ItemEstimated Cost
Digital printing setup$0 (no plate fees)
Box production (200 units)$300-500
Custom insert cards$40-80
Air freight to US$120-200
Total$460-780

That's **$2.30-3.90 per box** — shipped. Compare that to generic boxes at $1.50-2.00 each with no branding.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • <strong>Wrong dimensions</strong>: Always measure your product + 5mm padding on each side
  • <strong>RGB vs CMYK</strong>: Colors look different — always design in CMYK
  • <strong>No dieline</strong>: Without a dieline file, your printer can't cut the box
  • <strong>Skipping the proof</strong>: A $30 digital proof saves you from a $500 mistake
  • <strong>Forgetting shipping time</strong>: Ocean freight takes 3-4 weeks. Plan ahead.
  • BUpack's Low MOQ Advantage

    We offer flexible MOQ starting from 100 units. Digital printing, no plate fees, free digital proofs, and a dedicated project manager to guide you through the process. Contact us for a quote.

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    Ready to upgrade your packaging?

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