Supplier Comparison
BUpack vs Arka: Which Custom Packaging Supplier Is Right for You?
A data-driven comparison across 18 dimensions — MOQ, pricing, lead time, certifications, and total landed cost.
| Feature | BUpack (Bejan) | Arka |
|---|---|---|
| MOQ — Folding Cartons | 100 pcs | 100 pcs |
| MOQ — Rigid Boxes | 500 pcs | 500 pcs |
| Unit Price (1,000 pcs mailer box) | $1.00–1.50 | $2.50–4.00 |
| Production Lead Time | 7–25 days | 7–14 days |
| Factory Location | Qingdao, China (owned) | California, USA |
| Daily Capacity | 50,000+ pcs | ~5,000 pcs |
| DDP Shipping to US | Yes (included in quote) | N/A (domestic) |
| FSC Certified | Yes | Yes |
| ISO 9001 | Yes | — |
| Sedex / SMETA | Yes | — |
| SGS Tested | Yes | Yes |
| Foiling / Embossing / Spot UV | Yes (all) | Yes (limited) |
| Custom Inserts (EVA/pulp) | Yes (in-house) | Limited |
| Interior Printing | Yes (standard) | Yes (+15% cost) |
| Structure R&D | 1 new structure/week | Standard templates |
| Sampling Speed | Material: same day, Print: 3 days | 3–5 days |
| Enterprise Clients | HUAWEI, Chivas | DTC brands |
| Total Landed Cost (5K units) | ~$0.70–2.50/pc (DDP) | ~$3.00–6.00/pc |
When to Choose BUpack
- Your order volume is 1,000+ units and total landed cost matters
- You need custom inserts, structural design, or luxury finishes (foiling, embossing)
- You want DDP shipping — no customs hassle, no surprise fees
- You need FSC + ISO 9001 + Sedex certification stack for retailer compliance
- Your production capacity needs exceed 5,000 units/day
When to Choose Arka
- You need US-domestic production for fastest delivery (7–14 days)
- Your order is under 500 units and unit price is secondary to speed
- You want to avoid international shipping entirely
- You prioritize US-made branding for your marketing story
Bottom Line: For orders above 1,000 units, BUpack's DDP landed cost is typically 40–60% lower than Arka. For orders under 500 units where speed is critical, Arka's domestic production wins. Many DTC brands use both — Arka for launches, BUpack for scale.