Print costs shouldn't feel like a guessing game. The following is a plain look at what brands pay for printed boxes. And how to keep more of your budget.
You find the perfect box, picture your logo on it, and then the quote arrives. All of a sudden that best box is not so perfect anymore.
Now, how much does it really cost for printed boxes in Australia? Well, every order is a different size, and each box has a different size, and material as well as a different printing. Let’s break down each one so you know what you are paying for before you place the order.
No two boxes are alike. A plain mailer with a logo is cheaper than a rigid box. Or just consider a suit. The cheap off the rack is a lot less expensive than the tailored one. Custom printed packaging boxes work the same way. Good packaging is not a cost to fear. It is a sales tool you can measure.

Every quote is made up of the same things. Learn them and you can create your price.
A few small adjustments in any of these areas can change your total by a lot more than you thought.
Setup costs stay almost the same. Whether you print 100 boxes or 1,000. Spread those costs over more units. And in result each box gets cheaper.
Here is a rough market guide for a standard printed mailer box. These are indicative ranges, not a quote.
|
Quantity |
~Cost Per Box $ |
Approx. total $ |
|
100 boxes |
4.00 to 8.00 |
400 to 800 |
|
250 boxes |
3.00 to 5.50 |
750 to 1,375 |
|
500 boxes |
2.00 to 4.00 |
1,000 to 2,000 |
|
1,000 boxes |
1.30 to 3.00 |
1,300 to 3,000 |
Ask about the minimum order quantity early. At The Custom Boxes Australia, our MOQs start from 50 to 100 units.

Digital printing works well for short runs and rapid changes: it has minimal setup costs so short runs are still reasonably priced. Advantages of offset printing: Ideal for large volumes. Setup is more expensive but not as much for the amount of printed boxes you get. Very good for matching colours.
Which one to buy? If you're choosing between two, follow this tip:
The box price is not always the full price. A few extras can catch new brands off guard.
Ask for all of these in writing, then approve anything.
You don't need to sacrifice style to save money. Ways to do it:
A busy design is seen as cheap and less confident than a tidy one.
A clear quote protects you. Look for these lines before you say yes.
Now you get to know how much to get printed boxes. And also why the numbers move. Focus on quantity, materials, and print style, and you stay in control of your box printing prices.
No hidden fees. At The Custom Boxes AUS we enable Australian brands to align the perfect box within budget, leaving out any hidden costs. Tell us your size, quantity and design concept, and get a free quote today!
It depends on size, material and print style.
Setup costs remain fixed. Less boxes implies that each box bear a larger portion of them.
Digital tends to be cheaper under 500 boxes and offset usually wins on longer runs.
Do a budget for samples, artwork fixes, freight, storage and rush fees. These are the extras.
Choose standard sizes, less print colours, a basic finish and a slightly larger order.