How Much To Get
Printed Boxes?

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.

Emily Parker
Emily Parker
how much to get printed boxes

    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.

    Why The Price Range Is Wider

    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.

    Five Things That Move Your Price

    Five Things That Move Your Price

    Every quote is made up of the same things. Learn them and you can create your price.

    • Size: Larger boxes require more board and ink.
    • Material: Kraft is budget-friendlier. Rigid board is more expensive.
    • Print colours: One colour costs less than full colour on each side.
    • Finish: Matte, foil, gloss, and embossing.
    • Quantity: A higher number of boxes will result in a lower box price.

    A few small adjustments in any of these areas can change your total by a lot more than you thought.

    Quantity Is Your Biggest Money Lever

    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 or Offset: Pick The Print Style That Fits

    Digital or Offset Pick The Print Style That Fits

    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:

    • Under 500 boxes: digital is usually the smarter pick.
    • Over 1,000 boxes: offset often wins on price.
    • Request both quotes and review.

    Costs People Forget To Budget For

    The box price is not always the full price. A few extras can catch new brands off guard.

    • Artwork setup: Some suppliers charge if your file needs fixing.
    • Samples: Worth paying for. A wrong size is far more costly.
    • Freight: Big boxes take up space, so shipping adds up.
    • Storage: Bulk orders need somewhere to live.
    • Lead time: Rush orders cost more.

    Ask for all of these in writing, then approve anything.

    Ways to Spend Less Money 

    You don't need to sacrifice style to save money. Ways to do it:

    • Select standard sizes if your product fits.
    • Choose one or two colours and print on a background with a strong design.
    • Pick a solid finish such as matte, rather than stacking layers.
    • Order a few more to get wholesale printed box prices.
    • Send print-ready artwork to avoid extra fees. 

    A busy design is seen as cheap and less confident than a tidy one.

    What a Good Quote Should Show

    A clear quote protects you. Look for these lines before you say yes.

    • Box size and material type
    • Print colours and finish
    • Exact quantity
    • Cost per box and total cost
    • Setup, sample, and delivery charges
    • Turnaround time

    Conclusion 

    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!

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    What is the cost of printing boxes Australia?

    It depends on size, material and print style.

    Where are the additional payments for small boxes?

    Setup costs remain fixed. Less boxes implies that each box bear a larger portion of them.

    What are cheaper printed boxes, digital or offset printed?

    Digital tends to be cheaper under 500 boxes and offset usually wins on longer runs.

    What are extra costs besides the box price? 

    Do a budget for samples, artwork fixes, freight, storage and rush fees. These are the extras.

    How can I reduce my box cost?

    Choose standard sizes, less print colours, a basic finish and a slightly larger order.

    Get a quote

    (the more information you provide, the faster we’ll be able to get you what you need)

    Most popular post

    Premier American Manufacturer of Packaging and Custom Boxes

    Experience the ease of creating and ordering custom boxes and affordable packaging online with the Custom Boxes. Contact us today to discover how we can turn your packaging vision into a reality.

    single image

    Payment & Security

    square tick No Hidden Charges

    money back Money Back Guarantee

    thecustomboxes.com.au online guarantee the privacy of all the customers and never share their personal information with third parties. For more details read our Privacy Policy.

    payment icon 6
    payment icon 5
    payment icon 4
    payment icon 3
    payment icon 2
    payment icon 1