How to Budget for Printed Cardboard Boxes: Key Cost Factors
When you need printed cardboard boxes for your business or products, it’s important to know how much they will cost. Printed cardboard boxes and Rigid Boxes are good for packaging, shipping, and showcasing your brand, but it’s easy to go over budget if you’re not careful. Let’s look at what affects these boxes’ cost and how to control your budget.
What Affects the Cost of Printed Cardboard Boxes?
The price of printed cardboard boxes can change depending on a few things. Whether you’re buying a few boxes or hundreds, the cost will depend on the following factors:
Box Size
The size of your printed cardboard boxes is a big factor in how much you will pay. Bigger boxes need more material, so they cost more. But, the size also affects shipping costs, which can make a big difference. Here are a few things to consider:
- Custom Sizes: Custom-sized boxes cost more than standard sizes because they need special cutting and design.
- Large Orders: If you order many custom boxes at once, the price per box may be lower, but you have to pay for the whole order at once.
Make sure you choose the right size for your product so you don’t waste money on extra space.
Material Quality
The type of cardboard used affects the price of the box. The stronger the material, the more it costs. Here are the main types of cardboard used for printing:
- Corrugated Cardboard: This type of cardboard is strong and used for shipping. It’s more expensive than regular cardboard.
- Kraft Cardboard: This lighter, more eco-friendly option is often cheaper than corrugated cardboard.
- Chipboard: This is thin, lightweight cardboard and usually costs less, but it’s not as strong.
Think about what your box needs to do. If you are shipping fragile items, it might be worth spending more on more substantial materials. But lighter cardboard could work if you’re just storing or selling items that don’t need protection.
Print Design
The design of your printed cardboard boxes also affects the cost. Simple designs with one color are cheaper than complex designs with many colors. Here are a few things to think about:
- One-Color vs. Multi-Color Printing: One color will cost less than multiple colors. If you want your logo or design to be fancy with many colors, be prepared to spend a little more.
- Custom Artwork: If you want a unique design, you might have to pay extra for the artwork. However, some companies might give you a discount if you already have a design ready to print.
To save money, it’s a good idea to keep your design simple. A clean, clear design can still look elegant.
How Many Boxes You Order
The number of printed cardboard boxes you order is one of the biggest ways to save money. The more boxes you buy, the lower the cost per box. Companies usually charge a flat rate for printing, so the more boxes you order, the cheaper each box becomes. But remember:
- Bulk Orders: Ordering in bulk can save you money in the long run, but you have to pay for all the boxes at once.
- Smaller Orders: The price per box will be higher if you only need a few boxes.
If you are just starting and don’t need too many boxes, it might be better to order fewer boxes until you’re sure you need more.
Printing Method
The method used to print on the boxes also affects how much it will cost. Here are some common ways to print on boxes:
- Flexographic Printing: This is the most common and cheapest way to print. It’s great for larger orders, and it’s used for simple designs.
- Lithographic Printing: This method makes the print look sharp and detailed but more expensive.
- Digital Printing: This is used for smaller orders or custom designs. It’s more expensive than flexographic printing.
Flexographic printing is the best way to save money, especially if you’re ordering many boxes.
Extras and Custom Features
It can increase the price if you want to add anything special to your printed cardboard boxes, like a unique shape, texture, or finish. These extra features make the boxes look more exciting but cost more. Some standard extras include:
- Embossing or Debossing: This adds a raised or lowered design to the box, which looks fancy but costs extra.
- Window Cut-Outs: Boxes with a window that shows the product inside may cost more because the boxes need special cutting.
- Protective Coating: Adding coatings to make the box shiny or protected from the weather can increase costs.
If you’re trying to save money, consider whether these extra features are necessary for your product. Simple designs are often just as practical.
Shipping and Delivery Costs
Don’t forget to include shipping costs when budgeting for printed cardboard boxes. Shipping can add up, especially if you’re ordering many boxes. The size of the boxes, how heavy they are, and how far they need to travel can all affect the shipping price. Here are some ways to save on shipping:
- Order Locally: If you can find a supplier near you, shipping costs will be lower.
- Order in Bulk: Ordering many boxes at once can save you from paying multiple shipping fees for smaller orders.
How to Stay Within Budget
Now that you know the key factors that affect the cost, here are a few tips to help you stick to your budget:
- Plan Ahead: Think about how many boxes you’ll need and order in advance. This can help you avoid last-minute rush orders that are often more expensive.
- Keep the design Simple: A simple, clean design is usually cheaper than a complex, multi-colored design.
- Order in Bulk: If possible, order more boxes for a better price per box.
Ask for Quotes: Don’t be afraid to get quotes from different suppliers. This way, you can compare prices and find the best deal.
Summary
Budgeting for printed cardboard boxes can be easy if you know what to look for. By understanding different factors like size, material, print design, and order volume, you can plan and avoid spending too much. Remember to balance your needs with your budget and choose what’s best for your business.
Planning and careful consideration allow you to get high-quality printed cardboard boxes without paying much.
