Guide / Stage guides / Chapter 9.2
Your first custom packaging order.
Ordering custom packaging for the first time can feel like a big step. Here's the process from first enquiry to delivery, what to have ready and how to avoid the common first-order mistakes.
The short answer
A first custom order follows six steps: choose the box and size, decide on quantity and print, get your quote and place your order, send your artwork, check and approve the digital proof, then production and delivery. Have your product size, quantity and logo file ready. Our team emails a digital proof, typically within 1 business day of receiving your artwork. Digital printing starts from 25 units and takes 5–10 business days. Screen, flexo and offset printing start from 250 units and take 10–15 business days (standard; longer in peak periods).
Step by step
1. Choose the box and size
Start with what you're packing. Measure your product, decide how you'll protect it, and choose a box style. If you're not sure, ask us for a recommendation or order a plain sample first to check the fit.
2. Decide on quantity and print
Your quantity and box decide the print method. Kraft brown and white mailer boxes are digitally printed from 25 units, or screen printed from 250. Black kraft boxes are screen printed, shipping cartons are flexo printed and paperboard boxes are offset printed, all from 250 units.
3. Get your quote and place your order
Send us your details through our quote request page. Check the quote matches your size, quantity and print, then place your order. If a custom printed sample is available for your product, this is the time to ask for one.
4. Send your artwork
Print-ready artwork must be a vector file: .AI, .EPS or a high-resolution vector PDF, with fonts outlined. If you only have a JPEG or PNG, send it to our studio and we'll check it and can quote to convert it. Each print method has its own limits; digital printing, for example, prints on the top, front and back of the box with 20 mm clearance from the folds. You don't need to be a designer: tell us where you'd like your logo, and we'll show you in the proof. Our artwork specifications have the details.
5. Check and approve the proof
Our team emails a digital proof, typically within 1 business day. Check every word, the placement and the orientation. Production starts once you approve it.
6. Production and delivery
Lead times are counted in business days from artwork approval and are longer in peak periods, so check our current lead times. Plan your order so it arrives before you run out of your current packaging.
What to have ready
Having these ready makes your first quote faster and more accurate.
| Item | Why we need it |
|---|---|
| Product size and weight | To recommend the right box and board |
| How it ships | Courier, post or freight affects the box choice |
| Quantity | Decides the print method and price |
| Logo or artwork | A vector file (AI, EPS or vector PDF) for your digital proof |
| Colours | So we can advise on the best print method |
| When you need it | So we can confirm the lead time |
What it means for you
The same question, answered for where your business is today.
Choose your stage at the top of the page to open the advice for you.
Start-up · under 100 units
Start small. A digitally printed run from 25 units lets you see your own branded box without a big commitment. Keep your design simple so it's easy to reorder.
Check the size with a plain sample first, and ask whether a custom printed sample is available for your product.
Growing · 100 to 2,499 units
Use your first custom order to set up for reorders: keep the approved proof, note the box code and board, and save your artwork file.
Try this: ask for quotes at two quantities to see how the price changes.
Enterprise · 2,500 units and more
For a first order at volume, test with a sample or small run before committing, then record everything in a packaging specification.
Build the lead time into your launch plan, counting from artwork approval.
Common mistakes
- 1Choosing the box before measuring. Measure your packed product first, then choose the size.
- 2Ordering too many sizes. Start by printing the size you use most.
- 3Rushing the proof. Typos on a proof become typos on every box.
- 4Leaving it too late. Custom packaging has a lead time. Order before you run out.
First custom order questions
What's the minimum for a custom printed box?
How long does a first custom order take?
Do I need a designer?
Can I get a sample first?
How do I get a quote?
From our customers
The Adventures of FufuPackQueen worked closely with the brand to bring its custom tote bag design to life, including sponsor logos on the reverse.
Read their story →Keep reading
Popular first custom orders
Ready for your first custom order?
Send us your product size, quantity and logo. Our Melbourne team will recommend the box and print method and email a digital proof, typically within 1 business day.