Guide / Ordering & production / Chapter 6.2
Packaging lead times explained.
How long packaging takes depends on whether it's stock or custom, and how it's printed. Here are our lead times for each product, when the clock starts, and how to plan so you never run out.
The short answer
Stocked items dispatch in 1–3 business days, subject to availability. Custom packaging takes longer because it's made for you: digitally printed boxes take 5–10 business days (7–10 for made-to-order boxes), and screen, flexo and offset printing take 10–15 business days from artwork approval. Rigid boxes, magnetic boxes and foil take longer again. These are standard times; they're longer in peak periods, so check our current lead times. Add delivery time on top.
When the clock starts
There are two different clocks. Stocked items dispatch within 1–3 business days of your order being processed. For custom packaging, the lead time starts when you approve your artwork proof, not when you first ask for a quote. Before that, there's quoting, artwork set-up and proofing. We email a digital proof typically within 1 business day of receiving your artwork, so a quick approval keeps things moving.
After production, your order still needs to be delivered. Allow for delivery time to your address, or use Click & Collect from our Thomastown warehouse.
Our lead times
Standard times. Stock runs from your order; custom runs from artwork approval. Delivery is extra, and peak periods take longer.
| Product | Lead time |
|---|---|
| Stocked items | Dispatch in 1–3 business days, subject to availability |
| Digitally printed boxes (stocked boxes) | 5–10 business days |
| Digitally printed boxes (made-to-order boxes) | 7–10 business days |
| Screen printing | 10–15 business days |
| Flexo printing | 10–15 business days |
| Offset printing | 10–15 business days |
| Custom kraft gift bags | As little as 3 business days |
| Premium gift bags | As little as 3 weeks |
| Custom rigid boxes | Express 15–20 working days, standard 6–8 weeks |
| Custom collapsible magnetic boxes | 4–6 weeks |
| Foil on paperboard and gift bags | Express 3–4 weeks, standard 6–8 weeks |
| Special finishes | Confirmed with your quote |
How long each option takes
How to plan around lead times
Work out your reorder point
Count how many units you use in a typical week. Multiply that by the lead time in weeks, plus delivery time, plus a buffer for busy periods. When your stock falls to that number, it's time to reorder.
Approve proofs quickly
The lead time doesn't start until the artwork is approved. Have your files ready and check proofs the day they arrive.
Plan ahead for peak seasons
Busy periods like Christmas put pressure on everyone's timelines, and our lead times get longer. Check our current lead times for this year's order-by dates and our end-of-year closure, and order well before your peak.
Keep a stock fallback
If you're waiting on a custom run, plain stock packaging with a sticker can fill the gap, since stocked items dispatch in 1–3 business days, subject to availability.
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
Stock packaging is fast, which makes it ideal while you're starting out. If you order custom boxes, allow 5–10 business days for digital printing plus delivery.
Don't time your first custom order for the week before a launch. Leave a buffer.
Growing · 100 to 2,499 units
Set a simple reorder point for each custom item and check it weekly. Running out of printed boxes means packing in plain ones or waiting.
Try this: write the lead time next to each packaging item on your stock list.
Enterprise · 2,500 units and more
Build our lead times into your purchasing plan and peak-season calendar. With longer runs and more products, ordering early matters more than ordering fast.
Rigid boxes and foil printing have the longest lead times. Plan those first.
Common mistakes
- 1Counting from the quote. Lead times run from artwork approval. Quoting and proofing come first.
- 2Forgetting delivery time. Production time and delivery time are separate. Allow for both.
- 3Ordering at the last minute. Running out of custom packaging can delay orders. Reorder before you need to.
- 4Leaving peak season too late. Plan Christmas and other busy periods well ahead, especially for rigid boxes and foil.
Lead time questions
How long does stock packaging take?
How long do custom printed boxes take?
How long do rigid and magnetic boxes take?
When does the lead time start?
What's the fastest custom option?
Keep reading
Fast options
Working to a deadline?
Tell us what you need and when. Our Melbourne team will tell you what's possible and the best way to get there, usually within 1 business day.