Packaging 101 · for brand-new businesses
Your first box, made easy.
Never bought packaging before? No stress. Six quick steps and you'll know exactly what to order, how to measure, and what you can skip for now.
1Which box do you need?
Posting it, shipping lots, or handing it over?
Most start-ups only need one of these three. Pick the one that sounds like you.
Mailer box
- From just 25 units
- Folds together, no tape needed on most styles
- Looks great when your customer opens it
Shipping carton
- Higher minimums, lower price per box
- Taped closed, built for courier handling
- Great for bulk, wholesale and storage
Paperboard box
- Thinner, smoother board for a retail finish
- Perfect for markets, shops and gifts
- Not made for posting on its own
Not sure? Start with our Best Sellers.
The sizes thousands of small businesses already use, in stock, low minimums and quick to dispatch.
2Going with a mailer?
Lock in front or lock in top?
Mailer boxes close in two main ways. Both fold together without glue, it's just how the lid locks shut.
Lock in front
The lid flap tucks down into the front of the box. Quick to pack and the classic postage box shape.
Great for: everyday orders, fast packing, Australia Post sizes
See lock in front boxes
Lock in top
The sides are double-folded and the lid locks in from the top, giving a stronger box with a neat, gift-style finish.
Great for: gifting, subscription boxes, that wow unboxing
See lock in top boxesWant the full rundown? Read our mailer box guide.
3Measure your product
Grab a ruler. Three numbers.
Measure the biggest points of your product (or the product in its own packet), in millimetres or centimetres. Our box sizes are listed in mm.
Length
The longest side when it's lying flat.
Width
The shorter side, side to side.
Height
How tall it stands, from the bottom to the highest point.
No ruler? Print our measuring sheet
Lay your product on the A5, A6 and A7 outlines to see the size. Print on A4 at 100% (Actual size), not Fit to page.
Download PDFWhat size box do I need?
Pop in your product size and we'll do the maths.
Tricky shape? See how to measure your product.
4Internal dimensions
Why "internal" is the magic word
Every box size on our site is the space inside the box. That's the number that matters for your product.
Internal = the space you get
The measurement inside the walls, where your product actually sits. Match this to your product size.
External = a little bigger
Cardboard has thickness, so the outside of the box is larger. Handy for working out postage, not for fitting your product.
Get it wrong and it won't fit
A box listed by its outside size can end up too small inside. Always compare your product to the internal size.
More detail: internal vs external dimensions.
5The extras
Print and filler: what you really need
Not yet. Start plain, add print later.
Plain boxes are cheaper, ready to go, and let you test your sizes first. Once you know what works, add your logo.
- Start with plain boxes in the right size
- Add a logo sticker or custom tape for branding
- Ready to grow? Print your boxes from just 25 units
If it can break or move, yes.
Filler stops your product sliding around and protects it in transit. Just remember to leave room for it when choosing your box.
6Still stuck? We'll pick for you
Tell us three things
That's all our team needs to recommend the right box. No jargon required.
Size
Your product's length, width and height in mm, and whether you'll use filler.
Type of box
Posting it, shipping in bulk or handing it over? Plain or printed?
Quantity
How many you need to start with, and roughly how many a month.
Ask our packaging team
Send us your details and we'll recommend a box.
- Size: L x W x H in mm or cm
- Type: mailer, carton or paperboard
- Quantity: how many to start
Rather chat? Call 03 8689 9344 or email info@packqueen.com.au.
About your box
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Quick questions
Start-up packaging FAQs
What's the smallest order I can place?
Most of our mailer boxes start from 25 units, so you can start small and test your sizes before ordering more. Shipping cartons have higher minimums but a lower price per box.
Can I get a sample before I order?
Yes. You can order a sample of most boxes to check the size and feel before buying in bulk.
Should I choose a mailer box or a shipping carton?
If you're posting orders to customers and want them to look good, choose a mailer box. If you're sending large volumes, wholesale or storing stock, a shipping carton is usually better value.
Do I need printed boxes to look professional?
No. Plenty of brands start with plain boxes and add a logo sticker, custom tape or tissue paper. You can add printing later from just 25 units.
How much space should I leave around my product?
If you're using bubble wrap or filler, add about 15mm on every side. So a 200mm long product needs a box at least 230mm long inside.
What size is listed on your boxes?
All our box sizes are internal dimensions, the space inside the box, so you can compare them straight to your product measurements.
Ready for your first box?
Start with our Best Sellers, or send us your size, type and quantity and we'll point you to the right one.