Custom packaging FAQ: MOQ, lead time, samples and materials
35 straight answers from our Shenzhen factory, the same ones on each product page, collected in one place. For anything not covered here, send product type and quantity and we reply within 1 business day.
MOQ and pricing
What is the minimum order quantity for custom boxes?
1,000 pcs for rigid boxes, paper tubes and corrugated mailer boxes, 3,000 pcs for folding cartons. MOQ follows the production process rather than the product category, so a rigid cosmetic box and a rigid wine box carry the same 1,000 pcs minimum.
What is the MOQ for folding cartons?
3,000 pcs, compared with 1,000 pcs for rigid boxes and paper tubes. Below that we still assess feasibility; send your target quantity with the quote request.
Will you quote below the MOQ?
Yes, we assess it. Our stated minimums are 1,000 pcs for rigid boxes, paper tubes and mailer boxes, and 3,000 pcs for folding cartons. Below that, send your target quantity and we will check feasibility against your actual specification and tell you how the unit price changes, rather than refusing on the number alone.
Do you publish prices?
No. Price depends on structure, board grade, print coverage, finish and quantity. A published price list would be wrong for most projects, so we quote against your actual specification.
Samples and lead time
How long do samples take?
About 7 days from artwork approval. That is a physical sample produced on our own equipment, not a digital mockup.
What is the full lead time from order to delivery?
Three separate stages: samples about 7 days, bulk production about 20 days ex-works after sample approval (about 14 days for folding cartons), and door-to-door delivery around 30–40 days including ocean freight. We quote these separately rather than merging them into one number.
Artwork and quoting
Can you produce packaging without final artwork?
Yes, for the quote and structural stage. We can confirm structure, board and MOQ from product dimensions and reference images. Final print-ready artwork is only needed before sampling.
Is a free email address a problem?
No. Real buyers use Gmail and we do not filter on it.
Structures and board
Which rigid structure should I choose?
It depends on how the product is presented and unboxed. What our buyers order most: magnetic flip-top for vape and cosmetics, drawer boxes for vape, perfume and jewelry, lid & base for wine. Book-style, double-door and shoulder boxes are also available. Send your product and we will recommend a structure with the quote.
What board thickness does my product need?
It depends on the product weight and the structure. Send the product weight and dimensions and we will confirm the board grade with the quote.
Vape packaging
What vape products do you make packaging for?
Mostly cartridges (pods) and disposable vapes. A typical cartridge we pack is around 10 × 10 × 100 mm and a typical disposable around 20 × 40 × 110 mm. For any other size, send the product dimensions or a sample photo with a ruler, and we will size the box and the EVA insert cavities to fit.
Which box do vape buyers order most?
A magnetic flip-top box or a drawer box — those two are what our vape buyers order most. Lid & base and book-style boxes are also available. All are rigid boxes at 1,000 pcs.
What material, insert and finish do vape boxes usually use?
Most of our vape orders are a rigid box wrapped in printed coated art paper, with an EVA foam insert die-cut to hold each cartridge or disposable vape, and hot foil stamping for the logo. Other materials, inserts and finishes are available; tell us what the box needs to hold and we will suggest a route with the quote.
Are your vape boxes rigid boxes or folding cartons?
Mostly rigid boxes: board wrapped in printed or specialty paper, MOQ 1,000 pcs. Folding cartons are also available, from 3,000 pcs; say which you need in the quote request.
Do you handle child-resistant or compliance certification for vape packaging?
We are not currently able to arrange or confirm child-resistant certification testing. If your market requires it, tell us in the quote request and we will scope what our structures can support versus what would need third-party testing.
Paper tubes (tea, coffee and wine)
Do oval or square tubes cost more than round?
Slightly more. Round is the standard format; oval and square cost a little more per unit at the same size and quantity. The exact difference is confirmed with the quote.
What tube sizes can you make?
Most tubes we make are 50–120 mm in diameter and 80–250 mm tall. If your product needs something outside those ranges, send the size and we will confirm feasibility with the quote.
What cap styles are available for paper tubes?
Two: a lift-off lid that sits over the tube, or a plug-in lid that fits inside the opening. Tell us how the tube will be opened and displayed and we will suggest one with the quote.
How do you get the lid fit and the rolled edge right?
Both are settled at the sampling stage. The lid is adjusted to be tight enough that it does not fall off and loose enough to open easily, and the rolled edge is confirmed on the same sample. You check both on the physical sample, and bulk production follows the approved sample.
Can you add a moisture-resistant lining?
Yes, an aluminium foil lining inside the tube, for moisture resistance. Mention it in the quote request so it is included in the sample.
Is a coffee tube made differently from a tea tube?
No. Coffee and tea tubes are made the same way: the same sizes, the same lift-off or plug-in lids, and the same aluminium foil lining for moisture resistance. Send the product and fill weight and we will size the tube for it.
Can the tube keep tea or coffee dry?
Yes. We can line the tube with aluminium foil for moisture resistance. The foil lining keeps moisture out; if you need a fully airtight seal as well, say so in the quote request and we will confirm the route for your product.
How tall can a wine tube be?
Wine tubes can be made up to 350 mm tall, which covers a standard 750 ml bottle (around 300 mm). Send your bottle height and diameter and we will size the tube to fit.
Does a wine tube need an insert?
Normally no. A wine tube holds a single bottle and is sized to that bottle, so it does not need an insert. If you want one anyway, mention it in the quote request.
Tube or rigid box for wine packaging?
A wine tube holds a single bottle and is sized to it, so it normally needs no insert. Brands that choose a rigid box (see wine boxes) do so for a more premium presentation. Send your bottle size and we will recommend a format with the quote.
Perfume boxes
What box, material, insert and finish do perfume boxes usually use?
Most of our perfume orders are a rigid drawer box wrapped in specialty paper, with an EVA foam insert cut to the bottle, and hot foil stamping for the brand name. Other structures, inserts and finishes are available; send the bottle and we will suggest a route with the quote.
How do you protect glass perfume bottles in shipping?
With the EVA foam insert: its cavity is die-cut to the bottle, so the glass is held firmly and does not move or knock against the box in transit. Send the bottle, or its exact dimensions, so the cavity can be cut to fit.
What bottle sizes do you make perfume boxes for?
Most of the perfume boxes we make are for 50 ml and 100 ml bottles. Bottle shapes vary by design, so send the bottle dimensions (or a bottle for sampling) and we will cut the insert to fit.
Wine boxes
Why choose a wine box over a wine tube?
For a more premium presentation — that is why our wine buyers choose it over a paper tube. It is usually a rigid lid & base box wrapped in specialty paper, with an EVA insert cut to the bottle.
Are your wine boxes single-bottle or multi-bottle?
Most of the wine boxes we make are single-bottle. If you need a two- or multi-bottle set, send the bottle count and sizes in the quote request and we will confirm what is feasible.
What box, material, insert and finish do wine boxes usually use?
Most of our wine orders are a rigid lid & base box wrapped in specialty paper, with an EVA foam insert cut to the bottle, and hot foil stamping for the label or brand name. Other structures, inserts and finishes are available; send the bottle size and count and we will suggest a route with the quote.
Jewelry boxes
How are rings and necklaces held in the box?
Rings sit in a ring slot, a slotted pad that holds the band so the ring stands upright. Necklaces go on a necklace card that keeps the pendant centred and the chain from tangling. For earrings, bracelets or sets, send the pieces and we will lay out the insert with the quote.
What box, material and finish do jewelry boxes usually use?
Most of our jewelry orders are a small rigid drawer box wrapped in specialty paper on the outside, lined with velvet on the inside, with hot foil stamping for the brand name. Other structures, materials, inserts and finishes are available; tell us the piece and quantity and we will suggest a route with the quote.
Cosmetic boxes
How do you hold a multi-piece cosmetic set?
With one EVA foam insert that has a separate cavity cut for each product, whether bottle, jar, tube or compact, so every piece sits in its own place and nothing moves in transit. Send the product list with dimensions and we will lay out the insert with the quote.
What box, material, insert and finish do cosmetic boxes usually use?
Most of our cosmetic orders are a rigid magnetic flip-top box wrapped in specialty paper, with an EVA foam insert cut to each product and hot foil stamping for the brand name. Other structures, materials, inserts and finishes are available; tell us the product and quantity and we will suggest a route with the quote.
Send product type and quantity
A quick reply covers MOQ feasibility, sample timing and a board and finish route.
No artwork required for the first review.