We receive a lot of inquiries and most of them are looking for a “ballpark” price for the custom printed mailer box they have in mind. Many callers are in the process of creating their business plan and/or price structure and understandably, want to know what their packaging is going to cost. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions on this topic:
Can you send me your printed price list?
This is custom work; no two designs and customers are identical so there is no corresponding price list. Life and business would be easier if it were possible, but the info a price list would contain would likely be confusing and possibly inaccurate so we prefer to answer each inquiry individually.
Why don’t you have pricing for a “basic” print?
What is “basic” varies a great deal from one person to another. For example a “basic blue box with white lettering” is a reverse print flood coat and there is nothing “basic” about it. After launching hundreds of custom printed mailer boxes, we know designs tend to get more complex over time, not less. We will often use one standard color on a Kraft exterior as a base line to give people a starting point.
What is the minimum information you need for a price?
For starters we need your box size. Just for the record, there is no medium, standard, or average box size. Since we make them to order, you have an opportunity to choose the best fit.
We also need to know your choice of Kraft (brown) or white board color (inside and outside) and how many colors you want to print inside and/or outside. Of course the quantity you plan to order at this time is also necessary. (Keep our 1,000 MOQ in mind.) For example, a great inquiry would be something like this: 2,000 boxes, printed one color on Kraft outside and two colors on white inside. What you print (logo, web address, etc.) at this point does not matter and has little impact on the price.
How accurate are your ballpark prices?
Our numbers are only as good as the information you provide to us, but in most cases we are within plus/minus 10%. When we estimate cost, we typically provide a range such as “between $1.20 to $1.30 per box” and unless your design specs change dramatically, we are usually within the range provided. There are few surprises at Salazar Packaging!
What is NOT included?
The shipping cost is almost impossible to estimate until we know what we are shipping and where we are shipping it. The specific delivery requirements at the address provided can make a big difference in the shipping cost. The only other additional cost is the ONETIME print plate cost that typically runs between $400 and $600 per color. Plates are usually less for RSC style boxes at $200 to $300 per color.
What if I need a firm and final quote?
If you provide firm and final art, we can provide you with firm and final pricing. We have learned from experience that box or art descriptions, regardless of how detailed they are, do not tell us everything we have to know. We also have found that artwork tends to evolve and change as a project nears completion. It is our sincere desire to provide you with the most accurate information possible and that is much easier to accomplish when we can actually see your finished artwork.
Our goal is ALWAYS to deliver the best possible box at the lowest possible cost and we are great about providing you with options and alternatives so you are able to make an informed decision.
Please contact us at Salazar Packaging or call us at 630-551-1700. You can also see our branded packaging overview and examples of our work in our gallery. We looking forward to serving you and helping you create your new, branded packaging.
Related posts:
http://www.greenpackaginggroup.com/industry-experts/want-launch-subscription-box/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/sustainable-perspective/whats-your-price-for-custom-printed-boxes/
