We have noticed this trend building over the last two years, but it has reached a point of being extreme. The cost of cutting dies is determined by the size of the box and the number out configuration. Unfortunately, several recent cutting die orders have cost nearly or above $2,000. Even though cutting dies and flexographic print plates are a onetime expense, we can’t help but empathize with customers, especially new, smaller companies, having to suffer that usually unexpected expense. Here are a few things we want you to keep in mind when selecting your packaging partner:
Salazar Packaging owns over 150 stock cutting dies.
We can’t guarantee we’ll have the mailer size you need, but many of the most popular sizes are covered. Any one of these stock dies is available for you to use, at no cost. Is changing the orientation of the product within the box an option? After millions of DTC e-commerce boxes made, we can often fit a new product into an existing mailer box size.
Die cut mailer boxes are not the only corrugated packaging options we offer. 
Assuming your product and application do require the protection and strength of a corrugated box, we offer a variety of designs beyond die cut e-commerce mailer boxes. We specialize in custom size and custom printed RSC, HSC, once piece folders, trays and telescoping boxes. None of these types require a cutting die and all can be custom printed, inside and/or outside. Each of these styles may also offer other distinct advantages such as lower cost, less expensive print plates and quick delivery.
Salazar Packaging offers a complete line of paper or plastic, padded or plain e-commerce envelopes.
As we often say around the office, sometimes the best box for a specific application is not a box at all. As shipping and 3PL packing costs rise, many products do not require a box at all. Color accuracy and overall print quality on paper and plastic mailer envelopes have dramatically improved in the last few years so you are not necessarily compromising the first impression your packaging and product make.
Free or discounted cutting dies and print plates.
If you have a new product you need to package or perhaps want to tweak the size and design, we may be able to help you avoid or minimize the cost of making your changes. We are here to help customers create or improve their packaging and we never want preproduction or tooling costs to get in the way of improvement. To be frank, it all comes down to packaging specifications and volumes.
As always, the first step to making any major packaging change is to talk to us. Tell us what you are trying to accomplish, and we will help you determine the best and lowest cost way to make it happen. Contact us through this web site or call us at 630-551-1700. Our trained, non-commissioned branded packaging advisors are eager to help you determine the best path forward.
Related posts:
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/the-difference-between-b2b-and-b2c/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/packaging-tariff-talk/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/eco-obvious-ecommerce-packaging/
