If you’re budgeting packaging for your business, you’re probably asking the same question everyone asks first:
“How much will custom boxes cost me in Canada?”
The answer depends on a few variables (box type, size, quantity, printing, and finishes). This guide breaks it down in a way that helps you estimate costs quickly, avoid surprises, and get the best price per unit.
Quick Answer: Typical Custom Box Prices in Canada
Most custom boxes in Canada fall into these general per-unit ranges:
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Custom corrugated shipping boxes: often $0.60 – $3.50+ / box
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Custom mailer boxes: often $0.90 – $4.00+ / box
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Custom product boxes (folding cartons): often $0.40 – $2.50+ / box (more competitive at higher quantities)
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Custom rigid boxes (premium/luxury): often $2.50 – $10.00+ / box
These are “real-world” ranges across common specs. Your final quote depends on the exact configuration (we’ll break that down next).
Custom Box Pricing by Box Type
1) Custom Corrugated Shipping Boxes
Best for: e-commerce shipping, heavier products, transit protection.
What affects the price most:
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box dimensions (bigger = higher cost)
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corrugated strength (flute/grade)
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printing coverage (simple logo vs full coverage)
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quantity (bulk orders drop unit price)
Typical sweet spot: 500–2000 units for strong value per box.
2) Custom Mailer Boxes
Best for: subscription boxes, branded unboxing, apparel, and DTC brands.
Main cost drivers:
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size + board thickness
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outside-only print vs inside + outside print
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inserts (dividers, trays)
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finishes (lamination, spot UV, foil)
Pro tip: If budget is tight, do outside print only and skip premium finishes until you scale.
3) Custom Product Boxes (Folding Cartons)
Best for: cosmetics, skincare, supplements, candles, retail shelf products.
What changes pricing fast:
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paperboard grade (SBS/white vs kraft options)
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full-color print + coatings
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dieline complexity (windows, unusual shapes)
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inserts (especially custom-fit)
These boxes often become very cost-effective at 1000+ units because setup costs are spread out.
4) Custom Rigid Boxes (Premium)
Best for: luxury gifting, high-end retail, presentation packaging.
Rigid boxes cost more because:
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material + wrap
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assembly and structure
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premium add-ons (magnetic closure, ribbons, foam inserts)
If your product margin supports it, rigid boxes can dramatically improve perceived value.
The 6 Biggest Factors That Decide Your Custom Box Cost
If you understand these, you can predict pricing before you even request a quote.
1) Quantity (Biggest lever)
A higher quantity almost always means a lower price per unit.
If you want a meaningful comparison, request pricing at 250 / 500 / 1000 / 5000.
2) Box Dimensions
Even small dimension changes have an impact:
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material usage
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shipping cost (dimensional weight)
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production efficiency
3) Material & Strength
Corrugated strength and paperboard type drive both durability and price.
Choose the minimum strength that still protects your product—that’s how you save money without risking damage.
4) Printing (Digital vs Offset)
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Digital printing is often best for smaller runs or quick turnaround
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Offset printing is usually the best value for larger volumes and premium consistency
5) Finishes & Add-ons
These increase the cost quickly:
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lamination (matte/gloss/soft-touch)
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foil stamping
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spot UV
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emboss/deboss
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custom inserts
6) Turnaround time
Rush production can increase cost. If you can plan ahead, you usually get better pricing.
Real Buyer Examples (So You Can Estimate Faster)
Use these as budgeting references (your price depends on specs, but this helps you think clearly):
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Small e-commerce shipping box (simple print): best value at 500–2000 units
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Subscription mailer box (outside print only): strong balance of branding + cost
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Cosmetic folding carton (full color): becomes cost-effective at 1000+
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Luxury rigid box with insert: premium pricing, best for high-margin products
Minimum Order Quantity in Canada (MOQ): What to Expect
MOQ varies depending on:
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box type
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printing method
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customization level
Why low quantities cost more:
Setup, prepress, dielines, and production time are spread across fewer units—so the per-box cost rises.
If you want the best value, start your comparison at 500 or 1000 units.
How to Reduce Custom Box Costs (Without Sacrificing Quality)
If your goal is cheaper custom boxes in Canada, do this in order:
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Increase quantity (most powerful lever)
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Choose a standard box style
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Reduce print coverage (logo + clean design works)
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Skip premium finishes until you scale
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Optimize dimensions to reduce shipping/void fill
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Use inserts only when they prevent damage or returns
What to Send for an Accurate Quote (Copy/Paste)
To get accurate pricing quickly, send:
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Box type: (mailer/shipping / product / rigid)
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Inside dimensions (L × W × H):
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Material preference: (kraft/white; strength if known)
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Printing: outside only or inside + outside
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Finish: none / matte / gloss / soft-touch / foil / spot UV
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Quantity tiers: 250 / 500 / 1000 / 5000
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Delivery location: city + province
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Timeline: standard or rush
Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom boxes cheaper in bulk?
Yes—bulk orders usually reduce cost per unit significantly because setup costs are spread across more boxes.
What is the cheapest type of custom box?
Usually, standard corrugated shipping boxes with simple printing are ordered in higher quantities.
Why is my small order quote expensive?
Low quantities still require design/prepress and setup, so the cost per unit is higher.
Does full-color printing increase the price?
Often yes. Full coverage and premium print methods typically increase cost compared to one-color or minimal coverage.
How long does custom box production take in Canada?
It depends on the box type and complexity. Standard timelines are usually faster for simpler packaging and longer for premium structures and finishes.
Final Note: Best Next Step
If you want the most accurate pricing, the fastest path is to share:
your box size + box type + quantity + print coverage.
