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Why Is the First Packaging Sample So Expensive?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
Today, let’s talk about a common question in custom packaging<\/a>: When most people think about getting packaging made, the first place that comes to mind is usually Alibaba<\/strong> or Amazon<\/strong>. If you search keywords like “packaging box” or “mailer box” on these platforms, you'll be greeted with endless ready-made options at surprisingly low prices. Some even promise free design services.<\/p>\r\n\r\n It looks like a great deal — but is it really?<\/p>\r\n\r\n Let’s look past the attractive listings and pricing and focus on what you’re actually getting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n After chatting with customer service, it becomes clear: the prices you see on the platform usually only apply to preset options like Box #1, Box #2, or Box #3. These are pre-manufactured, fixed-size, fixed-structure boxes<\/strong> with no room for customization. They are cheap because they’re mass-produced and stored in bulk<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Can these boxes work for you? Let’s go back to why we create packaging in the first place<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n\r\n To represent our brand value<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t To perfectly fit our product<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n Obviously, generic stock boxes don’t fulfill these goals. That’s why custom packaging<\/strong> is often necessary — with custom dimensions, structure, and design.<\/p>\r\n\r\n When you ask for customization, nearly every supplier will say: "Yes, we can do that." Didn’t the ad say free design<\/strong>?<\/p>\r\n\r\n In most cases, "free design" only means adding your logo onto an existing box template. The real cost is in the custom knife mold (die-cutting template)<\/strong> and the machine setup for production<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n If you're ordering 10,000 boxes, suppliers rarely charge a mold fee — because it's already built into the bulk pricing<\/strong>. You can't confidently produce 10,000 boxes without first seeing and approving the first sample<\/strong>. That’s why many suppliers require a hefty sample fee<\/strong>, often labeled as a mold fee, setup fee, or proofing charge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n No matter what it’s called, for you, that’s the true cost of the first box<\/strong> — and often, it feels like a "luxury-priced paper box."<\/p>\r\n\r\n And that’s exactly why sample fees exist<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\nWhy does the first custom packaging sample cost hundreds or even thousands of RMB? Is there a way to reduce this cost?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\nWhere Do You Start When Looking for Packaging?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
\r\nWhy the Cheap Options Don't Fit<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
\r\nSure — if you don’t care about design, brand identity, or size fit<\/strong>. If all you need is a generic box to carry something, then these are totally fine.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\nWhy Most Businesses Need Custom Packaging<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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\r\nBut then comes the catch: customization requires extra fees<\/strong> — ranging from a few hundred to several thousand RMB — plus a 1–2 week turnaround time<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\nWhat About "Free Design"?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
\r\nBut if you're only ordering 1 or 10 pieces<\/strong>, this cost isn’t spread across many units. So the full mold and machine setup fee<\/strong> falls on you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\nThe Real Cost of the First Box<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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