Custom packaging is made to order, so it takes longer than buying plain stock off a shelf. The good news is that it's predictable. Here's how the timeline works and how to plan so you never run out.
The four stages
1. Design (you control this)
Choose your product, size, options and quantity, then design it. With the PakGenie studio and PakGenie AI, this can take minutes. If you're working with a designer or need internal sign-off, allow a few days.
2. Proof (usually quick)
After checkout, we email a digital proof showing your design on the product's exact print area. Review it, request changes if needed, and approve it. The production clock starts when you approve, so the faster you approve, the sooner your packaging arrives.
3. Production
Your packaging is printed, cut, formed and quality checked. This is the longest stage.
4. Shipping
Your order is packed and shipped door to door.
How long in total?
At PakGenie:
- Standard shipping (free): your order arrives 4–5 weeks after you approve your proof.
- Express shipping (extra charge): arrives in about 2 weeks after approval.
Express is a lifesaver for a launch date or event you can't move, but it costs significantly more. Planning ahead is the easiest way to save money.
How to plan so you never run out
Know your usage
Estimate how many units you use per week. A cafe that uses 400 cups a week burns through 1,000 cups in under three weeks, faster than standard delivery.
Set a reorder point
Reorder when you have enough stock to last through the lead time plus a safety buffer:
Reorder point = weekly usage × (lead time in weeks + 2 weeks of buffer)
Example: 400 cups a week × (5 weeks + 2 weeks) = 2,800 cups. When you're down to about 2,800 cups, place your next order.
Order more, less often
Larger orders lower your price per unit and mean fewer reorders to manage. Just make sure you have storage space.
Watch the calendar
Seasonal peaks catch businesses out every year. Order early for:
- Summer if you sell ice cream, cold drinks or events packaging
- Holiday season for retail, gifting and e-commerce
- Wedding season for stationery and favours
- Launches and openings, where you'll want packaging in hand at least a week before day one
Launch timeline example
Opening a new cafe on 1 June?
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Early April | Finalise branding and choose your cups, sleeves and bags |
| Mid April | Design in the studio, check out, approve your proof |
| Mid–late May | Packaging arrives with standard shipping |
| Late May | Training and soft opening with real branded packaging |
Make reorders easy
Keep your final design file somewhere safe. When it's time to reorder, you can upload the same artwork in the studio, so reorders take minutes instead of days.
The takeaway
Custom packaging takes 4–5 weeks from proof approval with free standard shipping, or about 2 weeks with express. Approve proofs quickly, know your weekly usage, set a reorder point, and order early for seasonal peaks.
