"How much will it cost?" is the first question every business asks about custom packaging, and the answer is usually "it depends". Here's what it actually depends on, with real example prices so you can budget with confidence.
What drives the price
1. Quantity
This is the biggest factor. Every print run has setup work: preparing plates or files, setting up machines, and checking colours. That cost is shared across every unit, so the more you order, the less each piece costs. Moving from 1,000 to 5,000 units often cuts the price per unit noticeably.
2. The product itself
A sticker uses a little vinyl. A mailer box uses thick board, cutting and folding. Bigger, heavier and more complex products cost more per piece.
3. Materials and options
Upgrades add to the price: double wall vs. single wall cups, foil barrier vs. standard film, rope handles vs. paper handles, zippers, windows, foil stamping, and soft-touch finishes.
4. Print colours and coverage
Some products are priced by the number of print colours. One- or two-colour designs cost less than full colour on those items.
5. Shipping and lead time
Freight is a real cost for packaging because it's bulky. At PakGenie, standard shipping is included in the price and arrives 4–5 weeks after you approve your proof. Express delivery in about 2 weeks costs extra.
Example prices
Here are real PakGenie prices for the base version of each product at the time of writing (October 2026), with standard shipping included. Prices change over time, so check each product page for today's price.
| Product | 1,000 units | Price per unit at 1,000 | Larger order |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 oz compostable double wall cups | $361.99 | about $0.36 | about $0.22 each at 10,000 |
| 5 oz ice cream cups | $223.99 | about $0.22 | about $0.17 each at 10,000 |
| Brown kraft paper bags | $415.99 | about $0.42 | about $0.30 each at 10,000 |
| Stand up pouches | $383.99 | about $0.38 | about $0.26 each at 5,000 |
| Premium mailer boxes | $902.99 | about $0.90 | about $0.61 each at 10,000 |
| Address labels | $45.99 | about $0.05 | about $0.02 each at 10,000 |
How to lower your cost per unit
- Order your best seller in volume. Put your budget behind the item you use most. It gives the biggest brand impact and the best unit price.
- Use one design across sizes. A single brand design is quicker to approve and easy to reorder.
- Brand stock packaging with labels. A printed label on a plain box or bag is a low-cost way to start.
- Keep colours simple on products priced by print colours.
- Plan ahead. Ordering early lets you use free standard shipping instead of paying for express.
- Avoid over-ordering. Packaging you'll never use isn't a saving. Estimate how much you use per month and order a few months' worth.
Hidden costs to watch for elsewhere
When comparing quotes from different suppliers, check whether these are included:
- Setup or plate fees
- Design or artwork fees
- Freight and delivery
- Proof revisions
At PakGenie, the price on the product page includes standard shipping, and you approve a digital proof before anything prints.
The takeaway
Custom packaging costs are driven mostly by quantity, product type and options. Order your most-used item in volume, keep designs simple, and plan ahead to use free standard shipping. Every product page shows the exact total and price per unit for each quantity, so you can compare before you design.
