The short version
- Quote: tell us about your product and get an itemized quote, usually within one business day.
- Design: receive a free dieline for your exact size; we check your artwork or help create it.
- Proof: approve a digital proof and 3D preview (and an optional physical sample).
- Production: typically 10–14 business days after approval (rigid boxes 12–16), with quality checks.
- Delivery: tracked delivery anywhere in the contiguous US, usually 3–7 business days.
Step 1: Request a quote
Start with the quote form. It takes about two minutes and asks for:
- Box style (or "not sure", and we will recommend one)
- Inside dimensions of the box, or the size of your product
- Material, such as E-flute corrugated, SBS paperboard, kraft or rigid board
- Printing: none, one or two colors, or full color, outside only or inside and out
- Finishes such as matte or soft-touch lamination, foil, embossing, spot UV, windows or inserts
- Quantity, ideally two or three options (for example 250, 500 and 1,000) so you can compare price breaks
- Deadline and delivery ZIP code
- Artwork, if you have it (any format; we will check it)
You can also design your box in the 3D Box Builder and click Quote this design, which fills in every detail for you.
Tip: If you are not sure about size, send your product dimensions and how you pack it. We will recommend the inside dimensions, board and clearance. You can also try the Box Size Finder.
What you receive
An itemized quote listing style, size, material, print, finishes, unit price and total at each quantity you asked for, plus the estimated production and delivery dates. If something in your request would cause a problem (an undersized board for a heavy product, artwork that would crack on a fold, a finish that would not show on kraft), we flag it and suggest an alternative.
Step 2: Dieline and artwork
Once you accept the quote, we send a dieline: the flat template of your box at your exact size, with cut lines, fold lines, bleed and safe zones. Your designer places artwork on it, or our team prepares it for you.
Free artwork check. Every file is checked for resolution, bleed, safe zones, color mode, fonts, line weights and finish layers. If something will not print well, we explain why and how to fix it. See our artwork guidelines and the artwork & dieline guide.
Design help. No designer? Send your logo, brand colors and ideas, and our team will lay out a design. Simple layouts are included; extensive custom illustration is quoted separately.
Step 3: Proof and approval
You receive:
- A digital proof (PDF) showing the artwork on the dieline with every specification listed
- A 3D preview of the folded box with your real artwork
- An optional physical sample: plain structural, or a printed pre-production sample. See samples.
Check the proof carefully: spelling, barcodes, colors, orientation and finishes. Request changes as often as you need. Production starts only after your written approval.
Note: Screens cannot show exact print color. For color-critical brands, give us Pantone references and consider a printed sample.
Step 4: Production
After approval and payment, your order goes to the production partner best suited to its structure and material. Typical stages:
- Plates, dies and setup prepared for your design
- Printing on the selected board or paper
- Finishing: lamination, foil, embossing, spot UV
- Die-cutting and creasing to your dieline
- Gluing, folding or hand assembly (rigid boxes are wrapped by hand)
- Quality checks on color, registration, cutting, gluing and count
- Packing into cartons, with counts labeled
| Product type | Typical production after proof approval |
|---|---|
| Mailer, shipping and corrugated boxes | 10–14 business days |
| Folding cartons (tuck end, auto-lock, sleeves) | 10–14 business days |
| Rigid, magnetic, two-piece and drawer boxes | 12–16 business days |
| Stand-up pouches | 10–14 business days |
| Tissue, stickers, cards, tape | 5–10 business days |
Rush production is sometimes possible depending on style and capacity; ask when you request your quote.
Step 5: Delivery
Orders ship with tracking to any address in the contiguous United States, typically in 3–7 business days after production. Corrugated and paperboard boxes ship flat to save space; rigid boxes ship assembled. Large orders ship on pallets by freight; we will ask about delivery access (liftgate, dock or residential) in advance.
When boxes arrive, check the count and inspect a few cartons. If anything is wrong, tell us within the window in our reprint guarantee. See our shipping policy for details.
Reordering
Reorders are faster because the dieline, artwork and setup already exist. Send your previous order number and quantity, and we will confirm the price and date. Brands reordering regularly can join the Reorder Program for locked pricing and scheduled deliveries.
Payment
We confirm payment terms in your quote. Typically, orders are paid in full or with a deposit before production. We accept PayPal, cards via Stripe, Wise and bank transfer, and can arrange other methods on request. Payment links or details are sent on your invoice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the whole process take?
For most orders, two to four weeks from first message to delivery: about a day for the quote, a few days for artwork and proofs (depending on how quickly you respond), 10–14 business days of production and 3–7 business days of shipping.
Can I change my design after approving the proof?
Changes after approval may cause delays and costs if plates or dies are already made. Tell us immediately and we will advise.
Do I have to pay for the dieline and proof?
No. Dielines, artwork checks and digital and 3D proofs are free with every quote.
What if I miss a deadline?
Tell us your in-hand date when you request your quote. We plan production and shipping backward from it and tell you upfront if it is not achievable.
What happens if my boxes arrive damaged or wrong?
Report it with photos within the window in our reprint guarantee. If it is a production defect or does not match your approved proof, we reprint or refund.
