Why order samples?
Packaging is physical. Board thickness, the softness of a soft-touch lamination, the shine of foil and the exact shade of your brand color are hard to judge on a screen. A sample answers those questions before you commit to a full run, and it is the best way to test product fit, inserts and packing speed.
Three ways to sample
Packaging sample kit
A curated kit of stock structures and swatches, sent to your address. It typically includes a mailer box, a tuck end carton, a rigid box and a pouch, plus swatch cards showing boards (E-flute, B-flute, SBS, kraft, rigid wrap) and finishes (matte, gloss, soft-touch, foil, spot UV, embossing). It is the fastest way to choose materials and finishes, and the cost is credited against your first order.
Best for: brands choosing between materials and finishes, and first-time buyers.
Plain structural sample
An unprinted sample made in your exact style, size and board. Use it to check that your product fits, that inserts hold it securely and that the box survives a drop test.
Best for: new sizes, fragile products and inserts.
Custom printed sample
A pre-production sample of your actual design, printed and finished as close to production as possible. It confirms color, finish placement and overall look before mass production.
Best for: color-critical brands, premium boxes, and large or high-value runs.
| Sample kit | Plain structural | Custom printed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your size | No (stock sizes) | Yes | Yes |
| Your artwork | No | No | Yes |
| Shows finishes | Yes (swatches) | No | Yes |
| Tests fit and protection | Partly | Yes | Yes |
| Typical lead time | A few business days | About 5–7 business days | About 7–12 business days |
| Cost | Credited against first order | Confirmed in quote | Confirmed in quote |
Lead times and costs depend on structure and finishes; we confirm both by email before anything is made.
How to evaluate a sample
- Fit: pack your product exactly as customers will receive it, including tissue, inserts and cards. Is it snug without forcing?
- Strength: press the walls and lid. For shipping boxes, try a simple drop test from about 30 inches on faces, edges and a corner.
- Opening: is it easy to open? Does the lid stay closed? Is the reveal satisfying?
- Print and color: check colors in daylight and under store-type lighting. Compare with your brand references.
- Finishes: is foil crisp, embossing deep enough, soft-touch the feel you want?
- Packing speed: time how long it takes to fold and pack one box.
- Photography: take the photos you would post. Does it look the way you want on camera?
Write down what you would change and send it with your quote request. Small changes (a tighter insert, a deeper box, a different board) are easy before production.
Digital alternatives
- 3D preview: every quote includes a free 3D proof of your real artwork.
- 3D Box Builder: try styles, colors and finishes yourself in the Box Builder.
- Paper mockup: print a 1:1 dieline from the Dieline Generator and fold it to check size.
Frequently asked questions
Are samples free?
The sample kit cost is credited against your first order. Plain and printed sample costs depend on structure and finishes and are confirmed before production.
How long do samples take?
Sample kits usually ship within a few business days. Plain structural samples take about 5–7 business days and printed samples about 7–12, plus shipping.
Will a printed sample match production exactly?
Printed samples are made to be as close to production as possible, but some processes differ slightly between sample and production runs. Approved samples become the reference for your order.
Can I sample several sizes?
Yes. Plain structural samples in several sizes are a good way to choose the right fit.
