Custom Shipping Boxes vs. Standard Corrugated Boxes

Popping a customer's order into a basic brown box with a bit of packing material may sound like the best way to ship. After all, it's cheap, fast, and doesn't require much planning. But that method isn't doing your business many favors. You're missing out on major benefits that custom shipping boxes provide: improved brand identity, physical product protection, and a better unboxing experience.

In this guide, we explain what you need to know about custom vs. stock shipping boxes, and why custom is almost always the better choice for your business.

What Are Standard Corrugated Boxes?

You've probably opened plenty of standard corrugated boxes in your lifetime. These boxes are typically brown or white, with no distinguishable features. Most are made from kraft or corrugated fiberboard, which provide some protection during transit.

Standard corrugated boxes are available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. Their dimensions range from 6 x 6 x 6 inches to 24 x 20 x 24 inches. Many online retailers use standard corrugated boxes to ship customer orders. Individuals rely on them to move or store their household goods.

Advantages of standard corrugated boxes include:

• Wide Availability: Corrugated boxes are sold by shipping companies, postal offices, office supply stores, and packaging businesses. There's a high chance of finding a place that sells them within a reasonable driving distance of your business or home.
• Simplicity: Corrugated boxes don't require much planning in advance. All you need is the box, packing materials, and shipping tape. 
• Lower Upfront Costs: Standard boxes are sold "as is," making them a cheaper alternative than custom boxes that are tailor-cut and designed.

Standard boxes save you time and money, but they have drawbacks:

• Generic Appearance: There is nothing special about a basic standard box. You won't wow your customers by using one.
• Limited Branding: Standard boxes don't display your brand name or logo. The only distinguishing feature is the shipping label.
• Less Protection: Bulky or fragile products don't benefit from the tailored packaging a custom shipping box provides. 

What Are Custom Shipping Boxes?

Custom shipping boxes are fully customized to meet your needs. They're cut to a specific size and made from materials that protect products during shipping. Providers like Box Genie can print a design on the exterior and interior of the box that reflects your branding.

When you choose a custom shipping box, you benefit from:

• Specialized Box Size: Boxes are cut to fit the actual dimensions of your product. You're not limited to the standard box sizes sold by shipping and office supply stores.
• Structural Customization: You can add custom-fit inserts for extra protection and a unique display. This is especially helpful for fragile items, like glass jars or electronics.
• High-Quality Printing: Custom box companies like Box Genie print your logo, brand slogan, and other details on the box exterior and interior. We use CMYK, high-definition printers for full print coverage that livens up your box.
• Branding That Matches Your Business: You can create a design that matches your brand's color template and branding. For example, Box Genie's free Design Studio is where you can apply colors, typography, logos, and more. 

Custom Shipping Boxes vs. Standard Corrugated Boxes

Just how much of a difference do custom shipping boxes make over a standard brown or white box? Let's take a look.

Brand Visibility

Your everyday standard box doesn't say anything about your brand. There is no logo or colorful design that customers see. Instead, they get a basic box that contains your products.

With custom shipping box printing, there is no limit to artistic creativity. You can add your brand's colors, logo, and slogan to every box, giving it memorable (and unique) flair.

Customer Experience

Think about the last time you opened a basic brown box. It probably doesn't top your list of exciting experiences, even if you were looking forward to a product you ordered. Your customers will likely feel the same way.

On the other hand, a custom shipping box elevates the thrill factor from the moment their order arrives. It tells them there's something important inside, and that your brand values them enough to provide an enjoyable unboxing experience.

Product Protection

Standard shipping boxes are made of strong material, but that doesn't make products immune to shipping damage. Packaging material such as bubble wrap provides some protection, but items can still shift or break. 

Custom box companies like Box Genie shape boxes to your product's exact dimensions. Custom inserts and dividers hold products in one place, preventing them from rolling around during shipping. Your customers get a product that arrives in tip-top condition, and you benefit from fewer returns caused by broken items.

Shipping Efficiency

Some businesses end up overpaying for shipping because they use oversized standard boxes. That's because carriers charge based on box dimensions and weight. For example, using a 6 x 6 x 6 inch box may cost you more money to ship than one that's customized for your product's 4 x 4 x 3 inch dimensions.

A custom box is cut to your product's size. You're not paying a carrier for space it doesn't use. And, as we mentioned earlier, products are less likely to break when they have less empty space, saving you money on product returns and exchanges.

Cost Considerations

Upfront, standard shipping boxes are more cost-efficient than custom ones. You're not paying for design and customization. Your only cost is the box and its packing materials.

But over the long term, using custom boxes can save you money. Yes, you'll pay more for a specialized box, but you'll spend less on shipping costs and returns.

Scalability for Growing Businesses

Standard boxes are easy to scale. You can start with a few dozen and buy extra when you need them. And since they're available at virtually any packing supply or office store, there's no need for advance orders. 

Custom boxes require a bit of pre-planning. There's the design factor, where you'll tailor the box to meet your branding. However, that's a one-and-done investment of your time. Once you have a design you like, you can reorder when you need more. 

Most custom box sellers require at least 10 business days to print and ship your boxes. To avoid running out of boxes, set a reorder point that you're comfortable with. That gives companies enough turnaround time to cut, print, and ship your boxes.

When Standard Corrugated Boxes Make Sense

Based on their benefits, custom boxes probably sound like the ideal option. But there are scenarios where standard corrugated boxes are a better alternative.

Businesses with a limited budget can keep upfront costs low with standard boxes. That's useful if you're testing product viability, are building a client base, or you have an inconsistent number of orders.

Standard boxes are also recommended for internal shipping. There's no need to impress yourself or your team when shipping internally. And if you're sending products to a warehouse, you can pack multiple items to minimize shifting during shipping.

Certain low-priority packaging benefits from standard boxes, too. For example, clothing won't break during transit in a standard box. Documents and plastic containers ship well too, no matter what box you use. In these cases, standard boxes are a viable option, especially if you're not out to make a strong impression.

When to Invest in Custom Shipping Boxes

It's time to look at custom shipping boxes when:

• Order Volume is Steady: A recurring stream of orders means you have a viable product that customers want. Your custom boxes won't go unused, so they're worth the investment.
• Building Brand Recognition: A custom eCommerce box uses your brand's colors, logo, and style. Its appearance stays with customers and with others who see it. 
• Improving Unboxing Experiences: A great unboxing experience is like opening a gift on your birthday. It's memorable and unique. People will tell others about it (and maybe share it on social media).  
• Launching New Products or Campaigns: You can show off custom boxes and their contents on your website, marketing emails, and social media. Influencers appreciate a well-designed box, and most will include it in any videos they make in support of your social media marketing campaigns.

How Custom Shipping Box Printing Enhances Your Brand

Custom shipping boxes turn the concept of standard boxes on its head. They act as an extra marketing channel, giving you the opportunity to show off your brand's identity and create a memorable customer experience.

A well-designed custom box makes your brand feel high-end, even if you sell relatively low-priced items. You've taken the time to embellish one of the most boring parts of online retail — the shipping box. In a customer's eyes, that's a positive thing to do. It shows you care about every part of their order, including how (and in what) it arrives.

Custom boxes increase the trust clients have in your brand. Since items are far less likely to break in a made-to-order custom box, they can count on a reliable delivery. Going custom also distinguishes your brand from other companies that offer similar products.

Why Businesses Choose Box Genie

Box Genie is the go-to solution for online retailers who take customer satisfaction to the next level. When you choose us as your custom box supplier, you get:

• Custom Sizing and Printing: We tailor your shipping boxes to match product sizes. Our printing equipment is top of the line and includes high-definition printers with CMYK color capability.
• Low Minimum Order Quantities: Start with 100 boxes and scale up when you're ready.
• Online Design Tools: Create your box with our free online design templates and tools. No need to invest in pricey software!
• Fast Turnaround Time: Boxes are produced within 10 to 12 business days after art approval.
• First-Time Buyer Support: New buyers benefit from our exclusive discounts.

Ready to get started? Design your custom shipping or mailer box today with Box Genie!