Frequently asked questions

Yes. We offer single printed sample boxes in many of our standard box styles and sizes so you can review the print quality, colors, materials, and overall appearance before placing a larger order. Sample boxes are only available for our standard box styles and sizes. We do not offer samples for custom box sizes, custom box styles, or custom insert projects. If you place a production order for the same box type and design within 30 days of purchasing your sample, we'll credit the cost of the sample box toward your order. The production order size may be different from the sample size. For customers who are ready to begin selling or shipping products, many choose to place our minimum production order instead, which provides a lower cost per box than purchasing individual samples.

At this time we primarily focus on our standard mailer boxes, shipping boxes, product boxes, and pizza boxes available through our website. We do not currently offer fully custom box styles or specialty packaging outside of our standard product line. For customers using our standard boxes, we can often create custom corrugated inserts, dividers, and product holders designed to fit inside the box. Custom inserts typically require a minimum order of at least 100 box-and-insert sets. If you're unsure whether your project is a good fit, contact our team and we'll be happy to advise.

Yes. We can create custom corrugated inserts, dividers, and product holders designed to fit inside many of our standard box sizes. Custom inserts typically require a minimum order of 100 box-and-insert sets.

Mailer boxes are shipped flat and can be assembled without tape or glue. Simply fold along the pre-scored lines, raise the side and end panels, and lock the tabs into place. If you'd like additional help, please refer to our mailer box assembly instructions or contact our team.

The best way to reach us is through our Contact Us form or by emailing us at customersupport@packsales.com. Our team can assist with questions about artwork, proofs, orders, shipping, pricing, and product recommendations. We do not currently offer phone or live chat support. Handling support through email helps us keep a record of your project details and provide the most accurate assistance possible. Most inquiries receive a response within one business day.

Place your order and submit your artwork. Our team reviews your files and prepares a digital proof showing your box layout. You'll receive the proof by email for approval. Once approved, production begins. Your boxes are printed, cut, folded, and packed. Tracking information is emailed when your order ships. Most orders arrive approximately 2 weeks after proof approval. Need them sooner? A 1-week rush production upgrade is available during checkout.

Yes. We recommend starting with one of our box templates whenever possible. Import the template into Canva and build your design directly on top of it. When designing your box: Extend background colors and images completely to the bleed area. Keep important text, logos, and artwork away from cut lines and fold lines. Use high-resolution images to help ensure sharp print quality. Review your design carefully for spelling, alignment, and image quality before exporting. When finished, export your artwork as a PDF and upload it with your order. If you're unsure whether your Canva file is set up correctly, our team will review it and provide a digital proof before production begins.

Yes. The bottom panel of your box can be customized with artwork, logos, text, instructions, QR codes, barcodes, or other graphics just like the other exterior panels. If you're using our online design tool, you can design the bottom panel yourself. If you're supplying artwork separately, simply include the bottom panel artwork with the rest of your files and we'll incorporate it into your proof. All artwork will be shown on your digital proof for review and approval before production begins.

Yes. Many customers create their own custom box designs using our online design tool. The tool allows you to design each panel of your box, upload images and logos, add text, and preview your design in 3D before ordering. If you've already created artwork in programs such as Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or another design application, you can upload your artwork and use it with your order instead of designing online. After your order is placed, our team will prepare a digital proof for your review and approval before production begins.

Yes. Our boxes start as white corrugated material, and we print your design directly onto the surface. You can print a solid color on some panels or cover the entire outside of the box, depending on the look you're trying to achieve. However, customers should be aware that large areas of solid color may print differently than they appear on a computer screen. Colors that require heavy ink coverage—such as black, maroon, bright reds, royal blues, and many neon or highly saturated colors—can appear less vibrant or less saturated when printed on corrugated packaging. Because we print directly onto a matte corrugated surface using CMYK inks, large solid-color areas may also make normal printing variations more noticeable, including minor streaking, banding, or slight color consistency variations. These characteristics are typically much less noticeable in designs that incorporate graphics, patterns, textures, gradients, or multiple colors. Light and pastel colors generally reproduce very well and tend to show the most consistent results when used as large solid areas. As with all custom packaging, colors are printed in CMYK and may appear differently than they do on your screen. Exact color matching is not guaranteed. Customers seeking a specific color appearance are encouraged to order a sample before placing a larger production order.

We can help prepare your box artwork and create a production-ready layout based on the logos, images, artwork, and instructions you provide. Most customers send us their existing artwork along with examples, sketches, or notes explaining what they'd like their box to look like. Our team will then create a digital proof for review before production. At this time, we do not provide full branding, logo design, illustration, or package design services from scratch. Customers are responsible for providing the artwork and overall design concept for their project. If you're looking for a simple layout using artwork you already have, we're happy to help.

Yes. We can print on both the inside and outside of many of our box styles. Printing on both the inside and outside of the box is considered an upgrade and costs more than outside-only printing. Please note that inside printing is not available on all box styles and sizes.

Yes. Our online design tool includes access to a large library of stock photos and graphics that can be used directly in your box design. You may also upload your own images, logos, and artwork for use in your design. If you choose to use images from third-party sources, please make sure you have the appropriate rights or licenses to use them. Customers are responsible for ensuring they have permission to use all artwork, logos, photos, and trademarks submitted for printing.

Yes. We provide downloadable dielines and templates for our standard box styles, including mailer boxes, shipping boxes, product boxes, and pizza boxes. Templates are available in AI and PDF formats and can be used with popular design programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW, and others. For many products, you can generate a custom-sized dieline directly from the product page by entering your box dimensions and downloading the template instantly. If you're unsure which template to use, contact our team and we'll help point you in the right direction.

When your design is complete, Canva allows you to export it as a PDF for the best print quality. 1. Open your design in Canva. 2. Click Share in the upper-right corner. 3. Click Download. 4. Under File Type, select PDF Print. 5. If your design extends to the edge of the template, enable Crop Marks and Bleed if available. 6. Click Download to save the PDF to your computer. 7. Upload the PDF with your order or send it to our team for review. Before exporting, carefully review your design for spelling, image quality, alignment, and other details. If your artwork was created using AI tools, we also recommend checking for misspellings, incorrect text, and unintended design elements, as these are common issues in AI-generated artwork. Tip: PDF Print is preferred because it typically preserves image quality and text better than JPG or PNG files.

When designing on a dieline, extend background colors, patterns, and images all the way to the bleed line to help prevent unwanted white edges after trimming. Keep important text, logos, QR codes, barcodes, and other critical artwork at least 1/4 inch away from cut lines and fold lines whenever possible. This helps ensure important elements are not trimmed off or placed directly on a fold. Avoid placing small text, detailed artwork, or important design elements across folds, scores, or box seams. For best results, use high-resolution images and carefully review your artwork before submitting it for proofing.

For the best scanning performance, barcodes and QR codes should be created in solid black on a white or light-colored background whenever possible. Keep scannable codes away from folds, cut lines, seams, and heavily textured artwork. We recommend making barcodes and QR codes at least 1 inch in size. We recommend supplying barcodes and QR codes as vector artwork whenever possible, though high-resolution image files may also work well. If a barcode or QR code is critical to your product or packaging, we strongly recommend ordering a sample or testing the printed code before placing a larger production order. While we make every effort to reproduce submitted artwork accurately, customers are responsible for verifying the accuracy and functionality of all barcodes, QR codes, and other scannable elements before production and use.

We accept most common artwork formats, including AI, EPS, PDF, SVG, PSD, JPG, PNG, and TIF files. Vector formats such as AI, EPS, PDF, and SVG typically produce the best print quality because they can be scaled without losing sharpness. Screenshots, images copied from websites, and graphics downloaded from social media are often too low resolution for printing and may need to be replaced with higher-quality artwork. If you're unsure whether your files are suitable for printing, our team will review them and let you know if any issues need to be addressed before production.

For best print quality, we recommend using images that are at least 150 DPI at the size they will be printed. Higher resolutions, such as 300 DPI, are also welcome. A common mistake is using images copied from websites, social media, screenshots, or other online sources. These files are often too small for printing and may appear blurry, pixelated, or soft when enlarged onto a box. If you're unsure whether an image is high enough resolution, submit it with your artwork and our team will review it before production.

Outside print refers to artwork printed on the exterior surfaces of the box, including the top, bottom, front, back, and side panels customers see before opening the box. Inside print refers to artwork printed on the interior surfaces that become visible when the box is opened. Some panels that are visible inside the assembled box are actually created from the outside of the box blank and folded inward during manufacturing. Because of this, certain interior-facing flaps and side panels are considered outside-print areas and are included with outside printing rather than inside printing. If you're unsure whether a specific area of your box is considered inside or outside print, our team will identify the print areas on your digital proof before production.

In most cases, yes, as long as your order has not gone into production yet. Production does not start until you approve your proof, so there is usually room to adjust things like the box size, the artwork, or the quantity before then. Just let us know exactly what you would like to change and what should stay the same, and we will put together an updated quote for your approval before moving forward. Depending on the change, we may set up a private listing so everything is captured correctly. The sooner you let us know, the easier it is to make the change without affecting your timeline.

Yes, you can order an amount that falls between our standard pack sizes. Our boxes are sold in packs (25 for most boxes, 20 for pizza boxes), and you are welcome to order an in-between quantity. One thing to know: the volume discount is based on the number of full packs, so a partial pack does not move you up to the next discount level. For example, 35 boxes is one full pack of 25 plus a partial pack of 10, priced at the one-pack discount. If you would like, we can bump you up to the next full pack for the better discount, or set up a private listing for your exact quantity. Just let us know the amount you have in mind and we will take care of the setup.

Yes. Each pack of boxes can have its own unique design. For example, you could order: 25 mailer boxes with Design A 25 mailer boxes with Design B 25 mailer boxes with Design C with each pack using a different design. If you'd like to split a single pack between multiple designs (for example, 13 boxes with one design and 12 boxes with another), an additional setup fee of $20 per additional design will apply. Split-pack orders require a special order setup and cannot be placed through the standard ordering process. Please contact our team and we'll help create a custom order link for you. Each design must meet the minimum quantity requirements for the product being ordered unless a split-pack arrangement is approved.

No. At this time, we do not offer invoicing, net terms, or purchase orders. Payment is required when an order is placed.

Yes. In most cases, the more boxes you order, the lower the cost per box. Pricing is automatically calculated based on the quantity selected, and any available volume discounts are reflected as you configure your order. Because setup and production costs are spread across more boxes, larger quantities typically provide the best value and lowest per-box pricing.

No. We print digitally in full color, so the number of colors used in your design does not affect the price. Whether your artwork uses one color, several colors, gradients, photographs, or full-color graphics, the printing cost remains the same. Your price is based on factors such as box type, size, quantity, and any optional upgrades rather than the number of colors in your artwork.

Happy to help you check on your order. Here is how it flows: once you place your order and upload your artwork, our team reviews it and sends you a digital proof. Production begins after you approve that proof, and from there most orders arrive in about two weeks including shipping. If you are waiting and not sure where things stand, the most common spots are waiting on artwork to be uploaded or waiting on a proof to be approved. Send us your order number and we will check exactly where it is and what the next step is.

Your price is based primarily on the box type, box size, quantity, and any optional upgrades you select. Standard outside printing is included in the price, regardless of how many colors are used in your design. Simple designs and complex full-color designs are priced the same. Optional upgrades such as inside printing, rush production, custom inserts, special order services, and other add-ons may increase the total price. In most cases, the cost per box decreases as quantity increases.

Quotes are generally valid for 30 days unless otherwise specified. We may periodically offer promotional discounts or coupon codes. When available, valid coupon codes can be entered during checkout. Promotions, discounts, and coupon codes may be subject to additional terms, limitations, or expiration dates.

Most of our boxes are sold in packs of 25, with each pack containing 25 boxes of the same size and design. Our standard pizza boxes are sold in packs of 20. Custom corrugated inserts, dividers, and product holders are typically available with a minimum order of 100 box-and-insert sets. The minimum order quantity for each product is displayed on the product page before ordering.

No. We generally keep your artwork, proofs, and order details on file, making it easy to reorder a previously printed box. If you'd like to make changes to your design, size, or printing specifications, simply let us know what needs to be updated and we'll prepare a revised proof for your approval. For the fastest ordering experience, we recommend placing reorders through your My Orders screen whenever possible.

Your order will remain on hold until your proof is approved. Production does not begin until proof approval is received, and delivery estimates are based on the date the proof is approved rather than the date the order was placed. Delays in approving your proof may delay the production and delivery of your order. If you're having trouble locating your proof or need assistance reviewing it, please contact our team.

We accept most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept PayPal. At this time, we do not accept checks or purchase orders through our standard ordering process.

Payment is collected at the time your order is placed. Your order will then move into the proofing process. Production does not begin until your proof has been approved. If changes are needed after your order is placed, our team will work with you during the proofing process before production begins.

Yes. Before production begins, we'll send you a digital proof showing how your artwork will be placed on the box. Our team reviews artwork for common technical issues and will notify you if we identify any concerns. However, customers are responsible for carefully reviewing and approving all artwork before production. Please verify spelling, grammar, colors, image quality, panel placement, sizing, QR codes, barcodes, and any other artwork details before approving your proof. Production does not begin until your proof has been approved. Once a proof has been approved, customers are responsible for any errors that were present on the approved proof.

No. At this time, we do not offer white ink, metallic inks, foil stamping, embossing, spot UV coatings, or other specialty print finishes. All printing is produced using full-color CMYK inks on our standard box materials.

No. We do not guarantee exact color matching. All artwork is printed using CMYK inks, and colors may appear differently than they do on computer screens, mobile devices, printed samples, previous orders, or other printing processes. Variations caused by color conversion, material differences, printing conditions, and normal manufacturing tolerances are not considered defects. Customers with critical color requirements are encouraged to order a sample before placing a larger production order.

No. We do not offer exact color matching. All artwork is printed using CMYK inks. Colors supplied as RGB, Pantone, spot colors, or HEX/web colors are converted to CMYK before printing, which can result in color shifts. We reproduce colors as closely as possible, but we cannot guarantee an exact color match to a screen, printed sample, Pantone color, previous order, or another printing process. Customers with critical color requirements are encouraged to order a sample before placing a larger production order.

Yes. A 1-week rush production upgrade is available for many products and can be selected during checkout. Rush orders typically arrive about 1 week after proof approval. Please note that all production and delivery dates are estimates and are not guaranteed. Larger orders, special projects, holidays, weather events, and carrier delays may affect delivery timing. If you have a specific deadline or event date, we recommend contacting us before placing your order so we can help determine whether your timeline is achievable.

Yes. Our printers use print in CMYK. If you supply artwork in RGB, Pantone, spot color, or HEX/web color formats, those colors will be converted to CMYK before printing. Because some colors cannot be reproduced exactly in CMYK, the printed result may differ from what you see on your screen or from the original color specification.

Most orders arrive approximately 2 weeks after proof approval. Production typically begins the business day after your proof is approved. Standard production time is generally about 5-7 business days, followed by shipping transit time, which varies by destination. Need your order sooner? A 1-week rush production upgrade is available at checkout. Please note that rush production shortens manufacturing time but does not guarantee a specific delivery date. Production and shipping timelines are estimates and are not guaranteed. Larger orders, special projects, holidays, weather events, and carrier delays may affect delivery timing.

We align artwork to the box panels as accurately as possible during production. Because custom boxes are printed, cut, scored, folded, and assembled through a manufacturing process, slight variations in print placement can occur. As a general guideline, up to 1/8 inch of variance in any direction is considered acceptable. When designing your artwork, we recommend avoiding designs that rely on perfect alignment across folds, panel edges, or box seams. Keeping important artwork at least 1/4 inch away from cut and fold lines will help produce the best results.

At this time, we do not offer kraft (brown) boxes. All of our standard boxes are produced using white corrugated material, which provides the most accurate and vibrant color reproduction for printed artwork. If you're looking for a kraft-style appearance, it may be possible to incorporate a kraft-colored design into your artwork. Contact our team if you'd like to discuss available options.

We print using water-based aqueous inks.

Our boxes are produced in California, USA.

Our standard mailer boxes use a flip-top lid. However, larger box sizes are produced using our larger-format mailer construction, which features a front-opening lid. This design is better suited for larger boxes while maintaining the same functionality, durability, and overall presentation. The box still assembles, closes, and ships in the same way—only the opening style is slightly different to accommodate the larger size more efficiently.

Black designs can look great on our boxes, but it is important to understand that they will not have the same deep black appearance as a glossy laminated retail box, rigid gift box, or plastic-coated packaging. Our boxes are printed directly onto matte corrugated material using CMYK inks. Because of this, large areas of solid black may appear closer to a very dark charcoal gray rather than a rich, jet-black finish. Solid black areas may also make normal printing variations more noticeable, including slight streaking or banding. For the best results, we recommend using black as part of a design with logos, patterns, textures, images, gradients, or other artwork rather than relying on a completely solid black box. If achieving a specific deep black appearance is important for your brand or event, we recommend ordering a printed sample before placing a larger production order.

Our boxes have a matte finish. Both the box material and the inks we use produce a matte appearance rather than a glossy, metallic, or laminated finish. Because of the matte printing process, some colors, particularly large areas of black, bright reds, royal blues, and other highly saturated colors, may appear less vibrant than they do on a computer screen. Customers seeking a specific color appearance are encouraged to order a sample before placing a larger production order.

Shipping addresses can typically be updated before an order ships. Once an order has shipped, address changes may not be possible and may be subject to carrier restrictions or additional fees. If you need to update your shipping address, please contact our team as soon as possible.

Yes. Our corrugated mailer boxes are designed to be shipped on their own and are commonly used for subscription boxes, influencer kits, and e-commerce shipments. Product boxes and folding cartons are generally intended to be placed inside an outer shipping box for protection during transit.

Yes. We can often ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and international destinations. Please note that shipping outside the contiguous United States will require additional shipping charges beyond our standard shipping rates. Shipping costs and available service options vary based on the destination, package size, weight, and transit requirements. Please contact our team before placing your order so we can review the available options and provide a shipping quote.

No. Our orders ship primarily through UPS, FedEx, and freight carriers, which generally require a physical street address for delivery. Please provide a valid street address when placing your order to help avoid shipping delays.

Most orders shipping within the contiguous United States qualify for free shipping and will display that option during checkout. Additional shipping charges may apply for shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, international destinations, freight shipments, or other special shipping situations. If your order requires custom shipping arrangements, please contact our team before placing your order so we can review the available options and provide a shipping quote.

Large orders may ship on a pallet via an LTL freight carrier. Standard freight service typically includes curbside delivery only. Additional services such as liftgate delivery, inside delivery, residential delivery, appointment scheduling, or limited-access delivery may require additional charges. Freight transit times are estimates and are not guaranteed. If your location has special delivery requirements, please contact our team before placing your order.

Most orders ship flat-packed via UPS or FedEx. Larger orders may ship on a pallet via LTL freight carrier, depending on the size, weight, and quantity of the order. The shipping method is selected based on the most practical and economical option for your order.

Customers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate shipping address when placing an order. If a package is returned due to an incorrect, incomplete, or undeliverable address provided by the customer, additional shipping charges may apply to reship the order. Any carrier fees, return shipping charges, or reshipment costs resulting from an incorrect address are the responsibility of the customer.

Orders are not guaranteed to ship together, even when they are placed at the same time. Different products may complete production at different times and may ship separately. In some cases, shipments can be combined or split upon request. Availability depends on the products ordered, quantities, packaging requirements, and destination.

Yes. Tracking information is emailed when your order ships. You can also view tracking information at any time through your My Orders screen.

Many customers use our boxes for food-related packaging applications. However, we recommend that food not come into direct contact with printed surfaces. We recommend using an appropriate food-safe liner, wrapper, tray, parchment paper, or other barrier between food and any printed area. Customers are responsible for determining whether a product is suitable for their specific food-contact application and regulatory requirements.

Our boxes are paper-based and recyclable. We do not currently make specific claims regarding biodegradability or compostability.

The recycled content of our materials may vary based on supplier and material availability. If recycled content information is important for your project, please contact our team.

Yes. Our corrugated boxes and folding cartons are recyclable through most standard paper and cardboard recycling programs. Local recycling requirements may vary by location.

No. At this time, we focus on corrugated boxes and do not offer compostable poly mailers, recycled poly mailers, or other specialty mailer products.

Most of our corrugated boxes are produced using 200M white E-flute corrugated material, while our folding cartons are typically produced using 14 pt bright white paperboard. Because box weights vary significantly based on size and style, contact us if you need exact specifications.

Our boxes are paper-based products. However, packaging materials used during shipping and fulfillment may vary depending on the order and shipping requirements.

The paper and corrugated materials used to produce our boxes come from FSC or SFI forestry certified sources through our manufacturing partner. While PackSales is not independently FSC or SFI certified, we work with manufacturing partners who source certified paper materials for the products we offer.

Yes, customers are responsible for ensuring they own or have the legal right to use all artwork, logos, images, trademarks, text, and other content submitted for printing. By submitting artwork, you represent that you have the necessary rights, permissions, and licenses to reproduce and print the content. PackSales is not responsible for verifying ownership or usage rights for customer-supplied artwork and is not liable for claims arising from unauthorized use of copyrighted, trademarked, or otherwise protected materials.

We use customer information to process orders, provide customer support, communicate about projects, and fulfill our products and services. For additional information regarding how information is collected, used, and protected, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Please inspect your order upon delivery and report any shipping damage, manufacturing defects, shortages, or other issues within 7 days of delivery. When contacting us, please include your order number, a description of the issue, and clear photos of the affected products. If shipping damage is involved, please also provide photos of the shipping carton and packaging materials. Customers should retain all products, packaging materials, and shipping cartons until the claim has been reviewed and resolved. Claims are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the circumstances, remedies may include a reprint, replacement, partial credit, or other appropriate resolution.

Production and delivery dates are estimates and are not guaranteed. While most orders are completed and delivered within the expected timeframe, custom manufacturing, carrier delays, weather events, holidays, and other factors outside our control can affect delivery timing. If your order appears delayed, please contact our team and we'll be happy to review its status and provide any available updates.

You may change or cancel your order at any time before approving your proof. Once a proof has been approved, your order moves into production and materials are committed to the project. Because custom printed products are made specifically for you, approved orders generally cannot be cancelled, returned, or refunded. If you believe there is a manufacturing defect or quality issue with your order, please contact our team so we can review the situation. Reprints, replacements, or other remedies are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our Refund & Return Policy for complete details.

Once you approve your proof, you are responsible for reviewing and approving all aspects of the artwork and layout. This includes spelling, grammar, colors, image quality, panel placement, sizing, QR codes, barcodes, and other artwork details. PackSales is not responsible for errors that were present on an approved proof.

If your shipment is lost or damaged during transit, please contact our team as soon as possible. Shipping-related claims are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require photographs, delivery information, and other supporting documentation. Customers should retain all products, packaging materials, and shipping cartons until the claim has been reviewed and resolved.

Customers retain ownership of the artwork and content they submit for printing. PackSales retains ownership of its templates, dielines, proofs, production files, and other proprietary materials used to prepare and manufacture orders. Customers are responsible for maintaining copies of their original artwork files. While we may retain artwork files for reorder purposes, we are not responsible for storing, maintaining, or returning customer-supplied artwork files.

If an error is determined to be the result of our manufacturing or production process, we will work with you to determine an appropriate resolution, which may include a reprint, replacement, partial credit, or other remedy. Customers are responsible for reviewing and approving their proofs before production. Errors that were present on an approved proof, including spelling, grammar, artwork placement, sizing, colors, QR codes, barcodes, or other customer-supplied content, are the customer's responsibility and generally do not qualify for a free reprint. If you believe your order contains a manufacturing defect or production error, please contact our team within 7 days of delivery.

We respect the confidentiality of our customers' artwork and projects. From time to time, we may feature completed projects, product photos, or customer packaging examples in our marketing materials, website, social media, or portfolio. If you do not want your project featured, please let us know before production begins and we will make reasonable efforts to honor your request.