Most small businesses know the numerous benefits of custom shipping boxes, but the large minimum order quantities and resulting cost can often be a deterrent to this worthwhile investment.

Luckily, more and more wholesalers and retailers are becoming aware of the custom short-run box — the same high-quality custom packaging solution, but with no or low minimum order quantities. Whether you’re a small business with minimal cash flow or a large corporation brainstorming its next campaign, there are many reasons why more businesses are choosing a short-run box for their custom printed shipping boxes.

1. Prototype New Ideas

One of the most notable benefits of short-run custom boxes is that they allow companies to quickly and cost-effectively prototype new ideas. With short-run custom boxes, businesses can get a better idea of how their product or service fits into their ideal packaging before investing in full-scale production.

This can be especially beneficial for businesses looking to launch new products, as it gives them the opportunity to test the market or approve their custom packaging in person without having to commit to large-scale orders.

2. Reduce Costs

Short-run boxes are ideal for businesses on a tight budget because they’re a much more cost-effective solution than long-run printing. Since businesses don’t have to commit to large-scale production, they can save money by only investing in the material and production required for a single box sample or a small quantity order.

3. Cater to Your Target Audience

With a short-run box sample, you can completely customize your box design with branding, logos, product information and seasonal imagery. This helps you create a unique look that’s signature to your business, improving brand perception and strengthening clear brand identity.

With custom packaging, you can also design your box prototype around your target customer, ensuring that the packaging is tailored to your audience’s needs and wants. This can be especially helpful for e-commerce businesses, as it allows the company to provide a more personalized experience to their customers, creating strong brand loyalty even without a physical storefront.

4. Faster Turnaround Times

If you have a tight deadline to work with, short-run boxes are the ideal solution. Due to the lower quantities, short-run box samples have a fast turnaround time, which means your custom packaging can be finished in a matter of days rather than weeks or months. This can be especially helpful during the holiday rush or other busy times of the year.

5. No Minimum Order Quantities

One of the biggest deterrents to custom packaging for small businesses is the high minimum order quantity. Businesses often have to pay more than they want or need to satisfy the box manufacturer’s minimum, ultimately wasting money and eating into profits.

With short-run boxes, however, there are typically low or no minimum order quantities required. At Build A Box, we can handle any order size you need, from one single box prototype or thousands of custom shipping boxes. This flexibility allows you to get the exact number of boxes you need without having to invest in large-scale production, boosting profits in the long run.

If you’re ready to invest in cost-effective custom printed shipping boxes for your small business, visit the Build A Box website to use our free online box configuration tool. We can give you a free estimate for a range of quantities, and there’s never any minimum quantity required. If you need design assistance in creating your box prototype, give us a call at (888) 406-1610 or fill out our contact form, and one of our design experts will be happy to help you through the process.