Choosing the right custom packaging supplier is one of the most important decisions for your brand. With dozens of options available, how do you know which company is right for your business?
We've analyzed the top custom packaging companies to help you make an informed decision. Here's our comprehensive, honest comparison.
Quick Comparison Overview
Detailed Company Reviews
Brisk Packaging
Best For: Startups and growing brands seeking balance of quality, price, and service
Overview:
Brisk Packaging specializes in custom packaging for small-to-medium businesses, with a focus on e-commerce brands, food packaging, and specialty markets like CBD.
Strengths:
- Free expert design team (not just templates)
- Lowest starting price among quality suppliers
- Fast 7-10 day turnaround
- Free shipping to major markets
- 21+ product types including specialty options
- Free sample kits
Considerations:
- 100-unit minimum (higher than some competitors)
- International network (not USA-manufactured)
Pricing Examples:
- 250 mailer boxes (8x6x3"): ~$0.65/unit
- 500 gift boxes: ~$1.20/unit
- 1,000 food boxes: ~$0.55/unit
Ideal Customer: Brands ordering 100-5,000 units who want design help and fast turnaround without premium pricing.
Packlane
Best For: Very small orders and DIY designers
Overview:
San Francisco-based Packlane serves 10,000+ brands including Google and Shopify. Known for very low MOQs and online design tool.
Strengths:
- Industry-lowest MOQs (10-25 units)
- User-friendly online design tool
- Well-known brand names as customers
- USA-based operations
Considerations:
- Limited product range (mainly mailers, shippers)
- No premium finishes (foil, embossing)
- DIY-focused (less support)
- Higher per-unit pricing
- Free shipping has restrictions
Pricing Examples:
- 25 mailer boxes: ~$2.50/unit
- 100 mailer boxes: ~$1.75/unit
- 500 mailer boxes: ~$1.20/unit
Ideal Customer: Micro-businesses ordering under 100 units who are comfortable designing themselves.
Arka
Best For: Ultra-small orders and sustainability-focused brands
Overview:
Arka positions itself as the sustainability leader with very low MOQs and eco-friendly materials. USA-manufactured.
Strengths:
- Extremely low MOQs (as low as 1 unit for some products)
- Strong sustainability credentials
- Made in USA
- Eco-friendly materials standard
Considerations:
- Higher pricing than most competitors
- Slower turnaround (12-15 days)
- Limited international shipping
- Longer lead times than advertised common
Pricing Examples:
- 100 mailer boxes: ~$3.34/unit
- 250 mailer boxes: ~$2.50/unit
- 500 mailer boxes: ~$1.90/unit
Ideal Customer: Sustainability-focused brands willing to pay premium for eco-credentials and USA manufacturing.
PackMojo
Best For: International brands needing global shipping
Overview:
PackMojo serves customers worldwide with manufacturing in Asia and fulfillment options globally.
Strengths:
- 30-unit MOQs
- Global shipping capabilities
- Good product variety
- Online ordering system
Considerations:
- Longer turnaround times (14-21 days)
- Online-only support (no phone)
- Shipping costs not included
- Variable quality control
Pricing Examples:
- 100 mailer boxes: ~$2.20/unit
- 500 mailer boxes: ~$1.40/unit
- 1,000 mailer boxes: ~$1.00/unit
Ideal Customer: International businesses that can wait for longer delivery times.
The Custom Boxes
Best For: Budget-focused orders willing to accept variable quality
Overview:
The Custom Boxes offers competitive pricing with manufacturing overseas and USA distribution.
Strengths:
- Competitive pricing
- Wide product range
- Free design services
- USA distribution
Considerations:
- Variable quality reports
- Longer actual turnaround than quoted
- Customer service inconsistencies
- Hidden costs possible
Pricing Examples:
- 250 mailer boxes: ~$0.75/unit
- 500 mailer boxes: ~$0.55/unit
Ideal Customer: Price-sensitive buyers who can absorb quality variability.
Alibaba Suppliers
Best For: Bulk orders where price is only consideration
Overview:
Direct-from-China suppliers offer lowest prices but require more buyer management.
Strengths:
- Lowest possible prices
- High volume capabilities
- Customization flexibility
Considerations:
- 500-1,000+ unit minimums typically
- 30-45 day lead times
- Communication challenges
- Quality control required
- No guaranteed support
- Import logistics complexity
Ideal Customer: High-volume buyers with experience managing overseas suppliers.
How to Choose Your Packaging Partner
Consider These Factors
1. Order Volume
- Under 100 units: Packlane, Arka
- 100-500 units: Brisk Packaging, PackMojo
- 500-5,000 units: Brisk Packaging, The Custom Boxes
- 5,000+ units: Direct suppliers, Alibaba
2. Timeline
- Need it fast (7-10 days): Brisk Packaging, Packlane
- Can wait (14-21 days): PackMojo, Arka
- Not time-sensitive (30+ days): Alibaba suppliers
3. Design Resources
- Have designer: Any supplier
- Need help: Brisk Packaging, The Custom Boxes
- Want DIY: Packlane, PackMojo
4. Budget Priority
- Lowest price: Alibaba, The Custom Boxes
- Best value: Brisk Packaging
- Premium willing: Arka
5. Sustainability Importance
- Critical: Arka, Brisk Packaging
- Preferred: Most quality suppliers
- Not priority: Alibaba suppliers
Questions to Ask Before Ordering
- 1What's the actual turnaround time? (Not quoted, actual)
- 2Is shipping included? What are the real shipping costs?
- 3What's included in design services?
- 4Can I get physical samples?
- 5What happens if I'm not satisfied?
- 6How do you handle reprints for quality issues?
- 7What materials and finishes are available?
- 8Do you have experience with my product type?
The Verdict
Best Overall Value: Brisk Packaging
- Sweet spot of price, quality, and service
- Free design team adds real value
- Fast turnaround without rush fees
- Low enough MOQs for testing
Best for Micro-Orders: Packlane
- Lowest MOQs in the industry
- Good for testing concepts
- Higher per-unit cost trade-off
Best for Sustainability: Arka
- Strongest eco-credentials
- Made in USA appeal
- Premium pricing reflects values
Best for Bulk/Budget: Alibaba
- Lowest prices available
- Requires more management
- Not for beginners
Our Recommendation
For most small-to-medium businesses, we recommend choosing a supplier that offers:
- 1Reasonable MOQs (100-250 units) for testing
- 2Free design support to get packaging right
- 3Fast turnaround (under 14 days)
- 4Transparent pricing without hidden fees
- 5Free samples to verify quality
Test with a small order before committing to large quantities. The few extra dollars per unit at lower quantities is insurance against costly mistakes.
Ready to get started? Request quotes from 2-3 suppliers and compare not just pricing, but the quality of communication and samples before deciding.
