Folding Carton Print Spec Checklist: What to Fix Before Quotes
Use this checklist to compare artwork files, print method, and color target against one written approval record before bulk production
Custom Folding Cartons
Custom printed paperboard cartons in straight-tuck, reverse-tuck and auto-lock structures, with artwork and finish options for your product.
Carton structures
Pick the structure first
A folding carton comes down to three separate choices: the structure, the board, and the print and finish. The structure comes first, because it fixes the dieline that the artwork is laid out on. We make all three of the structures shown here. Once the structure family is picked, the folding carton structural design sample checks list what to verify before sampling.
Dashed lines are folds; the shaded panels are where each structure differs.
Quote a Tuck-End or Auto-Lock Carton
Straight tuck endThe top and bottom flaps tuck in from the same side of the box. 
Reverse tuck endThe top flap tucks in from the front and the bottom flap from the back. 
Auto-lock bottomThe base is pre-glued and locks when the carton is pushed open; the top tucks in.
Ordering terms for custom folding cartons
- Minimum order
- 200 pcs per size for each style; one order can mix several sizes and styles
- Samples
- About 7 working days after the structure is locked. The sample fee depends on structure and finish and is confirmed in the quotation; it is credited against the bulk order. The buyer pays the courier.
- Tooling
- Cutting die, foil block, embossing die and printing plate fees are confirmed in the quotation and charged once per artwork. We keep cutting dies and printing plates on file and reuse them at no charge for repeat orders of the same design.
- Production
- 15–30 working days once specifications, artwork and sample requirements are confirmed; each quote states the final schedule
- Repeat orders
- Same 15–30 working days as the first order for an unchanged design
- Rush orders
- Rush production can be arranged
- Quantity tolerance
- ±3% of the ordered quantity
- Shipping terms
- EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF or DDP from Xiamen; payment by T/T
- DDP
- Includes freight, import duties and customs clearance; nothing further to pay on delivery
- Transit
- Sea freight about 20–30 days to the US and 30–40 days to Europe; air freight about 5–10 days
Carton structures and finish references
These are cartons from our own production.
Board, printing and finish choices
| Board | Weight we run | What it gives the carton |
|---|---|---|
| White card | 200–450 gsm | A bright white surface for full-colour retail print |
| Coated art paper | Up to about 375 gsm | A smooth surface for photographic and fine print |
| Kraft board | Quoted to your carton | A natural brown look |
For shipping boxes in corrugated board, our mailer boxes come in E, B and EB flute.
Print and finish
Custom printed folding cartons: print and finish
Which route fits how you buy
Brand packaging developers
A new SKU goes from structure to board to finish; sample requirements are confirmed before bulk production. Price moves with quantity first, then board, then print and finish, then structure and size, so quantity and board are the two answers that move a quote most.
Start a custom folding carton quoteImporters, distributors and trading companies
We can pack your cartons in neutral, unbranded outer cartons for resale. Across our business, about 60% of buyers are repeat buyers.
Quote cartons with neutral outer packingE-commerce and small-batch brands
If 200 per size is more than a first order needs, our stock collapsible gift boxes start at 50–60 boxes per style, rounded up to full master cartons.
See stock collapsible gift boxesBeauty, perfume and chocolate brands looking for a gift box
Our main line is collapsible rigid gift boxes, in magnetic and ribbon or handle styles. For a box that does not fold flat, our fixed rigid boxes come as lid-and-base, book-style, drawer and hinged magnetic-lid boxes.
Compare collapsible gift boxesFactory proof
Where your cartons are printed and cut
Xiamen ZHY Packing Co.,Ltd was founded in 2006 and has about 10 years of export experience.
We run one production site, in Tong’an District, Xiamen. Print, lamination, die-cutting and sampling for your cartons happen there.
Custom folding cartons: questions buyers ask
What is the minimum order for custom folding cartons?
200 pcs per size for each style, and one order can mix several sizes and styles.
Can I get a folding carton sample, and what does it cost?
Yes. A sample takes about 7 working days after the structure is locked. The sample fee depends on structure and finish, is confirmed in the quotation and is credited against the bulk order. The buyer pays the courier.
Can you print the inside of a folding carton?
Yes, we print the inside panels too.
Which folding carton structures can you make?
Straight tuck end, reverse tuck end and auto-lock bottom. Send a dieline if you already have one.
How long do production and shipping take?
Production takes 15–30 working days once specifications, artwork and sample requirements are confirmed, and each quote states the final schedule. Sea freight then takes about 20–30 days to the US or 30–40 days to Europe; air freight takes about 5–10 days.
Do I pay for the cutting die and printing plate again when I reorder?
No. For a repeat order of the same design, the cutting dies and printing plates on file are reused free of charge. A repeat order takes the same 15–30 working days as the first.
How do you check the cartons before they ship?
By sampling before shipment: our own QC team inspects to AQL 2.5. The delivered quantity stays within ±3% of the ordered quantity.
Get a quote for your folding cartons
Send us:
- the structure (straight tuck, reverse tuck, auto-lock bottom) or your dieline
- internal dimensions
- quantity per size
- board choice
- print method and finishes
- where your artwork stands
What comes back: a quote for your sizes and quantities. We reply within 24 hours on working days.
Send My Carton SpecsPrefer chat? WhatsApp us at +86 188 5002 9104.
