Custom drawer box packaging is widely used for skincare, beauty, perfume, electronics, jewelry, candles, vape/CBD, and premium gift sets.
However, many customers ask the same question:

“Why do drawer boxes have such different prices from one supplier to another?”

The answer is simple:
Drawer boxes involve rigid materials, manual workmanship, and multiple processes, so pricing depends on many variables.

This article breaks down every cost component so brand owners, purchasing managers, and packaging designers can understand exactly what affects the final price—and how to optimize it.

1. Material Costs (Paper + Grayboard) — 40% to 60% of the Price

Material is the largest cost component.

Paper Material Options

• Art paper (157g/200g)
• Coated paper
• Kraft paper
• Specialty papers (linen, textured, pearlescent, soft-touch)
• Uncoated paper

Specialty paper increases cost significantly.

Grayboard Thickness

Common grades:

• 1000g (standard beauty packaging)
• 1200g (more premium, stronger feel)
• 1400g (luxury heavy-duty drawer boxes)

Impact:

✔ Thicker board → higher rigidity
✔ More luxurious feel
✔ Higher cost (material + difficulty in wrapping)

For mid-to-high-end skincare gift sets, 1200g grayboard is the most common balance of quality and price.

2. Printing Costs — 10% to 25% of the Price

Printing cost depends on:

• CMYK full-color printing
• Pantone spot colors
• Coverage area
• Color accuracy requirements
• Double-sided printing

Cost-saving tip:

If your design uses only 1–2 Pantone colors, the price is lower compared to heavy full-color printing.

3. Surface Finishing & Decorative Effects — 10% to 30%

Finishing has a major impact on both appearance and price.

Popular Finishes & Their Cost Level

• Hot stamping (gold/silver/rose gold): Medium–High
• Spot UV: Medium
• Embossing / Debossing: Medium
• Soft-touch lamination: Medium
• Matte or gloss lamination: Low
• Holographic foil: High
• Textured specialty paper: High

Why finishing increases cost:

• Requires extra setup
• Uses specific molds (for emboss/foil)
• Adds manual or machine processes

Beauty, skincare, and perfume brands often use foil stamping + embossing, which increases both visual impact and total cost.

4. Inner Tray / Insert Costs — 15% to 40%

The insert is critical for protection and presentation.

Type & Cost Level

• EVA foam tray: High (premium look, custom-cut)
• PVC/PET blister tray: Medium (economic & lightweight)
• Paper pulp tray: Medium–High (eco-friendly)
• Paperboard insert: Low (cost-effective)

Why inserts affect cost:

• Custom mold required for EVA/blister
• Precision die-cutting
• Additional material use
• Higher labor for assembly

For fragile beauty products (serums, perfumes), EVA inserts significantly increase cost but reduce breakage rates.

5. Structure Complexity — 10% to 35%

Drawer boxes come in many structural variations.

Structural Complexity Levels

• Simple drawer box (low)
• Drawer box with ribbon pull (low–medium)
• Multi-layer drawer box (medium–high)
• Magnetic drawer box (high)
• Child-proof drawer box for vape/CBD (high)
• Drawer box with curved edges or angles (high)

More complex structures require:

• Manual assembly
• Additional die-cutting
• Higher QC costs

6. Labor & Assembly Costs — Highly Variable

Drawer boxes are rigid boxes, so most of the work is manual.

Labor cost depends on:

• Number of assembly steps
• Type of wrapping (specialty paper is harder)
• Inner tray installation
• QC requirements
• Whether boxes are shipped flat or fully assembled

General rule:

✔ More manual steps → higher price
✔ Simpler structures → lower price

7. Quantity (MOQ & Scale Effect) — Critical to Unit Price

Quantity directly affects:

Material procurement efficiency

Buying paper & grayboard in bulk reduces material cost.

Production line efficiency

Setting up a rigid-box production line has fixed costs.

Labor arrangement

Larger orders allow faster, more stable assembly workflows.

Typical Price Tiers

• 500 units: Highest price
• 1000 units: Standard MOQ
• 3000 units: Best balance
• 5000–10000 units: Lowest cost per unit

The unit price difference between 500 sets and 5000 sets can be 30% to 60%.

8. Packaging & Shipping Method — Often Overlooked, But Important

Two shipping choices:

1) Flat-packed (Unassembled)

✔ Saves 40–60% freight
✔ Best for large-size boxes
✔ Requires assembly at destination
✔ Lower warehouse space cost

2) Fully assembled

✔ Ready-to-sell
✔ Premium appearance maintained
✘ Higher shipping volume
✘ Higher freight cost

For global shipping, flat-packed options are often more economical for rigid drawer boxes.

Summary: What Determines the Final Price of Drawer Box Packaging?

Final pricing = (Material + Printing + Finishing + Insert + Structure + Labor + Quantity + Shipping)

Drawer boxes appear simple visually, but each component influences the final cost.

Premium drawer boxes cost more because they use:

• Thicker grayboard
• Specialty papers
• Complex assembly
• Premium inserts
• Decorative finishing
• High QC standards

Budget-friendly drawer boxes can be achieved by:

• Simplifying finishing
• Using standard papers
• Optimizing structure
• Choosing paper inserts
• Increasing order quantity

Call-to-Action (CTA)

If you want a precise quotation for your drawer box project, simply send us:

• Product size
• Quantity
• Artwork or design draft
• Preferred finishing
• Whether you need inserts

We will provide a detailed quote within 24 hours.

📧 Email: info@chengyipackagingbox.com