When building a product-based business, packaging is more than just a protective shell, it’s your silent salesman. The right packaging can help elevate your brand, influence purchasing decisions, and even reduce operational costs. But one of the most common dilemmas businesses face is choosing between custom packaging and stock packaging.
What is Stock Packaging?
Stock packaging refers to ready-made, pre-manufactured packaging available in standard sizes, shapes, and designs. It’s usually sold in bulk and is widely accessible from packaging suppliers.
Common Stock Packaging Examples:
- Brown kraft shipping boxes (e.g., 12x10x4 inch standard)
- Poly mailers or bubble mailers
- Clear clamshells for electronics
- Amber dropper bottles for cosmetics
- Generic jars or containers with no branding
What is Custom Packaging?
Custom packaging is tailored specifically to your product’s dimensions, branding, and functionality. Everything from size and shape to print, material, inserts, and coatings can be personalised to fit your brand and target audience.
Common Custom Product Packaging Examples:
- Die-cut mailer boxes with printed inserts for subscription boxes
- Custom-printed tubes for luxury skincare
- Embossed rigid boxes for premium electronics
- Foil-stamped pouches for gourmet coffee brands
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Stock Packaging | Custom Packaging |
| Cost | Low (especially in bulk) | High upfront (tooling, design, MOQ) |
| Lead Time | Fast (in stock, ready to ship) | Slow (design, production, proofing time) |
| Branding | Limited to stickers/labels | Fully brandable (print, shape, materials) |
| Product Fit | General fit; may require void fillers | Tailored to exact product dimensions |
| MOQ (Minimum Order) | Low or none | Often high (500–1000 units minimum) |
| Ideal For | Startups, test runs, budget constraints | Established brands, luxury, high margins |
When to Use Stock Packaging?
Here are real-life scenarios where stock packaging is the smarter choice:
Startups on a Budget
If you’ve just launched a new product and want to test the market, stock packaging helps reduce risk.
Example: A small candle business using kraft boxes with custom labels instead of printing full-colour boxes saves thousands in initial packaging costs.
Limited-Time Offers or Seasonal Products
For short-term sales or seasonal kits, stock packaging allows quick execution without committing to high volumes.
Example: A skincare brand releases a Christmas edition using red stock boxes and adds a festive sticker.
Fast Turnaround Needed
Stock packaging is ideal when timelines are tight.
Example: An eCommerce brand receives a large, unexpected order and needs to ship within 48 hours.
When to Choose Custom Packaging?
These cases are perfect for custom solutions:
Premium or Luxury Products
Premium products need packaging that reflects their high value.
Example: A luxury watch brand uses magnetic closure rigid boxes with a velvet insert and gold foil logo , creating an unforgettable unboxing moment.
Subscription Boxes or Influencer Kits
Consistency in branding is vital for recurring products or promotional kits.
Example: A monthly snack box features custom die-cut mailers with internal printed messages and snack compartments.
Retail Shelf Products
Custom packaging is critical when competing on crowded shelves.
Example: A supplement brand creates bright, eye-catching, custom bottle sleeves to stand out at health food stores.
Product Types: Custom vs. Stock Packaging Suitability
| Product Category | Best Fit | Reason |
| Skincare | Custom Packaging | Brand experience, ingredient focus, premium positioning |
| Electronics Accessories | Stock Packaging | Standard sizes, focus on functionality |
| Jewelry | Custom Packaging | High perceived value, gifting |
| Books or Magasines | Stock Packaging | Standard dimensions, low cost |
| Coffee or Tea | Custom Packaging | Flavor, aroma preservation, branding |
| Clothing | Stock Packaging | Can use poly mailers or kraft boxes with branded tissue |
| Luxury Candles | Custom Packaging | Scents & visuals require a rich tactile experience |
| Samples/Test Products | Stock Packaging | Budget-friendly, low-volume flexibility |
Colour Options and Customisation Techniques to Choose From
Packaging isn’t just about structure, colours and customisation play a major role in grabbing attention, conveying brand identity, and influencing customer emotion. Let’s explore what’s possible with both stock and custom options.
Stock Packaging
Stock packaging typically comes in pre-defined colours and sizes. You can enhance it with simple external customisations like stickers, labels, stamps, and tapes.
Common Stock Packaging colours:
- Brown Kraft: Eco-friendly, rustic appeal, artisan look
- White: Clean and professional
- Black: Premium yet minimalistic
- Clear (for bottles/clamshells): Practical for visibility, often used for food or beauty
Custom Packaging
Custom product packaging lets you tailor every inch of the experience, from colour psychology to tactile finishes. It’s not just a container, it’s a brand canvas.
Colour Freedom:
With custom packaging, you’re not limited to pre-set colours. You can:
- Use your exact brand hex codes for consistency
- Apply Pantone Matching System (PMS) for accurate colour reproduction
- Choose inside & outside printing for surprise reveals
- Add spot colours for emphasis on key design elements
Advanced Customisation Techniques
- Offset/Flexographic Printing offers high-resolution results, making it ideal for detailed graphics, gradients, and intricate artwork that enhance brand presentation.
- Foil Stamping introduces a metallic sheen, available in gold, silver, or rose gold, that adds a luxurious and eye-catching touch to your packaging.
- Embossing and Debossing create a raised or recessed effect on logos or text, delivering a tactile, premium feel that elevates the unboxing experience.
- UV Spot Coating applies a glossy finish to specific areas like logos or images, providing contrast and depth that visually highlights key design elements.
- Soft-Touch Lamination gives packaging a velvet-like surface, commonly used for luxury branding to convey sophistication and elegance.
- Die-Cut Windows allow customers to see the product inside the packaging, making them especially effective for food, cosmetics, or tech items.
- Custom Inserts are used to organise and secure products within the box. These can be printed or molded from foam or cardboard, and they enhance both protection and presentation.
- Magnetic Closures offer a sleek and reusable closure option, boosting the high-end perception of your packaging, perfect for gift boxes and premium products.
How to Choose Wisely For Your Business?
Define Your Brand Goals:
If your brand is positioned as premium, don’t compromise with generic packaging.
Understand Your Budget:
If your product cost + packaging eats into profit margins, consider starting with stock options first.
Calculate Lifetime Value (LTV):
Custom packaging might make sense if the lifetime value of each customer is high.
Test Before You Scale:
Use stock packaging for MVPs or market tests, then transition to custom once product-market fit is proven.
Environmental Considerations
- Stock packaging is often more eco-friendly because it’s standardised and widely recyclable.
- Custom packaging can be sustainable too, especially when made from recycled materials or designed for reusability.
Brands targeting eco-conscious consumers must communicate material transparency, especially in custom packaging.
| Business Type | Recommended Packaging | Reason |
| Bootstrapped Startup | Stock | Cost-saving, flexibility |
| High-end Fashion or Jewelry Brand | Custom | Brand perception, luxury feel |
| Reseller | Stock | Speed, no branding needed |
| Subscription Box Service | Custom | Engagement, retention |
| Promotional Product Campaign | Stock or Hybrid | Short-term, budget constraints |
| Established Skincare Brand | Custom | Storytelling, shelf appeal |
Looking for Customised Boxes in Bulk?
Are you looking for custom solutions that truly reflect your brand’s identity? At The Product Boxes UK, we specialise in crafting tailor-made packaging that turns first impressions into lasting connections. Whether you need embossed logos, premium finishes, or custom inserts, our expert team will bring your vision to life with precision and style.
Not quite ready for a full custom run? No problem, explore our ready-to-ship stock packaging options, perfect for small batches, test launches, or urgent needs. From concept to delivery, we offer flexible, affordable, and scalable packaging solutions for every stage of your business.
Let’s Build Your Perfect Box , Request a Free Quote Today!