Packaging Cost Calculator for Better Budgeting

29 Apr.,2024

 

Packaging Cost Calculator for Better Budgeting

How to use our packaging cost calculator

Use the packaging cost calculator below to estimate costs for product packaging, including the following fixed and variable costs:

Read more

The cost calculator is flexible enough to estimate the cost of different package materials and components of the total packaging cost. It can also show packaging costs for different configurations and review packaging as a percentage of product pricing. It allows you to see at-a-glance totals for each packaging type.

To download the packaging cost calculator: 

  1. Click here to access the Google Sheets template.
  2. Save a copy of the template to create your own product configurations and cost tracking.
  3. Fill in the columns with estimates or quotes. Calculations will appear in the totals columns. 

Download the free tool: Packaging Cost Calculator

Do you need custom packaging?

Suppliers offer a lot of options for creating custom packaging. But before you begin making branding decisions on an expensive custom design, it’s important to know whether custom is the right move for your needs.

The first step to estimating and controlling packaging costs is knowing whether off-the-shelf packaging could work for your project. Understanding product sizes, specifications, value, categories, and markets can help you choose between prefab options and custom work. A cost calculator makes it easy to see how custom versus standardized varieties affect package presentation, quality, and shipment protection.

Answer the questions below to determine if custom packaging is the best choice for your needs:

What product type are you packaging? Packaging for different types and categories of products varies widely. Certain categories of products, such as cosmetics, foods, or age-restricted substances, may require packaging that meets regulations for tamper-proofing (such as a freshness seal), access restriction (such as child-proof lid systems), or food-grade presentation. Depending on the type of product and its shelf life, durability, sensitivity, or cost, there may not be an off-the-shelf packaging solution available. 

What are the product dimensions? Knowing the precise size of shipped items can help determine if standard packaging options are suitable or if custom sizing is necessary. Items that don’t fit into standard packaging sizes will need customization. Sizing considerations can also help streamline packaging into fewer types to avoid needing a separate package (and its associated design costs) for every product or purpose. Shippers will also want to account for display needs, such as hang-tag packaging for hanging presentations.

How much product protection do you need? Delicate items or products prone to damage may require customized protective packaging like thermal shrink wrap to maintain their condition in transit. Other protective options include waterproofing, insulation, or security seals for perishable or temperature-sensitive items. 

Do you need custom graphic design? Custom packaging offers opportunities for unique branding, which can elevate customer experience and brand recognition. If the packaged product is of high value, a custom design will enhance the product’s presentation quality and improve customer experience. 

What is your product volume for each packaging type? Volume pricing makes custom packaging more cost-effective by providing volume-based discounts. If you ship a high quantity of items in a specific package type, custom packaging might be a more affordable option.

What shipping requirements do you have? Some packaging (for instance, a display box for a bespoke snack subscription) can double as a shipping container for certain products. In these cases, the design must meet dimensional requirements for the shipping service used. If shipping internationally, remember different countries have various regulations and standards that call for custom packaging. Understanding how (and where) packaging will be used can determine the level of packaging needs.

What are your sustainability concerns? Many customers prefer using brands with sustainable practices. Custom designs can incorporate eco-friendly materials and processes if sustainability is a priority. In some cases, eco-friendly packaging may lower the cost of packing materials.

What is your design and materials budget? Understanding financial constraints can help you tailor a custom packaging solution to meet your needs and spending requirements. With a clear understanding of packaging project requirements and budgets, you can seek high-quality suppliers to balance presentation standards, regulations, and costs.

By answering the above questions, product manufacturers, retailers, and shippers can better assess the need for custom packaging solutions that meet product needs and enhance the brand.

Tool

Packaging Cost Calculator

Shipping and materials purchases can make your indirect procurement costs creep up. Plan your packaging costs better with our Packaging Cost Calculator.

Download the tool

How to quickly estimate your cost for packaging

If you’re trying to get a feel for the cost of packaging an item, this formula will give you a basic idea: 

Packaging Cost per Unit = (Cost of Packaging Materials) / (Number of Units)

This simple formula doesn’t factor in considerations like design fees or volume discounting, but it can provide a good starting point for understanding how much packaging could cost for a set number of units. It provides a place to start when establishing a budget or working on product marketing.

Fixed and variable costs for packaging

Packaging quotes have several fixed and variable costs for the total price per packaging unit. For a more detailed cost assessment, you must look at the factors that make up bottom-line per-unit pricing. Some of these, like design services, stay the same regardless of order value, print run size, or purchase volume. 

Variable costs, like materials selection, labor, shipping, and assembly, are directly tied to order levels. Both types of costs influence the overall expense of packaging products. Understanding the balance between fixed and variable costs helps businesses optimize their packaging strategies while maintaining efficiency and sustainability.

Fixed Costs

Structural design and prototyping: Physical package design involves creating the package's physical layout and producing initial models for testing. These costs remain constant regardless of the number of units ordered. They represent essential investments in developing a full packaging design solution tailored to specific product needs.

Graphic design and branding: Graphic design and branding are fixed costs when creating a new package type or configuration. The design lays out the visual elements of packaging, like logos and color schemes, as they appear on the package. These aspects are essential for creating a brand identity. They are considered a fixed, upfront investment.

Setup costs for printing and tooling: Printers must set up printing and tooling equipment for each custom print job. Setup costs defray the expenses associated with preparing machines and creating tools necessary for producing custom work. These upfront investments are fixed, meaning they do not fluctuate with the quantity produced. Accounting for setup costs helps ensure each unit maintains uniform quality and appearance. 

Variable Costs

Cost of raw materials: Construction components of packaging, including cardboard, plastic, and ink, are necessary for packaging development. These materials represent a significant variable expense. Material costs fluctuate based on market prices and the quantity of materials required for production, making budgeting for them unpredictable.

Labor costs for assembly and packaging: These are wages paid to workers for assembling and packaging products. This variable cost is influenced by the complexity of the packaging process, the amount of labor required, and prevailing wage rates. Labor can significantly affect the total cost and varies with the scale of operations.

Shipping and handling charges for materials: Depending on supplier agreements and volume, transporting materials for packaging production, you may have to pay to transport materials to your warehouse or location for use. These expenses vary with distance, shipment volume, and speed, directly impacting costs. Efficient logistics planning can mitigate these variable costs. Lead times and processing speed may also figure into the total cost of purchasing package components.

Volume discounts: Many suppliers offer price reductions when purchasing large quantities. For packaging, this means the cost per unit decreases as the quantity ordered increases, allowing businesses to save money on bulk orders. This pricing strategy can significantly lower the overall cost for companies requiring large-scale packaging solutions.Packaging delivery costs: These are expenses linked to transporting finished goods from facilities to their final destination. Delivery costs vary based on distance, volume, and transportation method, making them less predictable than fixed costs.

How much should small to midsize businesses spend on packaging?

Many industry sources say businesses should estimate packaging costs as a percentage of the item's per-unit cost. While some general sources reference percentages between one and 10 percent, this general guideline doesn’t accurately account for factors like item value, industry, and special protection requirements (such as waterproofing, spoilage control, or temperature protection). The packaging cost calculator helps you consider all these factors when planning a packaging project or design.

Obviously, the more you save on packaging costs and product shipping, the higher your profit margins. Managing the total cost of packaging and shipping can help maximize returns and fund critical growth.

There are a few cost-effective ways to reduce the cost of materials when designing packaging, including choosing standardized packaging and lightweight supplies. 

  • Pre-set box styles and standardized packaging may be an option for products of a certain category, value, or durability. Readily available standardized packaging options can provide adequate product protection in these cases. They also offer opportunities to apply branding in a more cost-effective format. Consider using some standard elements when you calculate your total cost for packaging. Blending standardized and custom details can make shipping supplies more affordable per package.
  • Lighter packaging materials, like “clamshell” molded plastic enclosures, can reduce packaging costs. You can also pack items with lighter materials such as air balloons and biodegradable "peanuts." Using light, resilient, and cost-effective materials is called “lightweighting.” It saves on packaging fees as well as shipping costs. It may also have a positive impact on the environment and can attract customers who value environmentally friendly practices in their brand selection.

How Order.co makes recurring expenses easier

Packaging materials have a lot of price variability, but there are ways to save money and ensure a high-quality presentation and customer experience. The ability to estimate costs across different vendors helps companies save money on packaging products. 

Order.co gives businesses access to high-quality packaging vendors so they can find the packaging materials they need. The platform makes reordering popular consumables like shipping components quicker and easier with curated catalogs. Businesses can also use Order.co to work with any vendor they already know and love. It also has easy reorder features to help you find alternatives if your usual vendor is running low. 

The Order.co platform also makes AP processes more manageable for all purchases and recurring payments. With automatic purchase order processing, automated approval workflows, order reconciliation, and automatic general ledger (GL) coding, teams can leave manual processing and uncertainty behind. Order.co allows you to save time on invoice processing by consolidating 100s of invoices into one monthly bill.

Request your copy of the packaging cost calculator today. You'll get the full picture of your packaging cost and needs, plus the ability to easily calculate and track packaging spend — all in one place.

Get started

Schedule a demo to see how Order.co can simplify buying for your business.

"*" indicates required fields

First Name

*

Last Name

*

With competitive price and timely delivery, Huanyou sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Company

*

Email

*

Phone

*

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

6 Methods to Reduce the Cost of Packaging for Your ...

If you are a business owner, you very likely know that keeping your costs low is essential for financial stability and growth. And with growing economic uncertainty becoming more common across the globe, there is no better time to embrace a robust fiscal mindset than now.

Yet while many businesses consider economizing on product materials or labor management, one often forgotten alternative is trying to save on how your product is packaged. This is because knowing how to make your packaging budget as efficient as possible is not an easy task, especially if you need it to ensure a safe delivery of your products.

Fortunately, packaging expenses can be made more efficient if done in a smart and measured way. In this article, we have identified six methods that can help your business safely reduce packaging costs without jeopardizing your product’s quality nor your customer’s experience. Read on to find out more!

1. Be Mindful of the Size of Your Packaging

The first step to keeping packaging costs low is to be mindful of the size of your packages. Not only does reducing the size of your packages lower the quantity of materials you will need, but it can also help lower the weight and size of your packaging, particularly useful if your courier uses dimensional weight shipping.

In some certain cases, packages simply cannot be made any smaller, especially if they are already snugly fit around your product. That said, there are a surprising number of instances where a package could be made smaller and therefore more economical.

Consider the following tips that can help you downsize your packaging:

  1. Switch to a mailer. If you are shipping a small and relatively flat item, consider if it could be shipped via a mailer instead of a box. Not only do mailers drastically reduce the dimensions of your packaging, but many of them can easily pass through your customers’ mail receptacles. This makes them a safer alternative than larger packages that need to be left at the doorstep or reception. When buying mailers however, be sure to select the right-sized mailer for your customers’ shipping needs.
  2. Reduce empty space. Also known as void, having too much empty space inside a box can easily inflate the size and cost of packaging boxes and materials. The worst offenders for this are packages that contain significantly smaller products and are filled out with excessive void fill materials like packaging paper. Where possible, keep boxes close to your product’s size, only allowing a reasonable amount of void so that protective materials can cushion it.
  3. Package multiple products together. If you are selling multiple products to a customer, consider offering them a shipment option that allows the products to arrive together. This approach can benefit both the buyer and the seller. As the seller, you can efficiently batch products in the same package without needing to buy more packages. As your buyers, your customers will not have to sacrifice valuable time to collect two or more deliveries on different days or times. And as a plus, the environment also benefits by you making your shipment that little bit more energy-efficient.

2. Research Incentives Provided By Packaging Companies

As well as changing how you ship your items, you can also reassess your choice of packaging supplier. If you are interested in looking for a new supplier, consider researching what incentives they are able to offer you.

The most common incentives to switch suppliers include cheaper prices for the same type of packaging material or a better rate for bulk purchases, allowing you to capitalize on economies of scale. But remember, while cheaper materials can provide a temporary fix for your budgetary needs, they can be short-lived and may change.

Ultimately, the most valuable incentive a packaging supplier can demonstrate is a dedication to innovation. As many market leaders know, innovation is a powerful driver for better efficiency, and therefore lower costs. Conducting a thorough review of the packaging market can help you identify the best packaging suppliers that closely align with not only your budget, but also with your long-term business goals.

Here at Crownhill Packaging for example, we offer a wide range of innovative packaging products and processes for our clients, including on-demand packaging. Our work to drive innovation in the packaging industry has not gone unnoticed, as our latest achievements and awards demonstrate.

3. Mix It Up With Your Materials

If you have limited experience with packaging materials, it can be very easy to go overboard with the wrong materials. Strike the right balance by prioritizing and optimizing what packaging materials you use.

As a starting point, reassess what type of void fill you use to cushion your products based on how you use it and when it is needed. There is a good chance that you can optimize your package with a different type of void fill. For instance, you might find using crinkled paper to be a more affordable replacement to custom foam or plastic inserts, especially if your product is fairly robust and can withstand minor knocks.

When replacing any packaging material, be sure to consult a packaging expert or company who can help you optimize your packages. Saving on packaging is definitely important, but it will only be effective if it meets the level of your protection your product needs. In fact, downgrading materials could have negative consequences on your buyer’s experience if the product’s package is more susceptible to damage, ultimately harming your finances.

Are you packing highly fragile items? Downsizing or cutting down on void fill may not be the best option for you. However, you can still save money by making sure your fragile items are packaged efficiently and effectively. Learn how to package fragile items here.

4. Integrate Environmentally-Friendly Materials in Your Packaging

Making a business and its operations more environmentally friendly has long been seen as an ambitious but expensive decision. As a result, many owners are hesitant to transition to a greener model because they worry it will affect their bottom line.

But the reality is that going green is becoming more affordable each day, especially where packaging is concerned. Compostable packaging peanuts are just one example of this. Being made from natural corn and vegetable starches, this void fill can be manufactured locally and sold at an affordable, consistent pricing. Compare this to the traditional packaging peanut made from polystyrene, which is not only toxic to the environment but is also becoming increasingly expensive due to the volatile price of oil needed to produce and manufacture it.

Opting for compostable or recyclable packaging reduces your business’ dependence on non-renewable materials and could consequently keep costs low for both the short and long-term future.

5. Consider Adjusting Your Budget On Printing

As well as reducing the package itself, you can also consider adjusting your printing budget and expenses. There are many ways to do this, including finding cheaper ink supplies, reducing the amount of ink needed on a package, or adopting digital printing technologies to make your printing materials do more with less.

When evaluating how to adjust your printing expenses, it is a wise idea to work alongside a packaging consultant or company. This is because they can not only source the right solutions for you, but they also know what works best for your type of product and its consumer, potentially helping you from making any unnecessary or costly missteps.

6. Dispose of Any Unnecessary Packaging

Securing a successful dispatch and delivery of your product is critical for quality customer service and therefore your revenue.

Overpackaging is common when sellers are not familiar with efficient packaging practices. They may be concerned about their products’ security during shipping and wrap layers and layers of tape around a box filled with void fill. Others might add some excessive decorative frills, like decorative tape, which may not be necessary or could be made optional to the customer during the checkout.

Due to the unique nature of your product, business and industry, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reducing your packaging. Consulting an experienced packaging company or expert is an excellent way to ensure your packaging expenses are efficiently managed. A good packaging consultant should be able to not only advise you on how to cut down on unnecessary packaging, but also introduce you to the very latest packaging technologies and systems that can reduce your packaging costs for the long term.

Contact Crownhill Packaging Today for All of Your Packaging Needs!

Evolving your packaging strategy is a big undertaking but, with the right assistance, it can reap significant benefits for your products, your buyers and most importantly, your bottom line.

If you are looking for packaging solutions that are both affordable and innovative, contact Crownhill Packaging today. We believe in the power of innovation and its ability to benefit our clients, particularly when it comes to making packaging cost-effective, efficient and environmentally responsible.

To learn more about our range of packaging products and solutions, get in touch with our team today.

The company is the world’s best Custom Packaging Solution supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.