Every year we are surprised by the number of customers who get a head-start on their holiday packaging at the end of summer. It’s not uncommon for August and September to be two of our busiest months due to the high volume of companies who are already planning and designing their holiday boxes or envelopes. This is most often true of long-term customers with repeat orders who know their own “sweet spot” and target dates for what they need and when they need it to meet their target dates and deadlines.
However, we are proud to say we work with many first-time customers and start-up businesses every day. We understand that not all companies have the benefits of being able to plan budgets and foresee sales numbers, order volume or number of subscribers several months in advance of launching a product or service.
Beating the “holiday rush” of packaging projects can be beneficial in many ways, but just because the calendar turns away from October likely does not mean you’ve missed out on your chance to get holiday boxes in time. The key, as always, is to understand what is involved in the process of ordering custom packaging (lead time, steps in the process etc.) so that there are no surprises from when you first contact us, to when you receive your printed packaging.
Custom Printed Mailer Boxes Process and Lead Time
How long is the lead time?
Typically, a first time order will ship within 2 weeks from final approved artwork. Even during our busy season from August through the end of the year, it would be a rare case for production lead times to be any longer than 2-3 weeks.
Does this include shipping?
No. Shipping will vary depending on your location and the freight option you select. Estimate about another 2-5 days for shipping.
What is “approved artwork?”
This simply means that you have signed off on a final digital print proof ahead of production, that our plate maker has supplied from your design. The final step of the process before printing.
What are the steps leading up to approved artwork?
Selecting a box size is always the first step. Then we can provide you with a template for your artwork before quoting and making a proof. Ink color must also be approved, which may take several days from when ink is ordered, to when physical ink swatches arrive to your location.
Custom Printed Paper Mailer Envelopes Process and Lead Time
How long is the lead time?
As long as your order volume is below 5,000 quantity, typically production lead times vary from 2 weeks to 4 weeks on average. Higher volume orders do see extended lead times due to the process by which they are produced.
Does this include shipping?
No. Shipping is usually arranged through UPS ground on most low volume orders (1-5 cases) and may take from 2-5 days to reach you, depending on your location.
Is the process the same as for boxes?
In many ways, yes. A size must first be chosen, and then we will send you a template for your design. Ink color approval and digital proofs are also part of the process.
I don’t think these lead times will work for me. Is there any way to get packaging faster?
If you are pressed for time, you can always order stock, unprinted envelopes or boxes from our stock webstore online here. A stock order will usually ship out within 48 hours from purchase. The benefit is, once you’ve ordered stock product from us, the transition later to custom printing becomes an easy one.
Please Contact Us Today
Want a head start on your holiday boxes? We’re happy to walk you through an initial consultation and find a custom packaging solution that works for you. As always, if you have any questions, one of our branded packaging advisors is standing by to assist, with decades of experience behind them. Want to know more about custom packaging? Please call us today at 630-551-1700 or contact us via email at www.SalazarPackaging.com.
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