Folding carton
Folding cartons
Tuck-end cartons for the shelf. Ship flat, fold in seconds, print edge to edge.
Paperboard
Display box · Paperboard
Custom display boxes
Custom display boxes are open printed trays with a raised header card, made to sit on a counter next to the register and hold a row of small products. We make them from 50 units per design.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Style
- Counter display tray
- Board
- Paperboard or E-flute
- Best for
- Impulse buys at the till
- Minimum order
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Paper-first materials
- 100% recyclable
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What is a counter display box?
A display box sells the last few inches of a purchase. Keep the header simple enough to read from a step away, and make sure the tray still looks full when it's half empty.
A counter display box, also called a PDQ or counter display unit, is a shallow tray with a tall back panel. Products stand in the tray; the back panel carries your logo and one line about the product.
It ships flat to the retailer, folds up in seconds, and often doubles as the shipping carton with a tear-away lid.
- Tray. Holds the products upright or in rows.
- Header card. The tall back panel with the message.
- Dividers (optional). Keep products in rows.
- Tear-away lid (optional). Turns the shipper into the display.
Specifications
Custom display boxes: specifications
Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Counter display tray with header, optional tear-away lid |
| Board | White paperboard, or E-flute corrugated for heavier products |
| Full color inside, outside and on the header | |
| Dividers | Paperboard dividers for rows |
| Add-ons | Tear-away shipping lid, hang-tab header |
| Size | Drawn to your product and how many it holds |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable |
| Minimum order | 50 units per design |
| Structural design | $0. We draw the dieline around your product |
| Proof | Digital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes |
| Production | 10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top |
| Default finish | Aqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box |
| Point of contact | One packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery |
Board and build
Paperboard or corrugated display?
The products' weight decides.
| Board | Holds | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| White paperboard | Light products | Lip balm, sachets, cards |
| E-flute corrugated | Heavier products, more units | Candles, bottles, snacks |
| Shipper-display | Ships closed, opens to display | Wholesale to many stores |
Test first. 50 units is enough to put a display in a few stores before you supply every retailer.
Compare
Display box or folding carton?
Often both: cartons for individual units, a display to hold them.
| Counter display | Folding carton | |
|---|---|---|
| Holds | Many units | One unit |
| Where | Counter, next to the till | Shelf |
| Message | On the header | On every panel |
Pair a display with custom folding cartons when each unit needs its own box.
Sizing
Size for the full tray
Tell us the product size and how many you want in each display. We draw the tray, dividers and header around that.
Check the counter space too. Many shops have room for a footprint about the size of a sheet of paper, not more.
Products that sell from a counter display
- Lip balm and small cosmetics.
- Snack bars and confectionery.
- Supplements in sachets. See custom supplement boxes.
- Small candles and soap.
Finishes
Bold beats fancy at the till.
A display is read from a step away. Aqueous coating goes on every box by default.
Aqueous coating
Default; resists handling.
Spot UV
Gloss on the logo on the header.
Foil stamping
For premium ranges.
Quote
Get a quote for custom display boxes
One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.
How it works
Four steps, one person.
The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.
Step 01
Tell us what you're packing
Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.
Step 02
We draw the structure
Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.
Step 03
You approve the proof
Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.
Step 04
We make and ship
Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.
FAQ
Custom display boxes: questions.
What is the minimum order for custom display boxes?
50 units per design.
Do display boxes ship flat?
Yes. They fold up in seconds at the store.
Can the display double as the shipping box?
Yes, with a tear-away lid. It ships closed and opens into a display.
How many products should a display hold?
Enough to look full when half sold. Your specialist will suggest a count for your product size.
How long do custom display boxes take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
You don't sell through shops
If you only sell online, a counter display has nowhere to sit. Spend it on your mailer instead.
You need fewer than 50 boxes
Our minimum is 50 units. For 10 or 20, a stock box with a printed sticker will cost you less.
You need boxes next week
Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.
You want plain brown boxes
If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.
How many per display?
Send the product size and count per display. We'll draw the tray and header.
Start a projectPopular boxes
Related boxes.
Folding carton
Supplement boxes
Cartons with space for a supplement facts panel that people can actually read.
Paperboard
Folding carton
Folding carton
Cosmetic boxes
Cartons sized to your bottle or jar, with room for ingredients and batch codes.
Paperboard