There are many types of packaging that can be used, but the presentation box is probably the most inviting for mailing out samples. Rarely does the recipient toss it aside. It is like receiving a gift. But, this level of packaging does not come cheap. Looking at the sample below, you can see that there can be a considerable amount of design work and that special dies are often required to fabricate a custom box.
- Single foldable flap works as a lid for the presentation box. We highly recommend using tabs to keep this flap securely closed.
- Internal compartment can be used to carry a product or sample.
We have assisted in the design of several different presentation boxes. One thing we have found is that you really must test one or more prototypes through the mail before settling on a final design. If not properly designed, presentation boxes can be crushed before arriving, which certainly lessens the impact and appeal.
Presentation boxes usually have a well into which one or more samples are placed. In the example shown above you can see that the well is centered in the box. However, should the well be placed on one side or the other, the opposite side will be subject to crushing unless there is some type of a spacer inserted or the box is constructed with an internal support on the side without the well. When faced with this challenge we have used an accordion-fold, cardboard spacer to support the weaker side. Face on, and before folding, the spacer appears as follows:
Once folded, from a horizontal perspective, the spacer would appear as follows:
This will provide vertical support on the side opposite the well.
Also note that the sample above has a lid or flap for closing the piece. Typically, this flap would be tabbed to prevent the piece from opening in the mail. If a personalized letter or other literature is to be placed on top of the sample before closing, a tab may be used on each side to prevent the material from sliding out between the flap and the lower section of the box. Optionally, removable sticky note glue or a low-tack glue dot may be used to affix a personalized letter to the flap before sealing. Note that this would hold only one piece of material though. Therefore, if there were two or more inserts placed under the flap, tabbing at both sides would be recommended.
If possible, try to keep your finished box at a thickness of 2 cm or less. If you exceed 2 cm you would have to mail it as Dimensional Addressed Admail or worse yet, as Parcel if you exceed parameters for Dimensional. Should your length and width qualify for Dimensional, do not exceed 3.5 cm or you will have no choice but to mail the piece at Parcel rates, which is considerably more expensive.
Presentation boxes are usually delivered flat (knocked-down) from the box manufacturer. The recipient’s address is normally printed on the top of the flap, while the box is still flat. In most cases the appropriate postal indicia will be pre-printed on the box by the manufacturer.