Packaging for small die cast collectible cars is a card and blister problem more than a box problem, and the card is the product as far as a collector is concerned. A creased card devalues the item even when the car is perfect, so the specification should be built around protecting the card.
Measure the car as packed
- Place the car exactly as it will sit, on its base or stand if it has one.
- Take the bounding length, width and height, including a spoiler, mirrors or an opening part that stands proud.
- Add any accessories that share the pack, such as a display plinth or a collector card.
- That bounding box is the blister cavity or the window box tray. The card or carton is then sized around it with a border.
Scale is a useful shorthand for a conversation but not a substitute for measuring. Within the same nominal scale, a compact and a pickup truck are different lengths.
Format comparison
| Format | What it suits | Trade off |
|---|---|---|
| Printed card plus formed blister | Mass retail, peg display, the classic collector look | Hard to open without damaging, which some buyers want and others do not |
| Window carton with a tray | Multi car sets, premium single releases | More material and a second die for the window |
| Rigid presentation box | Limited runs and high value pieces | Highest cost, longest lead time, ships assembled |
| Plain corrugated master case | Shipping packed units to retail | Sized from the unit pack external dimensions x count |
Card details that matter to collectors
- Hang hole. Position it with enough card above it that a peg will not tear through, and reinforce it if the pack is heavy for its size.
- Card stiffness. A thin card bows on a peg and creases in a mailer. Specify the board weight rather than leaving it to chance.
- Print surface. A matte card with a spot gloss on the logo photographs well and hides handling marks. Our explainer on UV coating covers the options.
- Shipping protection. If packs ship direct to buyers, a card protector or a rigid mailer sized to the card is what prevents corner damage claims.
The trademark point, stated plainly
Brand names, character names, logos and vehicle liveries are owned by their proprietors. You must own or hold a licence for everything in the artwork you send us. We print what you supply and we do not clear rights on your behalf. If you are producing packaging for a licensed line, have the licensor's approval in hand before the proof stage, because approvals are the most common cause of delay in this category.
Price, minimum and lead time
Minimum order is 100 units, from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes, confirmed on your written quote. Blisters, windows, trays and rigid construction all move the price. Die and plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof before anything prints are included, so a card cut to your exact model costs no more to tool than a generic one.
Turnaround runs in three lanes: rush (expedited production with air freight), standard (air) and cost saver (sea), from about 7 business days plus 2 to 5 for delivery, with specialty imported items up to about 12 weeks. Rush carries a premium of about 7 to 25% depending on the job. We produce in West Chicago and in Guangzhou.
To order, go to Hot Wheels packaging. For larger articulated collectibles, see our page on action figure box dimensions.
Send the packed bounding dimensions, your format and your run size, then request a quote.
