The satisfying click on a magnetic box is a manufacturing decision, not a finish. Understanding how the box is built explains its price, its lead time and why a small change to the lid can move both. When you are ready to buy, the magnetic closure boxes product page is the place to order.
What is actually inside the box
| Component | What it does | What you choose |
|---|---|---|
| Greyboard structure | Gives the box its rigidity and square edges | Board thickness, which sets how substantial it feels |
| Printed wrap | Carries all of the print and finish | Paper stock, print, lamination, foil, embossing |
| Magnets | Hold the flap closed | Number and placement, which depends on flap size and weight |
| Insert | Holds the contents in position | Corrugated partition, die cut foam or moulded tray |
| Ribbon or pull tab | Helps open a snug lid | Optional, and it is a separate assembly operation |
Two things follow from that table. First, all of your print budget goes on the wrap, so a design that looks flat on a folding carton often looks expensive here simply because the paper is better. Second, every extra component is a pair of hands, which is why price and lead time rise together on this style.
Where the spec goes wrong
- Sizing to the product instead of the insert. The insert takes up real space on all four sides. Measure the contents, then let us build the insert, then set the box.
- A flap that is too small. A short flap gives the magnets little leverage and the lid pops. A generous flap closes properly.
- Heavy contents with a light board. If the box is carried by the lid, the structure needs to be specified for that.
- Fine detail on the wrap. Wrapping stretches paper slightly around the edges. Keep critical type and hairlines away from the corners and off the fold radius.
Storage and freight, the hidden cost
A fixed magnetic box arrives assembled, so you are paying to ship and store air, and you need shelf space for the full quantity from day one. If that is a problem, a collapsible version folds flat and locks up at pack time. It changes the freight maths and your storage footprint considerably. Collapsible boxes covers the trade offs and what you give up.
Minimums, price and turnaround
The minimum is 100 boxes per size and artwork, and pricing starts from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes with your figure confirmed in writing. Included in the order: the die, the printing plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof before anything prints. Production runs at two plants, West Chicago in the United States and Guangzhou in China.
Turnaround is stated per product across three lanes, Rush (expedited production plus air freight, at a premium of about 7 to 25% depending on the job), Standard (air) and Cost saver (sea). The floor across our range is from about 7 business days plus 2 to 5 days for delivery, but hand assembled rigid work sits at the longer end and specialty imported items can run up to about 12 weeks. Plan magnetic boxes earlier than you would plan a folding carton.
Send your contents list and in hand date to the quote form, or order on the magnetic closure boxes page. For the wider category, see rigid boxes.
