Marker sets are a packing problem disguised as a sizing problem. The markers are almost identical, so the box is arithmetic, but they also have to stay in order, stay visible and not roll out when the box is opened at an angle in a shop.
Two measurements, then multiply
Measure the cap diameter at its widest point, including any clip, and the overall length with the cap seated. Call those D and L. For a single row of n markers:
- Internal length = (D x n) + (n x about 1/16 in slack) + divider thickness x number of dividers.
- Internal width = L plus about 1/8 in so the markers are not pinched end to end.
- Internal depth = D plus the tray floor thickness for a single layer, or (D x number of layers) plus tray thicknesses for a stacked set.
For sets above roughly a dozen markers, two shallow rows usually present better than one long one, and a two layer tray keeps the box a shape that fits a shelf rather than a shape that fits a drawer.
Layout options and what each costs you
| Layout | How it reads on opening | Internal size effect |
|---|---|---|
| Single row, no tray | Simple, markers can roll | Smallest box, needs tight tolerance |
| Die cut paperboard tray with cradles | Markers held in order, faces up | Adds tray floor and cradle depth |
| Folded partition grid | Each marker in its own cell | Adds one divider thickness per cell wall |
| Two stacked layers with a shelf | Set reads as a collection, compact footprint | Doubles depth, adds one shelf thickness |
| Hanging carton with a euro hole | Sells from a peg rather than a shelf | Adds header height above the contents |
Weight, ink and the base
A full set of markers is heavier than it looks, and the weight sits along the base of the box. A tuck end carton in a light board will bow and eventually tear at the tuck. For sets above a handful of markers, specify a heavier caliper, a crash lock or auto bottom base, or a corrugated construction. If the markers are alcohol based, check with your carrier and your filler about any transport restrictions that apply to your specific ink, since those depend on the formulation and are the supplier's data to give, not ours.
Print and finish
Marker packaging usually has to show colour accurately, because customers buy a set for its palette. That argues for white cardstock and printed colour swatches matched to the actual ink, with spot colours where a swatch has to be exact. A window is the alternative, showing the real markers instead of printed swatches, at the cost of a die cut and a film patch. Kraft stock suits a natural or professional artist positioning but will shift every printed swatch, so it is a poor choice if the swatches have to match.
Ordering
The minimum is 100 boxes. Pricing runs from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes and is confirmed on your written quote, with the die, plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof included. That free die is why a tray cut to your exact barrel costs no more to tool than a generic one. Turnaround is quoted per job in three lanes, rush (expedited production plus air freight), standard (air) and cost saver (sea), from about 7 business days, plus 2 to 5 for delivery.
Send one marker's measurements and the set count to the quote form and we will lay out the tray. Related: custom art supply boxes and partition boxes.
