Best Packaging Suppliers for Shopify Stores (2025 Guide)
For most Shopify stores, Uline offers the best combination of selection, pricing, and reliability for standard packaging. EcoEnclose wins for sustainable packaging at reasonable prices. The Packaging Company and Packlane lead for custom branded boxes. For poly mailers, noissue and Sticker Mule excel. If you're just starting (under 100 orders/month), Amazon Business or Uline small quantities work fine. Above 500 orders/month, get quotes from 3-4 suppliers and negotiate—prices drop 15-30% at volume.
Finding the right packaging supplier can cut your costs 20-40% compared to retail box purchases. But with hundreds of options—from Amazon basics to specialty corrugated manufacturers—choosing the right supplier for your Shopify store is overwhelming.
This guide compares the best packaging suppliers for e-commerce, covering box suppliers, poly mailer vendors, custom packaging houses, and specialty options. We'll help you find the right partner based on your volume, budget, and requirements.
Supplier Categories Explained
Standard Stock Packaging
Pre-made boxes in common sizes. No customization, no minimums (or low minimums), ships fast.
Best for: Stores with <500 orders/month, those prioritizing speed and simplicity
Custom Printed Packaging
Your logo, colors, and design on boxes or mailers. Typically requires 100-500+ minimum order.
Best for: Stores wanting brand experience, subscription boxes, premium products
Sustainable Packaging
Recycled content, FSC-certified, compostable options. Often comparable in price to standard.
Best for: Eco-conscious brands, customers who value sustainability
Specialty Packaging
Specific shapes, materials, or functions (cold shipping, fragile protection, food-safe).
Best for: Niche products with specific requirements
Top Standard Packaging Suppliers
1. Uline
The Amazon of packaging supplies—huge selection, reliable, always in stock.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Selection | ★★★★★ |
| Pricing | ★★★☆☆ |
| Quality | ★★★★★ |
| Speed | ★★★★★ |
| Minimums | ★★★★☆ |
What they offer:
- 1,400+ box sizes
- Poly mailers, padded mailers, tubes
- Void fill, tape, labels
- Same-day shipping from 12 US warehouses
Pricing examples (2025):
| Box Size | Qty 25 | Qty 100 | Qty 500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6×4×4 | $0.58 | $0.41 | $0.32 |
| 10×8×6 | $0.89 | $0.64 | $0.49 |
| 12×12×8 | $1.25 | $0.89 | $0.68 |
| 16×12×10 | $1.65 | $1.18 | $0.91 |
Pros:
- Unmatched selection
- Consistent quality
- Fast shipping (1-3 days to most US locations)
- Volume discounts at 500+ units
- Easy reordering
Cons:
- Not the cheapest for very high volume
- Limited sustainable options
- No custom printing
Best for: Most Shopify stores, especially those wanting reliability and selection.
Website: uline.com
3. ValueMailers
Budget option for basic packaging needs.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Selection | ★★★☆☆ |
| Pricing | ★★★★★ |
| Quality | ★★★☆☆ |
| Speed | ★★★☆☆ |
| Minimums | ★★★★☆ |
What they offer:
- Standard box sizes
- Poly mailers and bubble mailers
- Very competitive pricing
- Small minimums (as low as 25)
Pricing examples (2025):
| Box Size | Qty 25 | Qty 100 | Qty 500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6×4×4 | $0.42 | $0.32 | $0.24 |
| 10×8×6 | $0.68 | $0.52 | $0.40 |
| 12×12×8 | $0.95 | $0.72 | $0.55 |
Pros:
- Lowest prices for standard boxes
- Good quality for the price
- Low minimums
Cons:
- Limited selection compared to Uline
- Slower shipping (5-7 days typical)
- Less consistent availability
- Basic customer service
Best for: Price-sensitive stores willing to trade selection and speed for savings.
Website: valuemailers.com
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4. Packaging Supplies
Good mid-tier option with reasonable pricing and selection.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Selection | ★★★★☆ |
| Pricing | ★★★★☆ |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Speed | ★★★★☆ |
| Minimums | ★★★★☆ |
What they offer:
- Wide box selection
- Mailers and void fill
- Food packaging
- Competitive volume pricing
Best for: Growing stores looking to balance price and service.
Website: packagingsupplies.com
Top Sustainable Packaging Suppliers
1. EcoEnclose
The leader in sustainable e-commerce packaging.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | ★★★★★ |
| Selection | ★★★★☆ |
| Pricing | ★★★☆☆ |
| Quality | ★★★★★ |
| Custom options | ★★★★★ |
What they offer:
- 100% recycled boxes
- Compostable mailers
- FSC-certified materials
- Custom printing on sustainable stock
- Carbon-neutral shipping option
Pricing examples (2025):
| Product | Qty 100 | Qty 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 6×4×4 recycled box | $0.52 | $0.38 |
| 10×8×6 recycled box | $0.78 | $0.58 |
| Recycled poly mailer (10×13) | $0.28 | $0.19 |
| Compostable mailer (10×13) | $0.42 | $0.31 |
Pros:
- Industry-leading sustainability
- Transparent sourcing
- Custom printing available
- Certifications (FSC, carbon-neutral)
- Great brand story
Cons:
- 15-25% premium over standard packaging
- Longer lead times for custom
- Some products out of stock during peak
Best for: Brands where sustainability is core to their identity, customer bases that value eco-friendly options.
Website: ecoenclose.com
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2. noissue
Premium sustainable packaging with beautiful custom options.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | ★★★★★ |
| Design quality | ★★★★★ |
| Pricing | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Custom options | ★★★★★ |
| Minimums | ★★★★☆ |
What they offer:
- Custom tissue paper
- Compostable mailers
- Recycled boxes with custom printing
- Stickers, tape, cards
- Low minimums on many products
Pricing examples (2025):
| Product | Min Qty | Price per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Custom tissue (500 sheets) | 500 | $0.08-0.15 |
| Compostable mailer (custom) | 250 | $0.65-0.95 |
| Custom box (10×8×6) | 100 | $1.80-2.50 |
Pros:
- Beautiful designs
- Easy online customization
- Low minimums for custom
- Strong sustainability credentials
- Fast turnaround
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- More focused on branding than utility
- Not price-competitive for plain packaging
Best for: DTC brands wanting beautiful, sustainable packaging with custom designs.
Website: noissue.co
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3. Lumi (by Packhelp)
All-in-one sustainable packaging platform.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | ★★★★☆ |
| Selection | ★★★★★ |
| Pricing | ★★★☆☆ |
| Custom tools | ★★★★★ |
| Service | ★★★★☆ |
What they offer:
- Full packaging catalog
- Online design tools
- Sustainability certifications
- Sourcing and supply chain management
- Integration with Shopify
Best for: Growing brands wanting a packaging partner, not just a supplier.
Website: lumi.com
Top Custom Packaging Suppliers
1. Packlane
Best for small-to-medium custom box orders.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Custom flexibility | ★★★★★ |
| Pricing (low volume) | ★★★★☆ |
| Pricing (high volume) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Minimums | ★★★★★ |
| Design tools | ★★★★★ |
What they offer:
- Full custom boxes (size, print, material)
- Online 3D design tool
- As low as 10-box minimum
- Multiple box styles
- Fast turnaround (10-15 business days)
Pricing examples (2025):
| Box Size | Qty 50 | Qty 200 | Qty 1000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6×4×4 mailer | $2.10 | $1.45 | $0.95 |
| 10×8×6 RSC | $3.20 | $2.10 | $1.35 |
| 12×12×6 RSC | $4.50 | $2.85 | $1.75 |
Pros:
- Very low minimums (10-50)
- Excellent design tool
- Fast turnaround
- Good quality
Cons:
- Expensive at low quantities
- Less competitive at 5,000+ units
- Limited materials
Best for: Subscription boxes, product launches, testing custom packaging.
Website: packlane.com
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2. The Packaging Company
Better value for medium-to-high volume custom orders.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Custom flexibility | ★★★★☆ |
| Pricing (low volume) | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Pricing (high volume) | ★★★★★ |
| Minimums | ★★★☆☆ |
| Design tools | ★★★★☆ |
What they offer:
- Custom boxes (500+ minimum typical)
- Competitive volume pricing
- Full structural design
- Multiple materials
- US manufacturing
Pricing examples (2025):
| Box Size | Qty 500 | Qty 2000 | Qty 10000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6×4×4 mailer | $0.75 | $0.52 | $0.38 |
| 10×8×6 RSC | $0.95 | $0.68 | $0.48 |
| 12×12×6 RSC | $1.25 | $0.88 | $0.62 |
Pros:
- Best pricing at volume
- High quality
- Full customization
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Higher minimums (500+)
- Longer lead times (3-4 weeks)
- Less intuitive ordering
Best for: Established brands ordering 500+ custom boxes.
Website: thepackagingcompany.us
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3. PakFactory
Premium custom packaging with full service.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Custom flexibility | ★★★★★ |
| Premium options | ★★★★★ |
| Pricing | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Minimums | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Service | ★★★★★ |
What they offer:
- Premium finishes (foil, emboss, UV)
- Rigid boxes
- Custom inserts
- Full design service
- White-glove support
Best for: Premium/luxury brands, high-value products, brands wanting packaging as marketing.
Website: pakfactory.com
Top Mailer Suppliers
1. Uline (Poly Mailers)
Best selection of plain poly mailers.
| Size | Qty 100 | Qty 500 | Qty 1000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6×9 | $0.08 | $0.05 | $0.04 |
| 10×13 | $0.12 | $0.08 | $0.06 |
| 14.5×19 | $0.18 | $0.12 | $0.09 |
---
2. Sticker Mule (Custom Mailers)
Easy custom mailer ordering with low minimums.
| Size | Qty 50 | Qty 200 | Qty 1000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6×9 custom | $0.95 | $0.52 | $0.28 |
| 10×13 custom | $1.20 | $0.68 | $0.38 |
| 14.5×19 custom | $1.65 | $0.92 | $0.52 |
Best for: Custom poly mailers at low volumes.
Website: stickermule.com
---
3. Packagingships
Budget poly mailer option.
| Size | Qty 100 | Qty 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 6×9 | $0.06 | $0.04 |
| 10×13 | $0.09 | $0.06 |
| 14.5×19 | $0.14 | $0.09 |
Best for: High-volume plain mailer needs.
Comparing Pricing at Scale
Standard Boxes (10×8×6)
| Supplier | 100 units | 500 units | 1000 units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Business | $0.72 | $0.65 | N/A |
| ValueMailers | $0.52 | $0.40 | $0.35 |
| Uline | $0.64 | $0.49 | $0.42 |
| EcoEnclose (recycled) | $0.78 | $0.58 | $0.48 |
Custom Printed Boxes (10×8×6)
| Supplier | 100 units | 500 units | 2000 units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packlane | $2.80 | $1.65 | $1.15 |
| The Packaging Company | N/A | $0.95 | $0.68 |
| noissue | $2.50 | $1.45 | $1.05 |
How to Choose the Right Supplier
Decision Framework
Answer these questions:
- What's your monthly order volume?
- <100: Amazon, Uline small packs
- 100-500: Uline, ValueMailers
- 500-2000: Uline, specialty suppliers
- 2000+: Direct manufacturer negotiation
- Do you need custom branding?
- No: Stock suppliers (Uline, ValueMailers)
- Yes, low volume: Packlane, noissue
- Yes, high volume: The Packaging Company, direct
- Is sustainability important?
- Critical: EcoEnclose, noissue
- Nice to have: EcoEnclose or recycled options from stock
- Not priority: Whoever's cheapest
- How fast do you need supplies?
- Emergency (2-3 days): Uline, Amazon
- Standard (5-7 days): Most suppliers
- Can plan ahead (2-3 weeks): Custom suppliers
Volume Thresholds
| Monthly Orders | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| <100 | Amazon Business or Uline small quantities |
| 100-300 | Uline or ValueMailers |
| 300-1000 | Multiple quotes, negotiate with top 2 |
| 1000-5000 | Direct relationships, quarterly contracts |
| 5000+ | Custom manufacturing, dedicated account manager |
Total Cost Calculation
Don't just compare box prices. Calculate total landed cost:
` Total Cost = Box Price + Shipping + Storage + Waste
Example (100 boxes): Supplier A: $0.45/box + $35 shipping = $80 total = $0.80/box Supplier B: $0.52/box + $12 shipping = $64 total = $0.64/box `
Supplier B wins despite higher per-unit price.
Negotiation Tips
When to Negotiate
- 500+ units per order
- Consistent monthly volume
- Multiple product categories
- Long-term relationship potential
How to Negotiate
- Get multiple quotes — Always have 2-3 options
- Share your volume — Monthly and projected annual
- Ask for tiered pricing — What if I order 2×?
- Request freight discounts — Often more flexible than unit pricing
- Offer consistency — Monthly orders are valuable to suppliers
- Ask about off-sizes — Surplus/irregular boxes often 30-50% off
What to Negotiate
| Item | Negotiation Potential |
|---|---|
| Unit price | 10-25% |
| Shipping/freight | 15-40% |
| Payment terms | Net 30-60 possible |
| Minimums | Sometimes waived |
| Storage | Some suppliers hold inventory |
Red Flags to Watch
Quality Issues
- Inconsistent box sizes (variations >0.25")
- Thin corrugation (easily crushed)
- Poor print quality on custom
- Boxes arriving damaged
Service Issues
- Lead times that slip regularly
- Minimum quantities that change
- No tracking on shipments
- Difficult returns process
Pricing Traps
- Low unit price, high shipping
- Hidden setup fees
- Prices that change without notice
- "Deals" that expire quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I order at once?
Order 6-8 weeks of inventory for standard boxes (balances volume discounts with storage costs). For custom boxes, order 3-4 months to hit better price breaks, assuming you have storage.
Should I use multiple suppliers?
Yes, if you have significant volume. Split by: (1) standard vs custom packaging, (2) boxes vs mailers, (3) backup supplier for emergencies. Don't split just to split—transaction costs add up.
When should I switch to custom boxes?
When you're ordering 500+ boxes/month consistently and brand experience matters to your customers. Below that, the premium isn't worth it. Above that, cost per box approaches plain boxes while adding brand value.
How do I calculate if custom packaging is worth it?
Compare: (Custom box cost + unboxing value) vs (Plain box cost + insert costs). If custom is within 30% and you're a DTC brand, the customer experience often justifies it.
Can I return unused packaging?
Policies vary widely. Uline allows returns with restocking fee. Amazon depends on seller. Custom packaging is typically non-returnable. Always check before large orders.
How do I negotiate with packaging suppliers?
Get multiple quotes first, share your monthly and annual volume projections, ask for tiered pricing, request freight discounts (often more flexible than unit pricing), and offer consistency (monthly orders are valuable to suppliers).
What's the difference between RSC and mailer boxes?
RSC (Regular Slotted Container) is the standard shipping box with flaps meeting in the middle. Mailer boxes (literature mailers) have tuck-in closures, look premium, but cost more. Use RSCs for most shipping; mailers for unboxing experience.
Is eco-friendly packaging more expensive?
Recycled content boxes are often price-comparable. Premium sustainable options (compostable, custom recycled) run 15-25% more. EcoEnclose proves sustainability doesn't have to cost significantly more.
Sources & References
- [1]E-commerce Packaging Trends - Packaging Digest (2024)
- [2]Packaging Supplier Directory - ThomasNet (2025)
- [3]Sustainable Packaging Certifications - FSC (2025)
- [4]Small Business Packaging Guide - Shopify (2024)
Attribute Team
The Attribute team combines decades of e-commerce experience, having helped scale stores to $20M+ in revenue. We build the Shopify apps we wish we had as merchants.