Set-Up Boxes are also called “Rigid Boxes” or “Paper Boxes”. Whatever you call them, Marion Paper Box Company is Number One at making them. Set-Up Boxes provide protection and durability for your products, and add a touch of class to your packaging. At Marion Paper Box Company, we offer many style options so that you can make your box as standard or as unique as you’d like. The sky is truly the limit.

INTRODUCTION TO SET-UP BOXES

Without even realizing it, you have surely seen Set-Up Boxes everywhere. Your last pair of shoes was probably packaged in a Set-Up Box. Games, puzzles, jewelry, candles, business cards, stationery, and clothing apparel are just a few other products usually packaged in Set-Up Boxes.

Our precise equipment wraps the paper of your choice around a base and lid to give you an elegant, yet durable package for your products. Paper choices are endless; from plain white to solid colors to patterns. You may also choose a foil or holographic paper style. You may choose smooth or embossed, matte or high gloss. You may even choose to leave your boxes unwrapped. You may want the lid to go all the way down the base. Or you may only want the lid to go down an inch. Somewhere in between?  Yes, we can do that too.

We can also use your digital graphics to print anything you’d like on your boxes, or we can foil stamp your logo. Be sure to ask a Marion Paper Box Company representative about these options and more. At Marion Paper Box Company, we match your vision to our talent to make your Set-Up Boxes as unique or as standard as you wish.

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BENEFITS OF SET-UP BOXES

Set-Up Boxes are called “rigid” boxes for a reason. They’re strong, durable and non-collapsible which offers protection for your products. Candles, medical supplies, glassware, and candy are more items that are often packaged in Set-Up Boxes. When you’re looking for protection, a Set-Up Box is the way to go. Standard Set-Up Boxes at Marion Paper Box Company are made of .035 pt. paperboard. For added strength, we can use up to .050 pt. paperboard, and we can make them stronger, still, with board laminations. Be sure to tell your Marion Paper Box Company representative what type of product you’ll be putting in the box.

For over 115 years, Marion Paper Box Company has sold and manufactured Set-Up Boxes, and they’re as popular today as they were so many years ago. The reason is simple; they offer elegance, and elegance never goes out of style. A Set-Up Box lets your customer know that something special is inside, and assures them they are buying a quality product. Because of their durability and elegance, customers often keep, save and re-use them. When your company logo or name is printed or foil stamped on the exterior, it increases the time in which your customers, and others, see it. For this reason, they are an excellent marketing tool.

Nothing says quality product like quality packaging. Set-Up Boxes have no rough edges, no tabs to tuck or insert. They are sleek, uniform, and resilient, even after many openings. Marion Paper Box Company’s Set-Up Boxes are individually checked for quality so that every box you receive is as perfect as the next.

There is no tooling cost involved with Set-Up Boxes. That makes them more affordable than you may think. Why spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on dies for other types of packaging? This also makes them ideal for the customer who does low volume ordering. Why spend more on tooling than you do on the boxes?

No assembly required. No one spends countless minutes or even hours fumbling with folding and assembling. Labor costs for packing your products will be remarkably reduced. However, because they’re fully assembled, Set-Up Boxes do require space. Marion Paper Box Company can warehouse your boxes for up to a year with very low storage fees. This option is perfect for JIT system or Kanban system operations. If you prefer to receive the boxes separate from the lids, just let your Marion Paper Box Company representative know when placing your order.

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SIZE RANGES FOR SET-UP BOXES

Your boxes can be as small as 1"W x 1"L x ½"D, or as large as 30"W x 30"L x 12"D. So, it doesn’t matter if your product is a small rare coin or a large board game. Marion Paper Box Company can make a box that fits your needs. Notwithstanding, standard depth is between 1-5 inches. Keep in mind that depths greater than 5 inches require extensive hand labor, and can make your boxes more expensive, and increase your lead time.

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QUANTITY RANGES FOR SET-UP BOXES

At Marion Paper Box Company, there is no order too big or too small. With multiple Set-Up Box operating systems in place, we can handle your order of 100,000 as well as your order of 10. We never shy away from an order based on quantity. Smaller orders can also be hand crafted by our fantastic, and talented production team; some of whom, individually, have over 25 years experience in nothing but Marion Paper Box Company - Set-Up Box manufacturing and design.

At Marion Paper Box Company, we understand that your quantity needs are often contingent upon other factors. If you’re testing a new product, you may choose to only order a small amount of boxes. If you’ve landed a new contract, and have many committed orders to get shipped out, you may need to order quite a few. Either way, remember that, unlike many of our competitors, we have no stringent minimum or maximum that you must satisfy. We also employ no high pressure sales people. Order what you need. Again, if your quantity needs are driven by storage space, ask a Marion Paper Box Company representative about our low storage fees. Most times, the money you save by ordering in higher volume is more than enough to cover any storage, and shipping/handling fees.

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INDUSTRIAL SET-UP BOXES

Not all Set-Up Boxes get dressed up. Marion Paper Box Company is proud to service many types of industry across the country. Automotive parts, medical equipment, gears, machinery parts, and thermostats are just a few of the products for which we make Set-Up Boxes. Most times these boxes are made of chipboard with plain stay taped corners. However, they can also be white outside with a kraft interior and white stay taped corners. You can also request reinforced stay taped corners, and thicker paperboard for maximum protection and durability. Some industrial Set-Up Boxes are also wrapped with plain white litho or kraft paper. So, when you need strong, durable boxes without all the pretty papers, embossing, foil stamping, and frills, Marion Paper Box Company can, will, and does deliver.

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COMPARING SET-UP BOXES AND FOLDING CARTONS

There are pros and cons to both Set-Up Boxes and Folding Cartons. Sometimes, it can be tricky to know which will best suit your needs. Folding Cartons ship flat and that makes them desirable to many of our customers. However, keep in mind that Folding Cartons are structurally weaker than Set-Up Boxes. They must also be assembled which means that, especially in larger quantities, they can cost more when labor costs are figured in. With folding cartons, no matter what quantity you order a die is required, so die costs must be figured in, as well. It is a natural tendency for people to think that Set-Up Boxes cost more than Folding Cartons, but it is often not the case. A Marion Paper Box Company representative can help you decide which will work best for you, your products, your quantity range, and your budget.

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CHIPBOARD FOR SET-UP BOXES

Most every Set-Up Box begins with a chipboard substrate. Our standard Set-Up Box is made with .035" chipboard. Depending upon the size and weight of your product, Marion Paper Box Company offers chipboard substrates ranging from 0.030" to 0.125". Want something thicker? No problem. Talk to your Marion Paper Box Company representative about board laminations to get the thickness that’s right for you and your product.

Don’t forget about the inside of your box. Compliment that perfect wrapping paper with the perfect interior board color for an always classy appearance. You can choose from four different interior colors. Least expensive is chip. For a few cents more, choose white or black. Most expensive is chocolate. Check with your Marion Paper Box Company representative to hear if any other colors are currently in stock. We’re always full of surprises!

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PAPER WRAP FOR SET-UP BOXES

Paper choices are infinite. Marion Paper Box Company stocks various colors, and styles at all times. However, we also have good, long standing relationships with paper distributors, and we go the extra mile to find that special color or style you’re searching for. Paper can be embossed or smooth, solid or patterned, matte or gloss, white one side or colored clear through. Various textures such as suede, metal, and snakeskin are also possible. Foil and holographic papers are just another way to add flare. Ask your Marion Paper Box Company representative to send you paper samples to help narrow your choice. If you still feel you haven’t found that perfect shade, keep in mind that white paper can be flood printed to match any pantone color you provide. Feeling overwhelmed? The following is a guide meant to help the customer who just doesn’t know where to begin:

Gloss Paper

Gloss Paper offers crisp, clean and elegant simplicity. Offered in White, Black or 48 Color choices, it can provide flare without being too bold. Can’t find the perfect color match? We can flood print your gloss paper any color you want.

Matte Paper

Choose matte paper when you want a soft, natural or earthy look. Matte paper also lends itself nicely to foil stamping and hot stamping to offer up a box your customers are sure to want to keep.

Foil Paper

Foil papers offer elegance and depth. When your Set-Up Box needs a classy or delicate look, plain or embossed foil papers are a good choice. Available in many colors, embossing patterns, and finishes, bright foils add a clean, modern look while dull foils will make your set-up box look soft and delicate.

Acrylic Latex Paper

Acrylix Latex paper has a unique and sensual appeal. Its soft matte finish provides a look of understated elegance and sophistication while the rose-petal softness of its surface begs to be touched. Available in black, white, tan, navy and crimson it is ideal for applications requiring tactile richness coulpled with strength.

Embossed Paper

Whether you choose gloss or matte, you can have the paper embossed. Choose embossed paper for high-end products. Linen, Leather, Crocodile and Ribbed are just a few of the hundreds of embossing patterns available. Embossed paper can take a Set-Up Box from beautiful to exquisite.

Specialty Papers

Choose specialty papers to give your customer a hint of what’s inside or just for fun. Foil paper, kid’s designs, patriotic, floral, stripes, polka dots…the possibilities are endless. Paper that looks like metal; paper that feels like suede; paper that looks and feels like snakeskin; you are only limited by your own imagination. Tell a Marion Paper Box Company representative what you’re envisioning for your box, and they just might surprise you with the perfect specialty paper.

When combining theme and patterned papers you can create a unique appearance to your Set-Up Box that will add eye appeal and distinction for your products.

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GRAPHICS FOR SET-UP BOXES

Whether you choose to say it simply or scream it boldly, graphics are your opportunity to communicate with the customer. Graphics tell your customer who you are, what’s inside, how to use it, and sometimes, even when to throw it away. Your graphics can be as simple as a one-color line logo or as complex as a four-color photographic image. Foil stamping, hot stamping, and embossing are also available. Varnish, aqueous coating, UV coating, and film lamination can be added when needed or desired. You can supply your Marion Paper Box Company representative with a digital copy of your artwork (less than 3.4 mega pixels is not recommended), or ask them about our affordable graphic design service.

Offset Lithography Printing

Add graphics to your set-up box with conventional printing. One- or two-color line art on white or colored paper is the most cost effective. However, the rich four-color photographic images on your set-up box really catch the consumer's eye. You can print just the top of the lid or flood the entire lid and base. Looking for a cost effective way to get your four-color photographic image? Print the entire telescope lid, and leave the base white.

Foil Stamping/Hot Stamping

Both foil stamping and hot stamping are cost effective ways to say what you want to say and say it with distinction. Stamping has its own unique look that printing cannot emulate. Stamping also adds flare for high-end products. Choose foils for a vibrant, sophisticated look. Choose non foils for a softer, more subtle style.

Embossing

The art of embossing has been around for hundreds of years without showing any signs of extinction. Throughout the years, mankind has embossed many surfaces such as jewelry and metals, book covers, and legal documents, invitations and stationery. For an elegant, and timeless look, let Marion Paper Box Company raise your graphics through embossing. Embossed patterns can then be foil stamped or left “blind”, the term for embossing patterns that are left unstamped and uncolored. Embossing signals your customers that something stylish is just under the lid.

Coatings

Coatings not only make the graphics look better, they offer a layer of protection so you don’t have to worry about ink fading or smearing when the boxes are frequently handled. Choices of coatings include Varnish, Aqueous, UV, and Film Lamination. For most one- and two-color line logos, varnish offers enough protection to prevent smudging. Heavier print coverage can usually be protected by aqueous coating which is a harder coating that also adds a nice sheen to your graphics. UV coating provides the best protection, and really makes your graphics pop with a shine comparable to glass or acrylic.

Don’t be afraid to splurge on graphics. It’s what sets your box apart from your competitor’s. When done right, graphics offer brand recognition, so that your customers immediately recognize your name and logo, and therefore, your products. No logo? Ask about Marion Paper Box Company’s graphic design services.

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LID DEPTH FOR SET-UP BOXES

All Set-Up Boxes consist of a base and a lid, often referred to as a top and bottom, or box and cover. A base is a base. However, not all lids are created equal. You can define your style of box just by the lid you choose. Not sure which to choose? The following is a list of definitions and common uses for each lid style:

Shoebox Lid

A shoebox lid is always 1” deep regardless of base size. The most common example is an actual shoe box lid. Shoes are often stored and sold in a box that consists of a base that is around 4” deep, and a lid that is only 1” deep. Shoebox lids offer easy opening, and are perfect for boxes that are opened and closed frequently.

Telescope Lid

A telescope lid covers the entire base regardless of the base size. A common example of a telescope lid is a candy box lid. Most every box of chocolates has a telescope lid. Telescope lids are perfect when you want a little more protection, and the box is not going to be opened and closed several times. If you like the look of the telescope lid, but know that the box will be opened and closed frequently, ask for “thumb notches” or “thumb holes”. We can notch out a semi-circle to make your boxes open easily every time.

Partial Telescope

Any lid that goes down the base more than 1”, but not the full depth of the base, is a partial telescope lid. Common examples of a partial telescope lid are jewelry box lids and candle box lids. Many jewelry boxes are 1” deep with a 5/8” lid. Some candle boxes are 2-3/4” deep with a 1-3/4” lid. Partial telescope lids are also commonly seen on gift boxes and higher-end product boxes. They offer both charm and practicality to provide a box that’s beautiful, yet easy to open.

Hinged Lid

A hinged lid with embedded magnetic catches is commonly used in repeated use packaging such as a curling iron box or dial indicator box. Easy to open, use, load, and store hinged lids are ideal for boxes that are used for vanity or workbench storage units.

Specialty Lids

There’s not much our innovative and creative team here at Marion Paper Box Company won’t try once. Have a special lid in mind? Run it by us. If we can find a way to mass produce it, we’ll make it. We have done V-Shaped lids, angled lids and even casket-shaped lids. We love a good challenge, but also recognize our limits, so we can often let you know within 24 hours if we are able to manufacture it.

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LAMINATING or PRINTING THE INTERIOR OF SET-UP BOXES

Why stop on the outside of your box? We can easily laminate paper to the inside of your box as well. This special touch offers class and lets the customer know you’re thinking outside the box, eh-hem, so to speak. We can also print graphics such as game rules or instructions on the inside of your box, so you’ll have no paper inserts to print and stuff.

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SPECIALTY SET-UP BOXES

When a regular Set-Up Box is not special enough for your product, ask a Marion Paper Box Company representative how you can add options to create a truly unique package. Velvet insert trays, ribbon pulls, loose wrap, magnet closures, and die cut patterns are just a few of the ways you can enhance your Set-Up Box to create a style that’s unique to your product and company.

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SET-UP BOX DESIGN

Designing Set-Up Boxes is a time honored tradition at Marion Paper Box Company. While we do carry some stock Set-Up Boxes, more than 90% of the Set-Up Boxes we manufacture are custom made to order. We are highly trained in the structural design of our products and take great pride in assisting customers to find the box that’s right for them. Our design staff will ask not only about color, graphics and style, but also about your shipping methods, your corporate image and sales demographics, your annual usage, and more to make sure you get the best deal possible.

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SAMPLES, MOCK-UPS and PROTOTYPES

How thick is the .035 chipboard? How sturdy is a shoebox lid? What does loose wrap look like? Customers always have questions. At Marion paper Box Company, we are proud and happy to send out sample boxes. We want you to be pleased and knowledgeable about what you are buying. We’ll gladly send you existing boxes from work-in process, stock, or from overruns, via UPS or FedEx, absolutely free. Samples are good for checking durability, craftsmanship, and design.

When you need a custom made sample of a box that meets your particular specifications, without graphics, we call that a mock-up and it requires a small fee. Mock-ups are perfect when you need to make sure the size is perfect for housing your product, or for fitting on a retail shelf. Most mock-ups can be made and shipped within 24 hours.

A prototype is your exact box, made to all your specifications and includes graphics. Prototypes usually require a larger fee, depending on your particular specs. Order a prototype when you need to see exactly what you’re getting, or if you need to make a presentation for board approval. Prototypes take a little longer to manufacture and ship, but generally you can expect them about a week to 10 days after we’ve received your graphics.

We would also be glad to send you paper samples, chipboard samples, and samples of our printing and foil stamping capabilities. We not only want you to know and see precisely what you’re buying, we like showing off. So don’t be shy; ask your Marion Paper Box Company representative for any or all of the above samples.

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WAREHOUSING FOR SET-UP BOXES

Don’t let storage space, or the lack of it, rule what type of boxes you buy. Let Marion Paper Box Company store your Set-Up Boxes for you. You’ll be able to take advantage of quantity discounts by ordering your entire annual usage all at once and then having them shipped to you when you need them. This option is ideal for companies who operate a JIT or Kanban system.

Our low warehousing fees cannot be beaten, and they pay for themselves with what you save by ordering in higher volumes. For example, if a 1,000 Set-Up Boxes are $.50 each, then 5,000 may be $.20 each. Instead of ordering 1,000 boxes 5 times per year, order them all at once and we’ll ship them when you need them. The savings can be huge, and you can rest easy knowing your boxes are in a climate controlled warehouse and just a phone call away.

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STOCK SET-UP BOXES

From design to finish, Marion Paper Box Company is a custom manufacturer of Set-Up Boxes. However, we do realize that sometimes you just need boxes fast. Therefore, Marion Paper Box Company stocks a small amount of finished Set-Up Boxes. Our stock boxes are beyond competitively priced, especially when you figure in the fact that we use no substitute materials as many other manufacturers do. Our stock boxes are made with the same quality chipboard and paper as our custom boxes. We would never sell a box that we, ourselves, would not use.

Though our lead times are among the best in the country, sometimes you just can’t wait for boxes to be made. That’s when you should ask a Marion Paper Box Company representative about our small line of stock Set-Up Boxes. We might have just what you’re looking for, and perhaps even in the color you want them.

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