How to Save Custom Paper Bag Cost? (6 Tips)
Wondering how to customize your perfect paper bag without adding cost?
We all know that eye-catching packaging is very important for brands to leave a lasting impression on customers.
However, the nicer the paper bag, the higher the cost.
So if you don’t have a big budget, you can’t customize satisfactory paper bags? Of course not!
Read our article. Next, I will give you a few key tips to help you to create this powerful marketing tool without spending a lot of money.
How Much Does a Paper Bag Cost?
When talking about the price of custom paper bags, it’s not simply a fixed price. The price can vary a lot depending on your need.
Think about it like ordering a cup of coffee. Do you want a plain black coffee or do you want a caramel macchiato with extra whipped cream? Just like with coffee, the more requirements you add to your paper bag, the more it will cost.
If you want a simple and small paper bag, you might pay about spend around 10 cents per bag. But if you want a big bag with fancy printing and extra features, you could pay few dollars each.
Also, how many you buy at one time makes a big difference.
Tip 1: Choose Cost-Effective Materials
Alright, let’s dive into one of the easiest ways to save some cash on your custom paper bags: picking the right materials.
Different paper materials have different features and prices. There are so many material options for custom paper bags, so which one should you choose?
If you’re looking for sturdy and eco-friendly materials that don’t cost an arm and a leg, kraft paper and recycled paper are your best choices.
- Kraft paper: Kraft paper is basically an all-star for making paper bags. It has a natural and rustic look. It is tough enough to handle a heavy weight. You can use it for food and retail packaging.
- Recycled paper: Recycled paper is usually cheaper. Because they reuse existing resources, it’s usually cheaper than making new materials. Using recycled paper shows your brand seeks sustainability.
If you want to choose a more upscale material to make your bag stand out but are worried about the expensive price. White cardboard paper can help you.
- White cardboard paper: White cardboard paper is the most cost-effective choice for high-quality paper bags. It has a clean white surface and a nice texture. It is suitable for all kinds of printing designs. White cardboard paper is often used for apparel, cosmetic, and jewelry packaging.
Another point to consider is the color of the paper. Choosing natural or standard colors can be cheaper than opting for unique or custom colors.
So if it’s not very important for your paper bag to have a specific color, sticking with the basic colors can save you a lot of money.
Tip 2: Optimize Bag Size
Have you ever noticed that sometimes you get a big bag for a little thing? It doesn’t really make sense, right?
Well, the same goes for the paper bags you choose for your products. Picking the right size bag can not just save you some money, it’s also reduce waste.
if you get a bag that is too big for what you need, you’re basically paying for extra paper you don’t use. That extra paper costs extra money and is wasting resources. if you make the bag too small, your products might not fit. That is a whole different kind of problem.
So how can you do?
You need to know all your products and measure their sizes. Think about how to pack it most efficiently. Sometimes you can package some products in one paper bag. Then you can talk with your paper bag supplier. They can help you figure out the perfect bag size for your products.
For example, apparel brands usually need a variety of bag sizes to fit different types of clothes. A basic t-shirt might fit well in a small to medium-sized paper bag (around 10x5x13 inches), but for a full outfit or a couple pairs of jeans, you need a bigger bag (about 18x7x18 inches).
Cosmetics usually use smaller and more fragile packaging. Small bags (about 5x3x8 inches) are great for individual products like lipsticks. For bigger skincare sets a medium-sized bag (around 8x4x10 inches) can be better.
Note that fragile products often need extra protection. So choose a paper bag with extra room to make sure your product stays safe.
Tip 3: Simplify Your Design
You know the saying, Less is more? Well, when it comes to designing your custom paper bags, it couldn’t be more true. Keeping your bag design simple can save you a lot of money.
First, think about your design. You might have many awesome ideas,. While these can make your bags look awesome, they can also make them more expensive.
So try to make your design simpler in these three ways:
- cut down on the number of colors
- use simpler fonts and patterns
- reduce finishing techniques
Fewer colors mean fewer changes during printing, which saves time and materials. Maybe you can use one or two colors instead of four or five. That could save you some money.
If you have a brand logo, great! Use it. But you don’t have to use intricate patterns and fancy fonts necessarily. These effects may require special printing techniques, thus increasing production costs.
Special finishing touches like UV coating, matte or glossy finishes or foil stamping can make your paper bags greater. But they also increase the production costs. Each of these techniques needs additional steps and materials.
For example, embossing requires making a metal die to press the design into the paper, and foil stamping requires a separate stamping process. These costs can add up fast.
Tip 4: Reassess Handle Options
Handles are an essential part of a paper bag. They look simple, but actually they have many options. What type you choose can really impact your costs.
The basic options are twisted paper handles and flat paper handles. They are common and don’t cost much.
They have a classic look and can be used for many applications. Also, these handle types are eco-friendly because they are made of 100% paper materials.
If you want a more upscale feel, try the grosgrain polyester handle and the microgroove nylon handle. Although the cost will increase a little bit, they have a better texture.
Among them, I recommend the microgroove nylon handle. Because it strong, durable, and feels good in the hand. It is the most cost-effective handle choice for high-end paper bags.
Want to learn more about custom paper handle types? Read our guide right now: A Comprehensive Guide on Custom Paper Bag Handle Types
Tip 5: Order in Bulk
Why does ordering paper bags in bulk can help you save money?
Suppliers often give discounts on large orders because it saves them money on production and handling. By buying more paper bags at once, you can get significant price breaks per bag.
So, if you think you’re going to need bags on a regular basis, go for a bigger order.
Not only will this save you money, but it also means you wont run out when you least expect it.
Tip 6: Choose Reliable Suppliers
When you’re picking manufacturer to make your custom paper bags, think of it like choosing a teammate.
A good supplier has no extra middleman fee and can help you save money greatly.
So what should a good custom paper bag supplier look like? You can evaluate them by looking at these six factors.
- A good capacity of production and delivery
- Have advanced technology and equipment
- Have certifications of quality and environment
- Have a professional team
- Quality control and assurance
- Prices fit your budget
Conclusion
Saving money on custom paper bags isn’t as hard as it sounds. It’s all about making smart choices.
Combine our suggestions with your budget, I think you’ll be able to find a perfect paper bag!
If you’re looking for a supplier who can help you, don’t forget about us Lipack Packaging. We’ve help many big brands make a statement with high-quality and eco-friendly packaging. Whether you need a small run or a big order, we give you the same level of service.
We’re here to help your brand stand out and save your cost. Just give us a shout and contact us now!
