Rigid box: 1200+ gsm cardboard, doesn't fold flat, premium feel. Cost $12-30 per box. MOQ 250+. Best for: luxury executive gifts, jewelry, watches, premium apparel.
Folding carton: 200-300 gsm cardboard, folds flat for shipping. Cost $3-8 per box. MOQ 100+. Best for: standard corporate gift packaging, retail-style, mass distribution.
Decision by perception target:
- Top 5 strategic clients (annual gift) → Rigid box (luxury impression)
- Top 50 partners (quarterly) → Branded folding carton (premium but cost-managed)
- 1000+ employee year-end gift → Folding carton (cost-efficient at scale)
- Bridal / wedding gifts → Rigid box (occasion-appropriate luxury)
- Trade show swag → Padded mailer or folding carton
Finishing options: Rigid box can integrate magnetic closure (+$1-3), foil stamping (+$0.50-2), velvet flock interior (+$3-8), EVA foam insert (+$2-5). Folding carton can also have foil and emboss but at lower cost integration.
Shipping: Rigid box adds 30-50% shipping volume vs folding (since rigid doesn't flatten). Factor into logistics.