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Why Is It $4 A Pouch? (Lets Talk About Low Minimum Pouch Orders)
Let's Talk About Low Minimum Order Quantitites
You're looking for a small test run to test the waters with your new product. You notice our 100pcs custom printed stand up pouches (our lowest offering). Then you see the total cost:
“Wait… that’s over $4 per pouch?! How am I supposed to make money on that?!"
Fair question. Here’s the honest answer.
You're Not Buying 100 Pouches. You're Buying A Production Run
When you order low minimum custom printed stand up pouches, you’re paying for:
- Digital print setup
- Initial cost for food safe films and materials
- Forming and sealing
- Quality control
- Packing and shipping
There are four steps to the pouch manufacturing process (print / lam / slit/ pouch), that means there are four separate machine setups - which make up the base cost. That cost exists whether you print 100 or 10,000 or 1,000,000. That’s why a 100-piece custom pouch order will never be something like $0.20 - $0.50 per unit. Not here. Not anywhere legitimate.
Economy of Scale Is Real. (And It Works In Your Favor)
Here’s the good news.When you increase from 100 units to 500 to 1,000+ your per-unit cost drops dramatically. Why? Because the fixed setup cost spreads out.
That’s how low minimum packaging orders transition into real margin. Start small to test. Scale up to optimize.
Even the "Stock Pouch + Label" Trick Isn't "Cheap"
Some customers ask:
“What if I buy stock pouches and just label them?” Okay. Let’s break that down.
You’ll still pay for:
- The blank pouch
- Custom printed labels (which we can also help you with)
- Labor time applying the labels
- Waste and possible reprints
At 100 pieces, that math still doesn’t land at $0.20 to $0.50 each. And it won’t look as clean as true low minimum custom printed packaging.
The Real Answer Nobody Likes. (But Needs)
If you’re ordering 100 units:
Your per-unit price will be higher. Because the total order size is small.
Low minimum orders reduce risk — they don’t reduce setup costs.
And that’s okay.
They’re meant for:
- Product testing
- Market validation
- Small launches and pilot runs
- Early-stage brands
Once you’re selling consistently, increasing your quantity is how you unlock real margin.
Not Sure What Qty Makes Sense?
Instead of guessing, request a free pouch sample kit. No pressure. Just clarity. Once you get it, reach out to a pouch expert with questions.
Understanding Pouch Pricing: FAQ
Why does a 100-piece order cost $4 per pouch when larger orders are cheaper?
When you order a low minimum, you aren't just buying the plastic; you are buying a full production run. The fixed costs for digital print setup, food-safe material prep, forming, and quality control remain the same whether we print 100 or 10,000 pouches.
Is it cheaper to buy stock pouches and apply custom labels myself?
Generally, no. When you factor in the cost of the blank pouch, the cost of custom labels, the labor time for manual application, and the inevitable waste from reprints, the "label trick" often ends up costing more than a professionally printed custom run.
What is the "base cost" of turning on the press?
There is a fundamental base cost required to initialize our high-end digital presses and secondary converting equipment. This specialized setup ensures your pouches are FDA-compliant and structurally sound, which is why a legitimate 100-piece custom run cannot be priced at $0.50 per unit.
