The original title is: "Open-Source Packaging Cost Calculator for E-Commerce: Real-World Budgeting Math"

Short summary

A packaging industry veteran built an open-source calculator that models real-world packaging economics for e-commerce brands. Instead of quoting a unit price, it calculates budget as a percentage of retail price modulated by brand stage and product category, then allocates across nine cost categories. The key insight is the ×3 Rule: multiply the factory's outer box quote by roughly three to estimate true per-unit total packaging cost, including design fees, inserts, shipping, and more.

• •Packaging budget should be calculated as a percentage of retail price, modulated by brand maturity and product category
• •The outer box is only ~32% of total packaging spend; eight other categories collectively cost more than double the box
• •The ×3 Rule: multiply the factory's outer box quote by ~3 to estimate real per-unit total packaging cost

Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.