Slotted or self-assembly box?
These are the two most requested cardboard boxes. They look alike, but they do different jobs.
Updated 16 October 2026
The regular slotted box
This is the classic shipping box, code FEFCO 0201: four flaps on top and four underneath, closed with packing tape. It arrives flat, takes little room in the warehouse and is quick to put together.
- It is the cheapest and most common box for shipping and moving house.
- It comes in kraft, white or coloured, plain or printed.
- We make it on our own production line, including special oversized formats.
The self-assembly box
It folds together without tape or glue: the mailer box is the classic example. It is rigid, opens and closes neatly and looks good.
- It is ideal for e-commerce, gifts, clothing, footwear and products you want to present well.
- It is usually made of micro-flute board, kraft, white or coloured, and prints well.
- It is made on the die-cutter: for some sizes the cutting die already exists, for others the set-up cost is shown in the quote.
Side by side
| Slotted box | Self-assembly box | |
|---|---|---|
| Closing | Packing tape | Folds together, no tape |
| Typical use | Shipping, storage, moving house | E-commerce, gifts, shops |
| Board | Single or double wall | Usually micro-flute |
| Made-to-measure minimum | From 50 pieces (plain kraft) | 100 pieces |
| Delivery | 3–6 working days if plain kraft | Lead time given in the quote |
Which one to choose
Choose the slotted box if you ship many pieces, if the product is heavy or if price matters most. Choose the self-assembly box if the parcel is also your shop window: your customer opens it without scissors and sees your brand straight away.
In Design your box you can try both: you see them in 3D with your own dimensions before asking for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Are there other slotted boxes?
Yes: the half slotted box with no top flaps, the box with fully overlapping flaps and other variants. You will find them in Design your box.
Can I have my logo on both?
Yes. With a logo or colour the minimum is 100 pieces, and before production we make a sample for you to approve.
What is a cutting die?
It is the tool that cuts and creases the board into the shape of the self-assembly box. We already have it for some sizes; for others the set-up cost is in the quote.
Found the box you need?
Draw it with your own dimensions in Design your box and get a quote, or tell us what you need to pack or ship.