A tuck top box is a folding carton where one panel extends into a flap that tucks into the front slot to close the box. That is the whole mechanism, and it is why this style shows up on lip balm, supplements, candles, playing cards, phone cases and about a thousand other small retail products. It ships flat, a person can set one up in a few seconds, and the front face stays clean for your artwork.
We print and build custom tuck top boxes to your exact dimensions with no minimum order. One box is a legitimate order, which is handy when you are proofing a prototype before you commit to a full run. If you find the same specification cheaper somewhere else, our price-beat guarantee applies.
Straight tuck, reverse tuck, or something else?
Straight tuck end (STE): the top and bottom flaps both open on the same side, so the opening faces the shopper in the same direction on both ends. It looks tidy on a shelf and is the version most brands choose. See our straight tuck end boxes.
Reverse tuck end (RTE): the flaps open on opposite sides. It is a little quicker to assemble by hand, and it is a common pick for products that get packed in volume.
Auto lock bottom: the base locks itself when you pop the box open. Choose it for anything with real weight, such as a 4 oz jar or a boxed set of bottles, because a plain tucked bottom will give way.
Hang tab or window: a punched hang hole lets the box sit on a peg, and a clear film window lets the shopper see the product. Both are covered in hang tab boxes.
Board, finish and print
- Paperboard: folding carton stock in the 16 pt to 24 pt range covers most retail products. Go heavier for tall or heavy items. Kraft board gives an uncoated, natural look and works well for soap, tea and food.
- Printing: full colour CMYK or Pantone-matched inks, inside and outside.
- Finishes: matte or gloss aqueous coating, soft-touch lamination, spot UV, and foil stamping for logos and borders.
- Sizes: any length, width and depth. Measure the product and give us the inside dimensions you want. As a starting point, allow about 1/8 inch of clearance per side so the product slides in without rattling or bulging the walls.
Choosing the tuck style for your line
If you sell several products in one range, keep the closure the same across all of them. A mixed shelf of straight and reverse tucks looks accidental, and your packers will have to remember which is which. Pick one, order a sample of the largest and smallest sizes, and check that the tuck flap holds shut without a sticker. A slightly longer tuck flap grips better on heavier products.
What to know before you order
Tuck tops are not shipping cartons. They protect a product on the shelf and in a mailer, but they do not stand up to a parcel carrier alone. If your box goes straight into the post, put it inside a mailer box or add a corrugated outer. If you need a stronger single-piece box that also holds shape better, a mailer or a rigid setup box is the better call.
Send us the product dimensions and a quantity, even if the quantity is one, and we will build the dieline and quote it.
Tuck top box FAQ
What is a tuck top box?
A folding carton with a top flap that tucks in to close, giving a clean front face and fast assembly. It is the everyday retail box for cosmetics, supplements, food, and consumer goods, affordable and easy to print.
What is the difference between straight and reverse tuck end?
A straight tuck end has both flaps folding the same direction, giving a smooth front face for print. A reverse tuck end folds them in opposite directions, which is slightly faster to assemble. Both are common retail cartons.
Can a tuck top box hold heavier products?
Yes, with the right bottom. Add an auto lock or snap lock bottom for a sturdy floor that holds weight without tape, instead of a simple tuck bottom. Tell us the product weight and we will recommend the style.
Is there a minimum order for tuck top boxes?
No. We make custom tuck top boxes with no minimum order, so a brand can package a product line before scaling, at the best price.
More Custom Retail Boxes
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