Hover to zoomCustom Retention Boxes with Fitted Corrugated Inserts
From $0.30 a box Exact price in your emailed quote
A retention box grips your product in a die-cut insert so it stays put from your packing table to the customer's door. Give us the item size and we make the outer carton and insert to match.
Quick answer
What are retention boxes?
Retention boxes are corrugated shipping boxes with a fitted insert inside. The insert holds the product in a set position, clear of the outer walls. That makes them a good choice for breakable, expensive or oddly shaped items.
Key facts
- Insert grips the product
- Box and insert made as a set
- Less loose void fill
- Print inside, outside or both
- From $0.30 a box
- Free design proof
Retention Boxes specifications
18 rows| Style | Corrugated outer carton with a fitted retention insert |
|---|---|
| Outer carton | Regular slotted style or folding mailer, chosen for the item |
| Insert | Die-cut cradle, platform or cell grid in corrugated board |
| Typical board | E or B flute insert; C flute or BC double wall outer |
| Plain, one color, two color or full color CMYK | |
| Inside print | Available on the lid, the walls and the insert |
| Sizing | Made to your product, in inches (mm accepted) |
| Delivery format | Outer and insert both ship flat |
| Board options | E, B or C flute single wall; BC flute double wall; kraft or white paperboard |
| Printing | Unprinted, one color, two color or full color CMYK, outside and inside |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Natural kraft left uncoated, matte or gloss laminate, spot UV, foil stamping or embossing |
| Sizes | Built to your inside length × width × height in inches (mm also fine) |
| Artwork files | Vector PDF, AI, EPS or SVG work best; sharp PNG or JPG also accepted |
| Design help | Our designers set up the layout for free |
| Proof | Free design proof to approve before printing starts |
| Production | 4–6 business days once you approve the proof |
| Shipping | Free and tracked to any US address, 2–3 business days in transit |
| Misprints | Send photos within 10 days for a reprint or a refund |
Common sizes
| Inside size (L × W × H) | Good for |
|---|---|
| 6 × 4 × 3 in | Earbuds, small gadgets, lip and skincare sets |
| 8 × 6 × 4 in | Candles, single bottles, phone accessories |
| 10 × 8 × 4 in | Three-jar gift sets, handheld devices |
| 12 × 9 × 5 in | Small appliances, camera gear, ceramic pieces |
| 16 × 12 × 6 in | Multi-item subscription kits, larger parts kits |
What is a retention box?
Think of it as two parts working together. The outer carton supplies shape and strength, and the insert inside it locks the product in place.
Because the item sits clear of the outer walls, a drop or a hard corner hit has room to dissipate before it reaches the goods.
Which products need a retention box?
Choose one when a broken item costs you more than the box. Round or uneven shapes that roll around in a plain carton also benefit.
If damage claims keep landing in your inbox, the insert is often the cheapest fix.
- Electronics, chargers and small appliances
- Glass bottles, candles and ceramic gifts
- Skincare and cosmetic sets with several pieces
- Replacement parts with sharp or delicate edges
- Subscription kits where every item has its own spot
How does the insert hold the product?
We cut the insert from flat corrugated sheet and fold it into shape. Depending on the item, that means a cradle, a raised platform or a grid of cells.
A cradle fits one item with an odd outline. A cell grid keeps jars or tubes from touching each other.
Folded tabs lock the insert without glue. For a box you already own, try our custom corrugated inserts for existing boxes.
How do I get the right size?
We work from the product outward. Send the item dimensions, plus a photo next to a ruler if the shape is unusual.
Our designers then fit the insert to the product and the carton to the insert. You skip the guesswork.
Selling one item in several sizes? Say so, because one outer carton can sometimes serve more than one insert. Our guide on how to measure a box helps with the numbers.
- Measure each item at its widest points, caps and handles included.
- Mark fragile spots such as a screen or a glass neck.
- Decide how many pieces go in one box and how they sit.
- Send the details and we propose an insert style and outer size.
Which board should I pick for the box and insert?
Inserts usually run thinner than the outer. E flute (about 1/16 in, 1.5 mm) folds into tight shapes. B flute (about 1/8 in, 3 mm) adds cushion for denser goods.
Most outer cartons use C flute (about 5/32 in, 4 mm). Heavy or very breakable items may call for BC double wall (about 1/4 in, 7 mm). See the corrugated board flute guide for more detail.
| Part | Board | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Insert, small items | E flute single wall | Tight folds, close fit |
| Insert, dense items | B flute single wall | More cushion, more stiffness |
| Outer, everyday orders | C flute single wall | Solid strength for its thickness |
| Outer, heavy or fragile | BC double wall | Thicker walls to absorb impact |
| Light gift tray | Kraft or white paperboard | Clean look for retail packs |
Can I print a retention box?
Yes. Print the outside, the inside, the insert, or all three. A printed insert makes a neat reveal when the customer lifts the lid.
Choose plain, one color, two color or full color CMYK. Finishes include uncoated kraft, matte or gloss lamination, spot UV, foil stamping and embossing.
Our designers help with layout at no charge, and a free proof comes before printing. You can place your logo in Design Your Box to see it on the carton.
How do my packers assemble one?
Fold the insert and drop it into the carton. Set the product in its pocket and tilt the box to confirm nothing shifts.
Then close and seal the outer. The insert does the holding, so you should not need extra filler.
If your team still reaches for paper, tell us. A small change to the insert usually solves it.
Retention box or void fill: which protects better?
For breakable goods, the fitted insert usually wins. Loose fill compresses and settles in transit, and the product can end up against a wall.
An insert holds the same position on every order. New hires also pack faster because nothing needs scooping or stuffing.
Lighter, sturdy products may do fine in a simpler carton, such as one of our fragile item mailers.
What mistakes cause a poor fit?
The most common one is rounded-off sizes. An insert grips by fitting closely, so a small error leaves the item loose or too tight to seat.
- Measuring the bare product when it ships in its own retail box
- Forgetting a cap, handle or cord that adds length
- Choosing double wall when the insert already adds space
- Skipping a test sample before a large run
How do I order retention boxes?
Pricing starts from $0.30 a box. The exact figure arrives in your quote by email within one business day, covering carton and insert together.
After you approve the proof, production takes 4–6 business days. Free tracked shipping to any US address takes 2–3 business days. Start with a quote request for your box.
- Tell us the quantity you want, and share your product sizes and a few photos.
- Review the suggested insert style and outer size.
- Check the quote and the free design proof.
- Approve the proof and we cut and print both parts.
- Report any misprint, damage or defect within 10 days with photos for a reprint or refund.
Retention Boxes: questions
12 answersWhat is the point of a retention box?
It fixes the product in one position inside the carton. That keeps it away from the walls and away from impact.
Will I still need bubble wrap?
Rarely. The fitted insert replaces most loose cushioning, so many customers stop buying filler altogether.
What is the insert made of?
Corrugated board, most often E or B flute. Kraft or white paperboard can work for a light inner tray.
Can you build one around an irregular product?
Yes. We cut the pocket to the actual outline. Exact dimensions or photos beside a ruler help us get it right.
Can one box hold a set of items?
Yes. A cell grid or multi-pocket cradle separates bottles, jars, tubes or parts so none touch.
Can the insert carry my branding?
Yes. Print the outer, the insert or both in one color, two color or full color CMYK.
Do they ship assembled?
No. The carton and insert both arrive flat to save space. Your team folds them in seconds.
Can I buy just the insert?
Yes. Send the inside size of your current carton and the product size, and we cut an insert to fit.
Which outer board suits me?
C flute single wall covers most orders. Choose BC double wall for heavy or highly breakable products.
What is the starting price?
From $0.30 a box. The exact figure is sent in your quote by email and covers carton and insert.
How soon will my retention boxes and inserts arrive?
Once you approve the proof, the carton and insert are made together in 4–6 business days. Free tracked shipping to any US address then takes 2–3 business days.
What if the fit is wrong on arrival?
Report misprints, damage or defects within 10 days with photos. We reprint or refund.
Still have a question? Phone (503) 461-4788, send our team a WhatsApp message or write to info@ordercardboardboxes.com.
Design Your Box
Pick a box photo, drop your logo onto it, choose the print and send it over. Our designers return a free proof ready for printing.
1Choose a box
2Place your logo
Add your logo to preview it on this box
Selected: Retention Boxes
Tell us about your boxes
Share the inside size, the board you want and how it should be printed. Our team emails a quote and a free design proof within one business day.
- Free design proof before any box is printed
- Made in 4–6 business days after you approve the proof
- Free tracked shipping to any US address
Rather talk it through? Phone (503) 461-4788 or chat with us on WhatsApp.