Hover to zoomCustom Tuck End Boxes, Straight or Reverse Tuck
From $0.30 a box Exact price in your emailed quote
Tuck end boxes are the small folding cartons that hold lip balm, tea, soap and candles. We print them to your inside size in white or kraft board, and you approve a free design proof first.
Quick answer
What are tuck end boxes?
Tuck end boxes are folding cartons with a tongue flap at the top and bottom that slides into the box. They ship flat with one glued seam and pop open in seconds. Straight tuck and reverse tuck differ only in where the flaps hinge.
Key facts
- Straight or reverse tuck flaps
- Ships flat, one glued seam
- White or kraft folding board
- Full color print, free proof
- From $0.30 a box
- Free design proof
Tuck End Boxes specifications
18 rows| Closure | Tuck flap at each end, straight or reverse |
|---|---|
| Typical board | White or kraft paperboard; E flute for sturdier cartons |
| Typical sizes | Slim vial cartons up to boxes for candle jars |
| Seam | One glued side seam, ships flat |
| Plain, one color, two color or full color CMYK | |
| Inside print | Available on the inner face of the board |
| Extras | Hang tab, front window or card insert |
| Assembly | Squeeze open, fold in base flaps, fill, tuck the top |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 1.5 × 1.5 × 4 in | Dropper bottles and lip products |
| 2 × 2 × 6 in | Serums, perfume sprays and tinctures |
| 3.75 × 2.5 × 1.25 in | Soap bars and bath bombs |
| 3 × 3 × 4 in | Candles and small jars |
| 4 × 2.5 × 1 in | Tea sachets and sample sets |
What is a tuck end box?
A tuck end box is a folding carton with a flap at the top and another at the bottom. Each flap has a tongue that slides inside the front panel and keeps the box shut.
You have seen them holding lip balm, tea, soap and small candles on a store shelf. They are quick to fill and easy to stack.
The style stays popular because it needs no tape or glue at the packing table. Your team folds, fills and tucks.
What is the difference between straight tuck and reverse tuck?
Both styles close with tucking flaps. What changes is the edge each flap hinges from.
On a straight tuck, the top and bottom flaps hinge from the same long edge. On a reverse tuck, they hinge from opposite edges.
That choice shapes how the front panel looks and how we lay out your artwork. A roll end tuck top box is a related style you can compare.
| Feature | Straight tuck | Reverse tuck |
|---|---|---|
| Flap hinge | Both from the same edge | From opposite edges |
| Front panel | No flap seam at either end | A flap edge shows at one end |
| Look | Tidy, good for gifts | Practical, common for cosmetics and tea |
| Best for | Gift sets and presentation packs | Everyday retail and multipacks |
Who buys tuck end boxes?
Any small, light product that sits on a shelf or in a gift bag can go in a tuck end carton. They suit brands that want a clean retail look on a modest budget.
Etsy and Shopify sellers often use them as the inner pack. They then ship each carton inside a sturdy printed mailer box so it arrives crisp.
- Skincare and cosmetics sellers boxing serums, creams and lip products
- Soap and bath bomb makers who want ingredients printed on the side
- Candle and wax melt brands packing votives and small jars
- Tea, coffee and spice companies filling sachets and sample packs
- Subscription brands building sets of small items
- Supplement shops that need room for directions and a barcode
How do I size a tuck end box?
Measure your product with the cap, pump or lid on. Length and width set the footprint, and height runs up to the tuck.
Add a little clearance on every side. Leave about 1/8 in of extra height so the tuck closes without pressing on the product.
Measure two or three units from the same batch, because bottles and jars vary slightly. Too much room lets the product slide and pop the flap open.
Give us the inside size as length × width × height in inches. Millimeters work too. Our guide on how to measure a box walks through each step.
Which board is best for a tuck end carton?
Folding paperboard is the usual pick. It is smooth, creases cleanly and holds small type and barcodes well.
White paperboard gives the brightest color and suits cosmetics. Kraft paperboard has a natural brown face that suits soap, candles and handmade goods.
For a heavier item, or a carton that must stand up to rough handling, ask for E flute (about 1/16 in, 1.5 mm). Our corrugated board flute guide explains the options.
Tall, slim cartons need stiffer board so the sides do not bow when someone picks them up. For a heavy jar, a locking base usually holds better than a tucked bottom.
How should I print tuck end boxes?
Most tuck end cartons carry full color CMYK print on the outside. The front and back panels hold the brand, and the narrow sides hold details such as ingredients.
Print inside too if you want a pattern or a thank-you line on opening. The underside of the tuck flap is a good spot for a short message.
Matte or gloss lamination protects the surface. Spot UV, foil stamping and embossing can pick out a product name.
On a first run, plain kraft with one color is a sensible start. Browse our custom printed boxes for other carton styles.
Can a tuck end box hang on a peg display?
Yes. A hang tab with a hole can be added at the top so the carton hangs on a peg hook. It suits small accessories, craft supplies and travel items.
The tab adds height to the flat sheet, so mention it when you ask for a quote. We mark the hole on the proof so you can check its position.
If shoppers need to see what is inside, ask about a front window. Our window box options show how a cutout looks on a carton.
How do I pack and protect the product inside?
Packing is simple. Squeeze the side edges so the flat carton opens into a tube, then fold in the bottom flaps and tuck the base.
Drop in the product, fold the top flaps and tuck the lid. Opening a batch of cartons first and then filling them is faster than finishing one at a time.
Loose glass rattles, and a rattling product pushes on the tuck flap. A fitted insert holds everything still.
Card cradles and partitions work for bottles, jars and small sets. Plan for the insert from the start, since it changes the inside size. Folding carton inserts can be quoted with the box, so one proof checks the fit.
What goes wrong with tuck end boxes?
Most problems appear the first time someone fills a carton by hand. Hold your real product against the flat layout on the proof and check this list before you approve it.
- Measuring the product without its cap or pump
- Choosing a tucked base for a heavy jar, so the bottom pushes open
- Placing text or a barcode where the tuck flap covers it
- Leaving too little height, so the top flap bulges
- Choosing reverse tuck when a clean front panel mattered
- Storing cartons loose, which scuffs and creases the print
How do I order tuck end boxes?
Send your sizes by email or WhatsApp, or place your logo in Design Your Box. Our designers lay out the carton for free.
- Measure the product with every closure fitted.
- Pick white or kraft board, then decide between a straight tuck and a reverse tuck.
- Send artwork, or ask our designers to place your logo and text.
- Review the free design proof showing every panel and flap.
- Approve it, and production takes 4–6 business days.
- Your flat cartons arrive by tracked shipping in 2–3 business days.
How much do tuck end boxes cost?
Tuck end boxes start from $0.30 a box. The exact figure for your size, board and finish is sent in your quote by email within one business day.
Minimums are low and quoted per job. Shipping is free and tracked to any US address, usually 2–3 business days in transit. Details are on the page about how our shipping works.
If a carton arrives misprinted, damaged or defective, send photos within 10 days. We reprint it or refund it.
Tuck End Boxes: questions
12 answersWhat is a reverse tuck end box?
It is a carton where the two tuck flaps hinge from opposite edges. This is a very common style for cosmetics and tea.
What is a straight tuck end box?
Both tuck flaps hinge from the same edge and close in the same direction. The front panel stays clean at each end.
Can a tuck end box hold glass bottles?
Yes, especially with a card insert to stop movement. For heavy glass, ask about a locking base for extra support.
Do tuck end boxes arrive assembled?
They arrive flat with the side seam already glued. A gentle squeeze opens each one into shape.
Can you add a hang tab?
Yes. A tab with a hole can be added to the top so the carton hangs on a peg hook.
Is kraft or white board better?
White board gives brighter color and suits cosmetics. For soap and handmade goods, kraft is the better match because its natural brown face looks right with them.
Can I print on the underside of the tuck flap?
Yes. The underside of the tuck flap takes print, so it is a handy place for a short message. Print on the inner face of the rest of the carton is available too.
Can a tuck end box ship by itself?
Folding board cartons travel best inside an outer box. To ship one alone, ask for E flute board instead.
Can I order several sizes with the same design?
Yes. Each size gets its own quote and proof, and our designers keep the look consistent across them.
How do I stop the tuck flap from popping open?
Leave enough height so the product does not push on the flap. Locking slits on the tongue also help it stay shut.
Which finishes suit tuck end boxes?
Most buyers pick matte or gloss lamination. Spot UV, foil stamping or embossing can then highlight the product name.
Can I see every panel before printing?
Yes. The free design proof shows the full flat layout, so you can check each panel and flap before approving.
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
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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.