Deadlines are tight. Your boss wants it yesterday. And your product needs to look like a million bucks on-shelf—even if your budget’s a fraction of that.
So let’s answer the question that brought you here: how much does a packaging design cost? The short answer? Anywhere from $300 to over $10,000, depending on the designer, number of SKUs, production complexity, and turnaround time. It’s a wide range, but it doesn’t have to be confusing.
In this guide, we’ll break it down. We’ll show you what factors affect packaging costs, what to expect at different budget levels, and how to make smart investments in your brand’s future. If you’re shopping for creative packaging services that are as strategic as they are beautiful, keep reading.
Why Packaging Design Is a Business Investment (Not Just a Creative One)
Packaging isn’t just an aesthetic decision. It’s a marketing tool.
Multiple studies back this up. According to a report by Ipsos, 72% of American consumers say product packaging design influences their purchasing decisions. Another study from The Paper and Packaging Board found that 63% of shoppers have purchased a product again specifically because of its packaging.
What does that mean for you? It means that the price of packaging design isn’t just about design fees—it’s about what that design helps you earn back.
- More conversions in retail environments
- More brand recognition and recall
- Better shelf visibility
- Higher perceived product value
In short: good packaging sells. Great packaging keeps selling.
What Goes Into the Cost of Packaging Design?
Like most creative services, design cost is not just about hours—it’s about expertise, process, and business value.
Here are the variables that affect cost:
1. Number of SKUs or Variants
Are you designing one box? Or an entire line of boxes, bottles, and labels with multiple flavors, scents, or sizes?
2. Level of Complexity
A flat paperboard sleeve is much simpler than a custom die-cut corrugated box with foil stamping and regulatory information.
3. Asset Availability
Do you already have branding and dielines? Or are we starting from scratch?
4. Revisions and Feedback Cycles
Revisions aren’t bad—but they take time. Clear communication helps everyone stay on schedule (and on budget).
5. Timeline
Need it next week? Rushed timelines mean higher pricing.
6. Designer or Agency Experience
You’ll pay more for a senior-level team—but you’ll get strategic insight, faster execution, and higher-quality results.
According to Upwork and Clutch, freelance packaging designers typically charge $50–$150/hour. Boutique agencies range from $2,000–$8,000+ per project. At MOCK, the agency, our pricing is flexible based on your needs and scope.
Average Price Ranges
| Type of Design Resource | Estimated Cost |
| Template or DIY platform | $0–$200 |
| Junior-level freelancer | $300–$800 |
| Experienced freelancer | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Boutique agency (like MOCK) | $3,000–$10,000+ |
| Global agency or CPG firm | $25K+ per SKU |
These numbers reflect professional averages based on market data and real project quotes from design directories and freelance platforms.
How Long Does Packaging Design Take?
Simple packaging projects can be turned around in 5–10 hours. More complex work with multiple rounds, stakeholder input, and printer coordination may take 30–60+ hours.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Simple SKU / Existing brand: 1 week
- Moderate design with new dieline: 2–3 weeks
- Multi-SKU / strategic rebrand: 4–8 weeks
Your project timeline is largely shaped by how prepared your team is with brand assets, specs, and feedback. The more clarity and speed on your end, the faster we can execute.
What is the Value of Packaging Design?
It’s tempting to think of packaging as an afterthought. But if your product is sitting on a shelf, your box is your salesperson.
- Differentiates your brand from competitors
- Builds trust at the point of purchase
- Creates emotional engagement
- Drives repeat purchases
- Lowers your return rate and increases shelf life
In other words, packaging isn’t just a container—it’s a story. An experience. A brand signal. And product packaging that’s done right becomes one of your most powerful marketing channels.
How Do I Start a Package Design Project?
Even if you’re starting from scratch, here’s how to set yourself up for success:
1. Define Your Brand Identity
If your brand lacks direction, the packaging will, too. Clarify who you are, what you stand for, and what makes your product different.
2. Set a Budget That Fits Your Goals
Instead of asking “What’s the cheapest we can get this done?”—ask “What’s the best ROI we can achieve?” We’ll help you find that balance.
3. Hire a Partner (Not Just a Vendor)
You want a designer who understands what is package design, not just how to use Illustrator. MOCK works directly with marketing leads to solve real problems—not just make things pretty.
4. Share Specs and Examples
Come prepared with printer requirements, inspiration, and SKU details. The more we know upfront, the better your outcome.
5. Embrace Collaboration
Our best packaging projects happen when clients trust us to push the work further—visually and strategically.
At The End Of The Day
How much does a packaging design cost? The real question is: what’s it worth to your business?
For brands that want to grow, packaging is not just decoration—it’s a direct revenue driver. Whether you’re a new startup with a killer product or an established brand ready to level up, investing in packaging is one of the highest-ROI creative decisions you can make.
At MOCK, the agency, we combine strategy, storytelling, and visual craftsmanship to help brands win at the shelf—and in the minds of their customers.
Let’s build something that sells.
Don’t settle for generic packaging or frustrating freelancers. Work with a team that understands speed, strategy, and stunning creative.
Reach out to MOCK, the agency, today.We’ll build packaging that works as hard as you do.
- Website: https://mocktheagency.com/
- Phone: 470-225-6814
- Email: hello@mocktheagency.com
- Address: 247 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
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