Bulk Pricing Guide: When to Order by the Pallet

One of the most common questions we hear from customers is when does it make sense to order packaging by the pallet instead of by the case. The answer depends on a few variables, but the math is usually straightforward and the savings can be significant for any operation that uses packaging consistently throughout the year.

Most packaging suppliers offer three pricing tiers: single unit, case, and pallet. The per-unit price drops significantly at each tier. A box that costs 1.20 each by the case might drop to 0.85 each on a full pallet, a 29 percent savings. Over the course of a year, that difference adds up quickly for high-volume operations.

To determine if a pallet order makes sense for your business, estimate your monthly usage. If you use 5 cases per month and each case holds 25 units, you consume 125 units per month. A pallet of 1,000 units would last about 8 months. If the pallet price saves you 0.30 per unit, that is 37.50 per month in savings. The larger upfront spend typically pays back within 2 to 3 months for most operations.

Before committing to pallet quantities, confirm you have adequate dry storage space. Corrugated boxes should be stored flat, off the floor, and away from moisture. A standard 48 by 40 inch pallet footprint requires about 16 square feet of floor space per pallet stack. Most operations can stack 4 to 6 pallets high with proper racking.

Products that make the most sense for pallet orders include standard RSC boxes in your highest-usage sizes, 12-count standard pulp egg cartons, packing tape, and stretch wrap. Browse our pallet pricing online or call (469) 489-4999 for a custom quote on your top-volume items.