Calculate cost per custom box by dividing the complete order cost by the number of acceptable boxes supplied. Separate fixed job preparation from costs that grow with quantity. This makes the difference between orders of 10, 50 and 100 visible and gives you a basis for a minimum order charge.
Define the cost boundary before entering numbers
Choose whether the worksheet covers unprinted blanks, printed blanks or finished assembled packaging. Include design approval, nesting, machine setup, material, cutting, creasing, inspection and packing within that scope. Keep freight and tax treatment consistent across quotes. For a shared machine, use an internal hourly cost that reflects the utilization and expenses your business actually incurs.
| Cost component | Calculation basis |
|---|---|
| Job preparation | Time to check the file, revise it and establish the approved setup |
| Material | Purchased sheets consumed, including setup and unusable remnants |
| Processing | Measured operator and machine time without double counting overlapping tasks |
| Completion | Assembly, inspection, replacement pieces and packing |
Use a quantity example to understand setup cost
Suppose preparation costs $30 and all quantity-dependent work costs $1.20 per accepted box. These are hypothetical teaching figures, separate from any JEKE equipment price or service quotation. Total order cost is $30 plus $1.20 multiplied by quantity. Ten boxes cost $42, or $4.20 each. Fifty cost $90, or $1.80 each. One hundred cost $150, or $1.50 each. Add the margin required by your own business after establishing cost.
In an actual order, material yield may change in steps as another full sheet becomes necessary. Update sheet consumption for every quantity instead of assuming a perfectly smooth curve. Track rework caused by a customer revision separately from production defects so you know which work belongs in an extra charge. Retain the original quote assumptions for later review.
Frequently asked questions
Should machine time and labor both be included?
Include each real cost once. If your machine rate already includes operator labor, adding that labor again overstates the cost.
Can I price ten boxes at the hundred-box unit rate?
Check whether a separate setup charge covers the preparation. Otherwise short jobs can consume time without recovering their costs.
What data helps compare equipment?
Give JEKE the file mix and quantities, then use measured time and good-sheet yield from a sample trial to replace the assumptions in your worksheet.
Plan a sample trial with JEKE
Contact JEKE with the trial details above. Explore the digital cutting machine range and check the material application overview for context.
Related guide: How Do You Calculate Digital Cutting vs Steel-Rule Die Break-Even?.
