Why we work with brokers

Brimar started in 1993 with a goal of building the best American box manufacturing company with the best customer service. Our mission is to bring the supply chain home for American manufacturers. We can only reach so many of them ourselves, so we work with brokers across the country who find US manufacturers that believe in keeping their supply chain here.

What we make for your clients

Brimar is a custom manufacturer. Everything is made to order. Our product lines include:

• Set-up (rigid) boxes: two-piece lid-and-base boxes that ship fully assembled
• Vinyl boxes: clear two-piece boxes
• Folding boxes
• Specialty boxes
• Custom box inserts

Not sure whether a project fits? Read What types of boxes doesn’t Brimar make? before you quote it to your client. If your client needs stock boxes, our FAQ points to Wildcat Wholesale.

What you get as a broker

Free sales resources

Our free resources page offers a Brimar Packaging info sheet and sales sheets for rigid set-up boxes, vinyl boxes, folding boxes and box inserts, so you can answer client questions with confidence.

Samples

Call 800-696-3080 to order samples. We can often send samples of similar boxes we’ve already made, and we can make custom samples. There is sometimes a fee for custom samples, and sometimes they’re free. See Can I get a sample or see a proof before my boxes are made?

Long and short runs

We can produce both long and short runs. For most custom set-up boxes, the minimum is usually 250, though it can vary by project. See What is the minimum order for set-up boxes?

Warehousing

We have a clean, dry, temperature-controlled warehouse and can hold product for your clients and release it when they need it.

Freight

We’re in the Midwest, and we can offer affordable freight options anywhere in the continental USA and Canada. We can extend our pre-negotiated Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) rates to you and your clients. Your quote states who pays freight.

How a broker project typically goes

The steps are the same as for any Brimar order, described in Our Order Process:

1. Inquiry. Send us the details: box type, size, material preferences, the quantities to quote, and any design ideas. The quote checklist shows everything that helps.
2. Consultation and quote. A Custom Box Expert recommends options and sends a quote showing prices by quantity, payment terms and freight responsibility.
3. Approval and proof. After the order is confirmed, we send a layout sheet, then a full-color, to-size art proof that must be signed and returned.
4. Production and shipping. Most orders are produced within 3-4 weeks of artwork approval and order entry. You’ll receive tracking information once the order ships.

Questions to ask us up front

• How should we handle quotes, billing, shipping and communication between you, your client and Brimar?
• What do you need from your client for an accurate quote?
• Are there paper, finish or size choices that could affect your client’s budget or timeline?

Terms and arrangements can differ by project, so we’ll confirm them with you directly rather than guess here.

Let’s talk

If you work with clients who value quality, American-made packaging, we’d like to hear from you. Call 800-696-3080 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Eastern) or use our quote form. Learn more on our Packaging Brokers page.

Two different things: samples and proofs

People often use these words interchangeably, but they do different jobs.

• A sample is a real box you can hold. It helps you judge size, strength, feel and style.
• An art proof is a picture of your finished design, drawn to size, that you approve before we print and manufacture your boxes.

Option 1: Samples of boxes we’ve already made

We save a handful of boxes from the jobs we run, so we can often send you samples of similar boxes. This is a quick way to compare lid styles, wrap papers or inserts. Samples depend on what we have on the shelf, so we can’t promise a match for every project. Ask your Custom Box Expert what’s available for your type of box.

Option 2: A custom sample of your box

If you want to check that a box is strong enough, large enough for your product, or laid out the way you imagine, we can make a custom sample. Custom samples are sometimes made for a fee. Talk with your Custom Box Expert about what your sample would involve and what it might cost. Our quote checklist shows what to send so the sample is built right.

Option 3: Material samples

If you only need to choose papers, foils or board colors, we can send samples of those materials to help you decide. See What papers and wraps can cover a set-up box? for a look at the choices.

Your art proof: how it works

Once you’ve reviewed your quote and confirmed your order, here’s what happens with artwork:

1. We send a layout sheet. It’s a digital template for your box so your artwork lands in the right place.
2. You send your artwork. See How do I prepare artwork for a printed set-up box? for file tips. If your files are too large to email, ask us how to send them.
3. We send a proof. It’s a full-color, to-size, high-resolution art proof.
4. You sign and return it. Production is based on the proof you approve, so check spelling, logos, color placement and box orientation carefully.

How samples and proofs fit with lead time

Our 3-4 week lead time for most orders is counted from artwork approval and order entry. That’s why a quick, careful proof review helps. If you also want a custom sample, tell us up front so we can plan around it. See Custom Setup Box Lead Time and Custom Folding Box Lead Time.

Tips for getting the most from a sample or proof

• Send your product, or exact measurements, so we can fit the box to it.
• Test the sample with your product inside. Check how it opens and how it feels in your hand.
• Ask us to explain anything on the proof you don’t understand, such as where foil or embossing will go.
• Share the proof with everyone who needs to sign off before you return it.

Get started

Want to see what’s available for your project? Use our quote form, or call 800-696-3080 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Eastern) and a Custom Box Expert will talk through your options. You can also read the full steps in Our Order Process.

A folding box is any cardboard box made of chipboard that ships flat and needs to be assembled. When documenting or communicating the size of a folding box, it’s important to list the measurements in a consistent and universally understood order. This ensures accuracy for packaging, shipping, storage, manufacturing, and product descriptions.

The standard format for folding box measurements is:

Length × Width × Depth (L × W × D)

Sometimes “Depth” is also called “Height.”

1. Understanding Each Dimension

Using the reference image above:

Length (L)

• The longer side of the folding box opening.
• Runs horizontally from left to right when the folding box is viewed from above.
• In the image, this is shown along the bottom front edge.

Width (W)

• The shorter side across the opening of the folding box.
• Runs horizontally from front to back.
• In the image, this is shown along the right edge of the folding box.

Depth (D)

• The vertical height of the folding box. Not a dimension of an open side.
• Measured from the top edge of the opening to the bottom.
• In the image, this is indicated along the left-hand side of the folding box.

2. How to Measure Correctly

1. Flatten the box, even better if you can separate the glue flap and lay the unglued box flat.
2. Use a ruler or tape measure that reads in inches.
3. Measure inside the box for the most accurate internal dimensions.

Measure the following:

• Length (L): Inside edge to inside edge along the longest side of the opening.
• Width (W): Inside edge to inside edge along the shorter side of the opening.
• Depth (D): From the inside bottom to the inside top edge.

3. Writing Box Measurements

Always list the dimensions in this order:

Length × Width × Depth

Example: 3 in × 2 in x 8 in

Do not rearrange the order. Even if two dimensions are equal, the sequence remains the same.

4. Tips for Clear Communication

• Always measure and speak about the inside dimensions.
• Try to measure in inches.

5. Summary

By following the L × W × D format, anyone reading the measurements will understand the exact size and orientation of the box.

A set up box is a two piece cardboard box that does not collapse flat without destroying it. When documenting or communicating the size of a set up box, it’s important to list the measurements in a consistent and universally understood order. This ensures accuracy for packaging, shipping, storage, manufacturing, and product descriptions.

The standard format for set up box measurements is:

Length × Width × Depth (L × W × D)

Sometimes “Depth” is also called “Height.”

1. Understanding Each Dimension

Using the reference image above:

Length (L)

• The longer side of the set up box opening.
• Runs horizontally from left to right when the set up box is viewed from above.
• In the image, this is shown along the bottom front edge.

Width (W)

• The shorter side across the opening of the set up box.
• Runs horizontally from front to back.
• In the image, this is shown along the left edge of the set up box.

Depth (D)

• The vertical height of the set up box. Not a dimension of an open side.
• Measured from the top edge of the opening to the bottom.
• In the image, this is indicated along the right-hand side of the set up box.

2. How to Measure Correctly

1. Remove the lid, if there is one (as shown in the image).
2. Use a ruler or tape measure that reads in inches.
3. Measure inside the box for the most accurate internal dimensions.

Measure the following:

• Length (L): Inside edge to inside edge along the longest side of the opening.
• Width (W): Inside edge to inside edge along the shorter side of the opening.
• Depth (D): From the inside bottom to the inside top edge.

3. Writing Box Measurements

Always list the dimensions in this order:

Length × Width × Depth

Example: 8 in × 3 in × 2 in

Do not rearrange the order. Even if two dimensions are equal, the sequence remains the same.

4. Tips for Clear Communication

• Always measure and speak about the inside dimensions.
• Try to measure in inches.

5. Summary

By following the L × W × D format, anyone reading the measurements will understand the exact size and orientation of the box.

Order Process Steps

1. Initial Inquiry

• Contact Information: Reach out via phone at 800-696-3080 or email at Sales@BrimarPackaging.com.
• Details to Provide: Specify your packaging needs, including box type, size, material preferences, quantities to quote, and any design ideas you may have.

2. Consultation

• Customization Discussions: Brimar’s team will engage in a discussion to understand your specific requirements.
• Recommendations: They’ll suggest suitable packaging options based on your product type, industry, and branding needs.

3. Quotation

• Cost Estimates: After gathering your requirements, Brimar will provide a cost estimate for your order.
• Pricing Transparency: The quotes will include a breakdown of prices vs order quantity. It will show product details for each item.
• Terms: The bottom of the quotation will contain our payment terms, who is obligated to pay for freight, and any other manufacturing notes.

4. Order Confirmation

• Approval Required: Once you review the quote and agree on the terms, you’ll need to confirm the order.
• Artwork Submission: If you have custom designs or logos, we will supply you with a digital layout sheet to place your artwork in. We will send you a full color, to size, high resolution art proof for your approval that you will need to sign and return to Brimar.

5. Production

• Lead Time: Standard production lead times will be communicated. Factors like customization and materials can influence these timelines.
• Quality Assurance: Brimar emphasizes quality control throughout the production process to ensure the packaging meets your specifications.

6. Shipping and Delivery

• Shipping Options: Discuss shipping methods and timelines to ensure your packaging arrives on schedule.
• Tracking Information: Once dispatched, you’ll receive tracking information to monitor your order’s progress.

7. Post-Order Support

• Customer Service: Brimar offers continued support even after your order is delivered. Contact us for any questions or additional assistance.
• Feedback: We value your feedback and encourage you to share your experience to improve their services.

Conclusion

Brimar Packaging’s structured order process ensures that you receive tailored packaging solutions that meet your needs while maintaining exceptional quality and service.