Custom 1-2-3 Bottom Boxes

Custom 1-2-3 bottom boxes are a go-to packaging solution for brands that need durability without the high cost. With a smart three-step folding mechanism, these boxes lock securely into place—no glue, no tape—just sturdy, reliable packaging that works for real-world shipping and display.

At D Custom Boxes, we specialize in fully customized 1-2-3 bottom boxes tailored to your product size, branding, and customer experience. Whether you’re packaging candles, cosmetics, supplements, or fragile electronics, these boxes provide a secure base and a polished look.

Get A Free Quote.

Get your free quote today! Share your packaging needs, and we’ll provide a fast, premium estimate for custom, quality solutions.

Add-Ons

Elevate your brand image with our premium Add-Ons! Choose from glossy or matte lamination, spot gloss, foiling, embossing, debossing, and more to make your product packaging truly stand out.

Gloss Finishing

Provide a shimmery look to your packaging.

Matte Finishing

Offers a textured feel and understated elegance.

Gold Foiling

Creates reflective and luxurious looks.

Spot UV Coating

Makes printed elements vibrant & eye-catching.

Embossing

Raise graphic elements for a tactile effect.

Debossing

Recesses graphic elements for a subtle yet impactful design.

Holographic

Gives a three-dimensional and mesmerizing look.

Silver Foiling

Produces reflective and sophisticated aesthetics.

DIMENSIONS

All Custom Sizes & Shapes

PRINTING

CMYK, PMS, No Printing

PAPER STOCK

10pt to 28pt (60lb to 400lb) Eco-Friendly Kraft, E-flute Corrugated, Bux Board, Cardstock

QUANTITIES

100 – 500,000

COATING

Gloss, Matte, Spot UV

DEFAULT PROCESS

Die Cutting, Gluing, Scoring, Perforation

OPTIONS

Custom Window Cut Out, Gold/Silver Foiling, Embossing, Raised Ink, PVC Sheet.

PROOF

Flat View, 3D Mock-up, Free Sample Kit (On request)

TURN AROUND TIME

8-10 Business Days , Rush

SBS C1S

SBS C1S

SBS C2S

SBS C2S

CCNB

CCNB

Fully Recycled CCNB

Fully Recycled CCNB

Clay Coated Kraft Back (CCK)

Clay Coated Kraft Back (CCK)

White Kraft

Natural Brown Kraft

Uncoated Unbleached Kraft (UUK)

Uncoated Unbleached Kraft (UUK)

Black Kraft

Black Kraft

Textured

Textured

Metallic Paper

Metallic Paper

Holographic

Holographic

Custom 1-2-3 Bottom Boxes – Practical, Sturdy, and Built for Real Packaging Needs

If you’ve ever packed products by hand, you already know the pain of dealing with boxes that just don’t hold up flimsy bottoms, awkward folds, or setups that take forever. That is where 1-2-3 bottom boxes come in. They are not flashy but they get the job done and they do it well. At D Custom Boxes, we have worked with businesses big and small to create custom 1-2-3 bottom boxes for everything from candles to vitamins to boutique gift sets. They are one of the most easy packaging options out there. 

What Is a 1-2-3 Bottom Box?

This box gets its name from the three step folding process you use to lock the bottom flaps into place. It’s a manual setup, but one that offers great strength once fully assembled. Here’s how it works:
  1. You fold in two smaller bottom flaps.
  2. Then the larger rear flap.
  3. Finally, the front tab locks everything in place.
It takes a few seconds per box once you get used to the motion. That little extra step gives you a bottom that’s sturdier than most standard fold-and-tuck options—without needing glue or tape.

Why People Use 1-2-3 Bottom Boxes

These boxes are known for reliability and strength. They’re not the fastest to assemble (they’re slower than auto-lock bottoms), but they offer better weight support than basic tuck-end boxes, and they’re more cost-effective than crash-lock designs. Here’s why brands love them:
  • Holds More Weight: The bottom locks together tight and can hold heavier items without giving way.
  • Affordable: More budget-friendly than auto-lock bottom boxes, especially for large quantities.
  • Clean Finish: The exterior is smooth and professional—great for custom printing.

Customization Options

We’re not fans of “one size fits all” when it comes to packaging. That’s why our 1-2-3 bottom boxes are made to fit your exact product, with your brand in mind.

Custom Sizes

No two products are exactly alike, so why use a standard-size box? We’ll help you create the perfect size—tight enough to keep things secure but with enough room for inserts or padding if you need it.

Custom Printing

Whether you want a loud, bold design or something sleek and minimal, you can customize every inch of your box. We offer:
  • Full-color (CMYK) printing
  • Inside and outside printing
  • Spot colors or Pantone matching
  • Raised ink, embossing, and foil stamping
If you’re not a designer, no worries we’ll walk you through mockups and proofing before anything goes to print.

Finishing Touches

Make your box stand out on the shelf (or in an unboxing video). Choose from:
  • Matte or gloss lamination
  • Soft-touch coating (great for luxury or beauty brands)
  • UV spot gloss
  • Die-cut windows
  • Embossed or debossed elements 
Want something simple and crafty? We can do that. Want a fully printed masterpiece? We can do that too.

Eco-Friendly Materials

Eco Friendly is not just a trend, it’s something most of the customers care about. If your brand is eco conscious, we have got options that align with your values:
  • 100% recycled cardboard
  • FSC-certified materials
  • Soy-based inks
  • Biodegradable finishes
You don’t have to sacrifice strength or quality to go green.

What Are 1-2-3 Bottom Boxes Best For?

These boxes are ideal for products that have a bit of weight or need extra protection. Common uses include:
  • Candles (especially glass jars)
  • Cosmetics (like serums, creams, and compacts)
  • Supplements (bottles, powder containers)
  • Electronics (chargers, earbuds, gadgets)
  • Glass or fragile items
  • Retail kits (with multiple components)
  • Gift boxes for holidays or promos
If you’re selling something that might be dropped, jostled, or stacked during transit, this style gives you the strength to worry less.

1-2-3 Bottom vs. Auto Lock vs. Tuck End

Feature 1-2-3 Bottom Auto Lock Bottom Straight Tuck End
Assembly Time Moderate Fastest Fast
Strength High Very High Low to Moderate
Cost Moderate Higher Lower
Best For Weight + Budget High-speed lines Lightweight products
In short: if you want a good mix of durability and cost, the 1-2-3 bottom is your friend. It’s not quite as quick to set up as auto-lock, but you save money and still get a strong, secure box.

Ordering from D Custom Boxes

We work with everyone from Etsy sellers to national brands, and we’re set up to handle orders of all sizes.

Small Runs

Perfect for testing a new product, seasonal packaging, or launching a limited-edition line. We offer low minimums and fast turnaround.

Bulk Orders

If you’re ready to go big, we can scale up with you. Volume pricing, saved templates for easy reorders, and no hidden fees.

Personal Help

We don’t leave you guessing. A real person helps you through the process—from dieline design to material suggestions to final proofing. You’ll always know where your order stands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong are these compared to auto-lock bottoms? Very strong. While auto-lock is technically stronger for heavier loads, 1-2-3 bottoms hold their own—especially when folded correctly. Can I add inserts to the inside? Definitely. We can make custom-fit inserts to hold your product in place, whether it’s a glass jar, dropper bottle, or tech item. Do you ship samples? Yes, we’re happy to send out a sample before you place a full order. What’s the usual turnaround time? About 9–12 business days after final design approval. Rush options are available. Can I reorder with the same specs later? Absolutely. We save all your dielines and print files, so reorders are quick and painless.