Five Key Factors That Determine the Cost of Custom Stand-Up Pouches

Creating excellent packaging is more than just picking a pouch and printing a logo. For many clients, understanding the cost of custom stand-up pouches is one of the first steps toward launching or refreshing a product. Whether you're a startup making your first run or a growing brand switching to flexible packaging, knowing what drives pricing helps you budget confidently and avoid unexpected costs.

Let's examine the key factors that influence the price of custom stand-up pouches and how we make the process easy, affordable, and fast.

1. How Quantity Impacts Price

The more you order, the lower your cost per pouch.

One of the most significant cost drivers in flexible packaging is quantity. Like many manufacturing processes, printing custom pouches benefits from economies of scale. Larger orders spread setup and material costs across more units, bringing the per-unit cost down significantly.

At The Packaging Lab, we offer no minimum order quantity, so you can start small and scale as you grow. This is especially valuable for startups, limited releases, or when you need to test different packaging before launch. Whether you need 50 pouches or 5,000, we’ll help you find the most cost-effective approach.

2. Material and Finish Options

Your choice of materials and finishes can affect both durability and price.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pouch materials. We offer options like:

• PET/LLDPE (transparent or metalized)
• Kraft paper laminates
• White or natural barrier films

Each material has different moisture and oxygen barrier properties, making them better suited for specific products like coffee, supplements, or snacks. Finishes like glossy or matte and features like clear windows or resealable zippers also affect the final cost. A matte finish might create a premium look, while zippers improve functionality, but both can slightly increase the price per pouch.

3. Size and Pouch Style

Larger pouches require more material, which naturally raises the cost.

Stand-up pouches come in various sizes, from small sample packs to large resealable bags for bulk items. The size directly impacts the material and labor involved.

Similarly, pouch style matters. A custom stand-up pouch with a gusseted bottom requires more fabrication than a lay-flat pouch, and roll stock film is priced differently since it's designed for automated filling. If you're unsure what style works best for your product, we offer a free sample pack with all 20 sizes to help you test before you commit.

4. Design and Printing Complexity

More detailed designs can influence production time and pricing.

Whether you upload your design or use our Design For Me service, what you print affects pricing. Full-color graphics, custom dielines, white ink for clear windows, and edge-to-edge artwork can require more setup or printing passes.

That said, we don’t charge for plates or setups; all our pricing is displayed upfront with no hidden fees. Our online pricing calculator lets you explore different artwork options and see how they affect your budget—anytime, day or night.

5. Turnaround Time and Shipping

Rush production may slightly raise costs, but it keeps your project on schedule.

Need your packaging fast? We offer production in as fast as 24 hours, a speed advantage that very few competitors can match. This is ideal for urgent launches or restocks.

We also provide free FedEx Ground shipping within the continental U.S., so the price you see is the price you pay. No extra charges for freight or handling mean a simpler, stress-free experience.

Why Packaging Costs Should Matter to You

Understanding the cost of custom stand-up pouches can help you plan smarter. With us, you're not just getting packaging—you're gaining a partner dedicated to streamlining your process. Whether running a short test batch or preparing for a national rollout, knowing what drives costs helps you get the best value without sacrificing quality or speed. You'll have the support you need every step of the way, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your product and your customers.

The Packaging Lab Transparent Pricing You Can Trust

Navigating the world of custom pouch packaging can be overwhelming, but our goal is to simplify the pricing process. We built our business around making custom pouch packaging easy, transparent, and fast. That includes real-time pricing with our online estimator, no minimum orders, and free proofs sent for approval before we print. We automatically kick off production 12 hours after proof delivery unless you request a change—no delays, no confusion.

Get High-Quality Custom Packaging Fast—Start Your Order Today

The price of custom stand-up pouches depends on several key factors: quantity, material, size, design complexity, and delivery speed. At The Packaging Lab, we've streamlined every part of the process so you can get premium, eye-catching pouches without the long lead times or high order minimums typical of traditional packaging suppliers.

We're proud to serve brands across Minnesota and the U.S. as the go-to source for custom flexible packaging. Whether you're a startup launching your first product or an established company updating your look, you can contact The Packaging Lab today for fast, reliable, and professional service. We deliver a quick, transparent, flexible, and supportive packaging experience—built for quality, convenience, and conversion.