Stock bags: fast, flexible, no minimums
Stock bags are pre-manufactured in standard sizes and available for immediate shipment with no minimum order. They come unprinted (plain white, kraft, or clear) or with a generic pattern. They're ideal for small businesses just starting out, pop-up events, or when you need bags immediately.
Custom bags: your brand on every bag
Custom bags are manufactured to your specifications and printed with your logo and artwork. They require a minimum order (typically 500–1,000 units) and 10–14 days production time. Every bag becomes a brand touchpoint — reinforcing your identity at checkout and beyond.
The cost comparison
Stock bags cost $0.05–$0.25 each with no setup. Custom bags cost $0.10–$0.80 each depending on size, quantity, and print complexity — but the per-unit price drops dramatically with volume. At 5,000 units, custom bags are often more economical than premium stock bags.
When custom makes more sense
Custom printing makes sense when: you order 500+ bags at a time, brand recognition matters to your customers, you want to differentiate from competitors, or you're scaling a retail business. The ROI on branded bags — customer retention, perceived quality, word-of-mouth — is significant.
Our recommendation
Start with stock bags to validate your packaging format and size. Once you have consistent order volumes (500+/month), transition to custom printed bags. Alef's team can help you design a custom bag program with a reorder schedule that keeps costs manageable.
explore eco-friendly options
Browse our full range of sustainable packaging solutions.