Point of sale packaging
Point of sale packaging helps products stand neatly, carry the message clearly, and hold up on shelf or at the till point. MGP Services produces printed cartons and display packaging from Durban for retail promotions, launches, hampers and everyday in store presentation.
What is included in point of sale packaging
Our point of sale packaging service covers printed cartons and display packs used to present products in shops, pharmacies, forecourts, showrooms and event retail spaces. This includes outer cartons with strong visual branding, shelf ready packs, counter units, promo sleeves, product wraps, windowed cartons, insert trays and simple display outers that open for immediate merchandising. Where needed, we also handle die cutting, creasing, folding and gluing so the packs arrive ready for filling or close to final assembly.
Work can be produced by digital, lithographic or flexographic printing depending on quantity, substrate and finish required. Short promotional runs are often suited to digital print, while larger repeat volumes may suit litho or flexo for better economy over volume. We will advise on the practical route based on pack size, artwork coverage and how the finished pack will be used in store.
- Retail promo cartons and sleeves
- Counter display packs and shelf ready outers
- Gift and hamper presentation packs
- Insert cards, dividers and support pieces
- Window patches, cut outs and hanging tabs where suitable
- Packing for despatch within Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and nationally
Typical materials, sizes and print options
Point of sale packaging is usually made from folding box board, white lined board, kraft based board, micro flute and selected corrugated grades for stronger outers and display packs. Material choice depends on the product weight, whether the pack must stand upright for a full promotional period, and whether it will be handled often by store staff and shoppers. In coastal humidity around Durban, some boards can soften if they are under specified so stock choice matters.
Print can be single colour up to full colour process, with optional solid brand colours where consistency is important. Finishing may include gloss or matt varnish, lamination where extra scuff resistance is needed, spot emphasis, creasing for clean folds, die cut windows and glued side seams or crash lock bases. If a pack will carry food, cosmetics or regulated consumer goods, the client must confirm the exact compliance wording and panel requirements before print.
- Common board ranges from light carton stock up to heavier display board
- Flat supplied cartons for easier transport and storage
- Pre glued options for faster packing on site
- Windowed packs and shaped headers for visibility
- Barcode, batch area and date area can be allowed for in artwork
How the process works step by step
We start with the intended use of the packaging. That means understanding the product size, product weight, where it will be displayed, how it will be packed, and whether the pack is for a short campaign or ongoing retail use. From there we propose a suitable style, board and print method.
Once the pack style is agreed, a cutter guide or layout is prepared showing all panels, folds, glue areas and cut outs. Artwork is then placed to suit the panel layout, making sure important text does not fall on folds, lock tabs or glue flaps. A proof is checked before production begins. For larger or more complex jobs a physical sample may be recommended so fit and presentation can be checked first, this avoids costly changes later.
After approval, the job moves into print production, followed by finishing. Sheets or reels are cut, die cut, creased, folded and glued as needed. Units are then counted, packed and labelled for collection or despatch. If the cartons will be filled at another site, we can pack them flat in practical bundle quantities to simplify transport and handling.
What you need to prepare before ordering
The smoothest jobs are the ones that arrive with clear product and artwork information. Before sending an enquiry, it helps to know the product dimensions, target quantity, intended shelf life of the promotion, and whether the pack must hold one item or several. If the packaging needs to fit inside another shipper or onto standard shelving, include those limits too. This small bit of planning saves time and avoids rework.
- Finished product size in millimetres
- Product weight and whether it is fragile
- Expected order quantity and if repeats are likely
- Print files in print ready format with fonts outlined or supplied
- Barcode, legal copy, ingredient panels or warnings where applicable
- Any special packing instruction for stores or national despatch
If you do not yet have final artwork, we can still quote from the pack size, style and quantity. It is also useful to tell us if the packs will be stored in a warm warehouse, moved between branches, or used at events where setup time is tight. Those practical details affect material choice quite a bit.
How pricing is worked out
Pricing is based on the pack style, flat size, board grade, print process, colour coverage, finishing steps and total quantity. A simple straight line glued carton is usually quicker to produce than a shaped display pack with windows, inserts and multiple glue points. Quantity matters as well. Short runs carry more setup cost per unit, while longer runs often reduce the unit rate if the specification stays the same.
Other factors include varnish or lamination, hand work, bundling requirements, sample making and whether the job must be packed flat or erected. Delivery is quoted according to volume, destination and handling requirements. Because each job differs, the best route is to send your brief through the enquiry form on our contact page for a proper quote rather than guessing from a generic rate.
If you are comparing digital, litho and flexo options, we can quote more than one production method where suitable. That helps clients balance lead time, finish and volume without over ordering.
Packing, delivery and aftercare
Finished point of sale packaging is counted, bundled and packed to protect edges, corners and printed faces during transport. Flat packed cartons are usually the most efficient for national despatch, while erected units may be suitable for local campaigns where immediate setup is needed. We deliver from Durban across KwaZulu-Natal and arrange despatch across South Africa, with packaging planned around practical handling rather than fancy presentation.
After delivery, store the cartons in a dry indoor area away from direct heat and damp floors. Keep packs in their outer wrapping until needed, especially in coastal conditions where moisture can affect stiffness. Avoid stacking too high on light display packs, and rotate stock if the promotion runs over a longer period. If any issue is noticed on receipt, such as transit damage or a packing discrepancy, report it promptly with photos and bundle labels so the service team can check and advise.
For repeat work, keeping one approved sample on your side helps a lot. It gives your packing team a simple reference for assembly and presentation, and makes the next order quicker to confirm.
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Questions we get asked
Can you help with both small promotional runs and bulk retail packaging?
Yes. We handle short run point of sale packaging as well as larger repeat orders, using the print method that best suits the quantity and finish.
Do you supply the cartons assembled?
Where the design allows, cartons can be supplied flat packed or pre glued. The best option depends on storage space, filling method and delivery distance.
What file format should artwork be supplied in?
Print ready PDF files are generally preferred, with fonts outlined and images prepared at suitable resolution. Final artwork should match the approved cutter guide.
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Ask for a quote
Send the print, packaging or branding details, sizes, quantities and delivery town through the contact form, and MGP Services will reply with a quote for the work.
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