Auto Lock Bottom Box

Custom Auto Lock Bottom Boxes Wholesale That Ship Flat and Pop Open

What an auto lock bottom box is

An auto lock bottom box, also called a crash lock or 1-2-3 bottom box, is a folding carton with a base that locks itself when you open the box. The carton ships flat. When you pull the sides apart, the bottom panels fall into place and lock, so the box is ready to fill in seconds. Automatic bottom boxes and auto bottom folding cartons are chosen when packing speed matters, since no taping or folding of the base is needed. The locked base carries heavier items, so an auto lock bottom carton works for jars, bottles, sets, and gift items. Auto lock bottom boxes for cosmetics are popular with brands that pack many orders by hand.

Sizes and how to measure

Box size is written as length x width x height, measured inside. Measure your product at its widest points, and add a small gap. Tell us the weight as well, because the base carries the load. The base of this style is a locking structure, so the box needs enough width and depth for the panels to lock. We check this on the dieline. Tell us your product and weight, and we suggest an inside size.

Example sizes (approximate and for reference only; we confirm the exact size before you order):

• Cream jar: about 3 in x 3 in x 3.5 in
• Bottle set: about 6 in x 4 in x 3 in
• Gift set: about 8 in x 5 in x 3 in
• Large bottle: about 8 in x 3 in x 3 in

Paperboard, finishes, and options

Folding cartons are made from paperboard, a smooth board that is printed flat, cut, scored, and folded. Thicker board feels firmer and protects heavier products, and thinner board costs less. Boxes arrive flat and ready to assemble, so they take little space to store. Finishes include matte or gloss lamination, soft touch, foil, embossing, and spot gloss. Thicker board helps the locked base carry weight. A sample kit lets you feel the board and test the fit.

Printing and finishing

Printing can be full color on the outside, with a one color or full color print inside. Keep key text and logos inside the safe area on the dieline, away from folds and glue flaps. We set up the folds and the cut lines on the free dieline, and you approve it before production. Keep logos and text away from the base folds, where the lock panels overlap.

Why brands choose a ship flat locked base

The main advantage is speed and space. The cartons ship flat and take little room to store, and the base locks when you open the carton, so a packer can set up a box in seconds. This saves labor when you pack many orders by hand. The locked base is also stronger than a simple tuck, so it suits heavier items. A sample kit lets you test the set-up time and the load.

Auto lock compared with snap lock

Auto lock and snap lock bottoms are close cousins. The auto lock base is built for heavier loads and a strong hold. A snap lock base is quicker to set up and suits lighter products. If your product weighs more than a few pounds or you want extra strength, choose auto lock. For lighter items, see the snap lock style.

Labeling notes

Product boxes often carry text such as ingredients, net contents, directions, and warnings, and what is required depends on your product and your market. You supply all text and the layout, and we print what you send. We do not write or check text or claims, and you are responsible for making sure your boxes meet the rules for your product.

Orders from 50 units

Orders start at 50 units, which suits a new brand, a test batch, or a small giveaway. Larger orders cost less per box, and they can be planned in several sizes and designs. Share your expected yearly volume during the free consultation and we plan around it.

Artwork and dieline

We send a free dieline that shows the box size, the shape, the cut line, and the safe area, so you can see where your artwork goes and where text should stay clear. Supply artwork as a vector AI or PDF file with fonts outlined and images at 300 DPI in CMYK. If you have no artwork yet, free design support and a free consultation are included, and our team can help lay out the logo and the text from your brand colors. You review and approve the artwork before production starts.

How to order custom auto lock bottom boxes

1. Choose your box size, shape, and material.
2. Order a $39 sample kit if you want to feel the stocks and test the fit first. The $39 is credited toward your order total.
3. Send your quantity, starting at 50 units.
4. Receive your free dieline and add your artwork, or ask for help.
5. Review and approve the artwork.
6. Production takes 6 to 8 business days after artwork approval, and your order ships free to one U.S. address.

The final price depends on box style, dimensions, board thickness, quantity, printing, and finishing.

What comes with every order

• Free shipping to one U.S. address
• Free thank-you cards equal to the units ordered
• Free design support, free dieline, and free consultation
• Orders start at 50 units
• Eco-friendly materials sourced from certified suppliers