Rigid Boxes vs Tuck Boxes

In the world of packaging, the choice between rigid boxes and tuck boxes can significantly influence the presentation and protection of your cards.

Rigid boxes are known for their sturdiness and premium feel, made from densely constructed board, corner-stayed and then wrapped with high-quality paper. These boxes are non-collapsible and provide excellent protection, making them ideal for luxury items like collectible tarot decks and premium playing cards. Their construction not only enhances the unboxing experience but also reinforces brand value. Also known as two-part boxes have a base and a lift-off lid. The standard interior is lined with white paper, but this can be personalised to a black lined paper upon request. The exterior of the box is wrapped with your custom design printed on a high-quality material that is laminated with either a textured, matte or gloss finish.

As the standard at Ivory, our playing card tuck boxes are printed in CMYK on a high-quality box board. Tuck boxes are more versatile and cost-effective than rigid boxes, constructed from a single piece of board that is folded, glued and tucked into itself, tuck boxes are lightweight and easily assembled. They are suitable for lighter items such as playing cards. The simplicity of tuck boxes also allows for dynamic printing options, making them ideal for personalised packaging in promotional campaigns.

Both of our rigid boxes and tuck boxes have the same lamination options:

• Textured: High-quality linen finish offering a tactile feel.
• Matte: Smooth, non-glossy feel; offers a modern, elegant finish while protecting the print.
• Gloss: High-shine surface that enhances colours and creates a vibrant look.

Our experienced team of designers will work closely with you to ensure that your packaging is tailored to your specific requirements. Request a quote to discuss your printing needs and let us help you create packaging that truly stands out.

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Cost Comparison

At Ivory, we help bring your vision to life with packaging and finishes that speak to your brand’s story - be it understated, bold, or exquisitely refined. We also offer prototyping so you can see and feel the result before full production.

Feature	Rigid Boxes	Tuck Boxes
Unit Cost	Less cost-effective, but improves for larger volumes.	Much more cost-effective, especially in larger volumes.
Production Timeline	Longer turnaround since it is a more manual process.	Faster since it is easier and quicker to produce and assemble.
Brand Appeal	Elevates your cards to a luxury market that pay more per deck.	Suitable for mass markets like retail due to cheaper unit cost.

Durability Comparison

Rigid boxes are built for strength, making them the go-to choice when durability, product protection, and presentation are paramount. Ideal for high-value card packs or when presentation is critical.

Tuck boxes, while cost-effective and compact, are better suited to lighter handling. Perfect for mass production or prototype editions where budget and simplicity are key.

Feature	Rigid Boxes	Tuck Boxes
Structural Strength	Strong made with a thick board and maintains shape under pressure.	More flexible and prone to bending under pressure.
Weight Tolerance	Can hold more weight without collapsing.	Designed for smaller decks; may distort over time with a large quantity of cards.
Impact Resistance	Resistant to crushing, denting, or surface damage.	Susceptible to edge wear and tearing with heavy use.

Capacity Comparison

Rigid boxes excel when your card pack requires extra room; whether for oversized cards, in-depth guidebooks, or additional elements like tokens or decorative inserts. They offer unmatched flexibility and are ideal for larger, more comprehensive card decks.

Tuck boxes are efficient and compact, well-suited to standard card-only sets with minimal extras. Their slim profile makes them practical for retail shelves and easy distribution, but less versatile for complex or larger offerings.

Feature	Rigid Boxes	Tuck Boxes
Size Flexibility	From 20mm to 50mm deep depending on card size.	From 12mm to 80mm deep depending on card size.
Inserts & Trays	Can include cardboard inserts to hold cards or guidebooks.	Usually no insert; if included, it's a basic folded card spacer.

Versatility Comparison

Rigid boxes provide maximum versatility, particularly for creators looking to go beyond a simple deck. Whether you're including multiple items, aiming for a premium experience, or exploring non-standard box shapes, rigid packaging allows for complete creative freedom. Tuck boxes are more streamlined, offering cost-effective and practical packaging for standard decks. While less customisable, they remain a versatile choice for core offerings, sample packs, or first editions.

Feature	Rigid Boxes	Tuck Boxes
Travelling	Larger making them less convenient for transport.	Slim and lightweight - ideal for carrying on the go or fitting in a pocket.
Usage Applications	Perfect for premium retail, collector’s editions, and multi-item card decks.	Ideal for mass production, retail, and simple card decks.
Presentation Value	Offers a luxury, memorable unboxing experience - ideal for impressing customers.	Functional and efficient for retail.