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Good packaging starts with a little possibility.
CUSTOM PRINTED PACKAGING
Made to hold your product. Designed to catch the eye.
BUILT IN THE USA
Section 1
Cards that let poly bags hang around.
A little detail. A big difference.
Header Cards for Retail Packaging
Custom header cards, also called bag toppers, are a low-cost way to turn plain poly bags into finished retail packaging.
Each printed header card folds over the bag opening and staples in place, creating hanging retail packaging that puts your product in front of shoppers.
Made from the same durable 18pt or 24pt paperboard we use for our custom boxes, header cards give simple packaging a substantial feel.
Cards that Pop—For Pennies
Want your packaging to stand out? Soft-touch coatings or spot gloss accents elevate printed header cards and bag toppers from simple to standout—often adding only pennies per piece.
Section 1-1
A CLOSER LOOK
Simple packaging can still stand out.
Short-run header card printing
Makes it easy to add branding and product information. Made from the same durable 18pt or 24pt paperboard we use for our custom boxes, header cards add strength while keeping packaging costs low.
A die-cut hang hole lets retailers display the product right where customers look first.
Header Card Packaging that Pops—For Pennies
Want your packaging to stand out? Soft-touch coatings or spot gloss accents elevate printed header cards and bag toppers from simple to standout—often adding only pennies per piece.
Section 2
When Should You Consider Header Cards?
When you want to give bagged products a finished retail look—and put them right in front of shoppers. Or when conventional packaging just doesn’t work for your product.
The advantages of header card packaging:
And what about rugs, towels, tools, and other bulky items?
These products are often better displayed directly so customers can see exactly what they’re buying.
So how do you get branding on these products?
Capacity-scored header cards solve this problem.
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Colorful hanging cards grab attention and give bagged products a finished retail look.
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Cards are designed to hang, giving retailers more ways to display your product in high-traffic areas.
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A low-cost, fold-and-staple solution for products that need simple hanging packaging.
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Capacity-scored cards for products that defy conventional packaging.
FIND YOUR FIT
See where this style can take you
Tiles
Poly bags Yes. But What Can You Do with These Cards?
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Poly Bags
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Rugs and Linens
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Gloves
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Sporting Goods
Section 2-1
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOUR PRODUCT?
Capacity-Scored Cards for Bulkier Products
Built to Hang Strong—But They Don’t Have To
Capacity-scored header cards are rectangular, U-shaped die-cut cards made from heavy-duty 18pt or 24pt paperboard and designed to wrap around thicker products.
Add die-cut hang holes for retail displays, or use them as wrap-style cards for bulky products that don’t need to hang.
Capacity-scored header cards are ideal for:
Towels & linens: Bath sheets, premium towels, and folded textiles
Rug & carpet samples: Thick flooring swatches
Tools & hardware: Pliers, wrenches, padlocks, and hose nozzles
Automotive accessories: Jumper cables and car care accessories
Pet products: Leashes, collars, and toys
Sporting goods: Jump ropes and resistance bands
Get a Quote in 3 Simple Steps
1.
Choose Your Box Style
2.
Enter Your Dimensions
3.
Get Instant Quote
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Size:
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Width
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Options:
UV
Hang Tab
Window
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24pt total costs
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How Does Box Pricing Work?
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Paper Thickness
Print Finishes
Measure
Reading a Ruler
Paperboard Thickness Chart
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What's a Good Paper Thickness for My Box?
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16pt (0.016″ ≈ slightly thicker than a business card)
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Best for very small product boxes.
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Rule of thumb: footprint (floor of the box) of about 1″ × 1″ or smaller.
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18pt (0.018″ ≈ just under credit-card thickness)
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Strong enough for most cosmetics, food, and shelf packaging.
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Cost-effective and versatile — the “everyday” choice for custom boxes.
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Rule of thumb: footprint of about 2.75″ × 2.75″ or smaller.
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24pt (0.024″ ≈ credit-card thickness)
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Stiffer and more rigid, with a premium feel in hand.
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Ideal for larger, heavier, or higher-end products where strength and presentation matter.
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Rule of thumb: footprint of about 3″ × 3″ or larger.
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Cardstock.... or Paperboard?
The paper behind your packaging matters
You may have seen box specs like “18pt cardstock” online — but not all 18pt paper is created equal.
• Cardstock: A thick paper used for crafts, postcards, and invitations. It’s cheaper and works for lighter packaging — but it lacks the stiffness and durability needed for most product boxes.
• Paperboard: A stiffer material engineered specifically for packaging. It folds cleanly, glues reliably, and holds its shape to protect your product — and your brand — on the shelf.
The key is knowing what you’re buying. In retail, your product box is what closes the sale — so it needs to perform and look its best. That’s why we use a quality paperboard — so your packaging doesn’t just hold together, it helps sell what’s inside.
Have Questions?
Drop us a line - We're Here to Help. We'll Get Back to You Right Away.
But packaging projects are rarely that simple. If you're launching multiple products,
We can often get you better costs.
Want a quick answer? Include your phone number and we'll give you a call. Prefer to talk now? Reach us at 1.800.555.1778.
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We're here to help you sell your product. Let's talk about your packaging.
Section 3
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOUR PRODUCT?
Benefits of Header Cards
Custom printed header cards turn simple packaging into a clean, professional retail presentation. They keep the product visible, add space for branding and product information, all at a very low cost.
Keep packaging costs low
Put the product right where customers look first
Pack fast—just fold and staple
Allows multiple in-store placements at once—more chances to sell
Section 3-1
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOUR PRODUCT?
Header Card
3-1 A Title
3-1 B Title
Section 4
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOUR PRODUCT?
Custom Card Options
Header cards can be customized to fit your product and display needs.
Choice of 18pt or 24pt paperboard
Sombrero or round die-cut hang holes
Capacity scoring for thicker or bulkier products
Multiple hang holes for heavier items
Rounded or custom die-cut corners
Frequently Asked Questions About Header Cards
What is a Header Card?
A header card is a stiff, custom printed card that folds over and staples to the top of a product - often a polybag. With a die cut hole for hanging, it makes it easy to display products in retail on pegs or hooks.
Do you Print Custom Header Cards and Bag Toppers?
Yes, we print custom header cards and bag toppers for a wide range of retail products -not just poly bags. Whether you need a standard printed header card or something with extra capacity for bulkier items, we can help you choose the right style and design for your packaging.
What Products Work Well With Header Card Packaging?
Any retail product that fits in a poly bag and needs to hang is perfect for header card packaging. Hanging products are easy for retailers to display in high-traffic areas—and often in multiple locations—giving your product maximum visibility. And that boosts sales.
What Is the Minimum Order Quantity for Header Card Printing?
Minimums typically start at 500 for header cards and bag toppers.
Start Your Custom Header Card Project
Let us know your product specs, bag size, and design preferences—we’ll help you choose the ideal paperboard weight, shape, and finish.
Work With a Team That Specializes in Paperboard Packaging
At The Box Co-op, we build high-quality packaging that punches above its weight. If you’re looking for header cards that don’t fold under pressure, you’re in the right place.