Mailer box vs shipping box vs courier bag
Pick a mailer box when the unboxing moment matters, a regular-slotted shipping box when you need stacking strength or odd-shaped goods, and a courier bag when the product is soft, light and does not need a rigid wall.
Updated 5 Sept 2026 · PackWorks By Velun, Karnal
Mailer boxes
A mailer is a corrugated tray with a tuck-top lid and ear-lock. It ships flat, folds in seconds, and presents like a gift. PackWorks stocks plain white, kraft and nine signature colours. Best for cosmetics, jewellery, apparel accessories, subscription boxes and any D2C brand that photographs the open box.
Shipping boxes (RSC cartons)
A regular slotted carton (RSC) has four flaps that meet in the middle and is sealed with tape. It is the workhorse of Indian logistics — cheaper per cube, stronger when stacked, and available from jewellery flats (3 × 2 × 2 inch) to export cubes. Choose 3-ply or 5-ply on the product page.
Courier bags
Tamper-evident polyethylene bags with a permanent adhesive strip. They weigh almost nothing, so courier actual-weight slabs stay low. Use them for garments, fabric, soft toys and documents — not for bottles, jars or anything that can puncture the film.
Side-by-side
| Mailer box | Shipping box (RSC) | Courier bag | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall | Corrugated, rigid | Corrugated, stackable | Plastic film |
| Closure | Tuck + ear lock | Tape on flaps | Permanent adhesive |
| Unboxing | High | Functional | Tear-open |
| Best for | D2C, gifting, cosmetics | General cargo, export | Apparel, soft goods |
| Typical HSN | 4819 10 10 | 4819 10 10 | 3923 |
| Custom print MOQ | 500 pcs | 500 pcs | Ask for a quote |