Let’s face it: times are tough and we are all trying to save money wherever we can, it is so easy to go with a company that has the lowest digipak price.
Remember this: NOT ALL DIGIPAKS ARE CREATED EQUAL. While price is an important factor, there are many other details to consider as well before you make the decision.

1. Thickness of cardstock: Digipaks essentially replace the plastic in standard jewel cases, so the cardboard must be strong and thick so it can withstand normal wear and tear. The thickness of the paper is especially important in the spine area, where there is only 1 layer of cardboard. Compare the thickness of the cardboard between different samples, and ask for the thickness of the stock used in points (pt). Our standard digipaks are made with 20pt cardboard.

2. Evenness of edges: Digipaks are constructed on a flat piece of cardboard, then it is cut and folded into shape. The trim must be precise and straight or sometimes where the edges are glued, you will see uneven edges, exposing the white side of the cardboard. Check for proper amount of glue in the corners, if they are coming apart you know that down the line the digipaks are not going to look the same as when you first got them.

3. Recyclable vs Recycled paper: all paper is recyclable; when a cardboard product is labeled containing ‘recycled content’, ask for the percentage of post consumer waste content (PCW). Generally regular paper stock including regular copy paper, glossy paper for jewel case, amaray insert, and cardboard stock for jacket, wallet and digipak contain 10-20% post consumer waste. Make sure to find out the amount of post consumer waste content and compare, generally speaking, the more the PCW content the more expensive the stock is.

4. Die cuts and pockets: a die is used to cut, shape the digipak into the right form. If your project requires a special pocket for a booklet , or an unusual size, ask the vendor to make sure they are capable of making a die, and if there will be an extra charge. A manufacturer that is specialized in making custom packaging can basically make any die, any shape and any pocket imaginable.

5. Stock finishes: this should be something that all digipak manufacturers offer. Standard finishes include aqueous (AQ), UV gloss, matte and reverse (uncoated). It is an easy way to look different from other digipak packages without making very complicated changes to artwork. Compare the different finishes and decide which ones work the best. Note: matte finish is generally more prone to scratches and finger smudges, while UV gloss will preserve the surface the best.

With all that in mind, when you are shopping for the best option for your budget and time, examining a sample from each vendor is crucial. The pictures from the websites will not tell you half the story how these digipaks stand up against each other.

To get more ideas how your digipaks can stand out, see our digipak products gallery.