How is the minimum order set?
The most frequent question ice cream makers ask about packaging is this: what is the least I can order? The answer depends on how the product is packed and whether it is printed. This guide explains the carton and piece logic; the current minimum order for each product is on its product page, so we give no figures here.
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The carton is the natural unit of packaging
Cone sleeves, ice cream cups, tub sleeves and service items are produced, stored and shipped in cartons. The number of pieces per carton varies by product: a carton of thin napkins holds far more pieces, while a carton of foam tubs is bulky and holds few. That is why orders are discussed in cartons, not pieces: a carton is not split, and half a carton is not shipped.
The product information box on each product page lists pieces per carton and minimum order side by side. The minimum order is given in cartons for some products and in pieces for others; reading the two together, you can easily work out how many cartons that is.
Why is it higher for printed products?
An unprinted stock product waits ready on the shelf and ships carton by carton. A product printed for your brand, however, is produced for you: print preparation, proofing, colour setup and cutting are done for every order. Since this preparation is the same regardless of quantity, the share per piece grows at small quantities; the minimum order is set to keep that balance.
Because Gepako prints in its own facility, there is no agency or outside press to wait for, and the preparation cost is under our control. Even for printed products the minimum order is set per product and kept current on the product page.
Ordering several products together
The Quick Quote form gathers several products in a single request: cone sleeve, cup, tub sleeve, bag and napkin on the same form, each with its size or type option and approximate quantity. The quote comes with the carton calculation; where you hit a minimum order limit is shown clearly in the quote.
If several products carry the same logo, the proof is prepared once too: in a set proof you approve the placement of each product separately, or request a change on just one. That way no separate print preparation is needed for a small product.
Storage and season planning
The minimum order is your question as much as the producer's: where will you store the cartons? Cone and cup cartons are light but bulky. Depending on your storage, you can split the order across the season, or for printed products ask for a single print run shipped in parts; write this option in the request note.
Running out of packaging mid-season is the most expensive scenario. Our pre-season packaging plan guide covers reorder timing; think of the minimum order not as a one-off hurdle but as the unit of the plan.
Where is the current information?
Pieces per carton, minimum order and lead time are kept current in the product information box on each product page; the exact carton calculation and delivery date are given in your quote. If unsure, send the form with an approximate quantity and our sales team replies rounded to full cartons.
Request a quote
List the products and approximate quantities; our sales team replies with a carton-based price.
Get a Quick Quote