I am close to opening my business, and am trying to decide about packaging for cakes and cupcakes. I have my wholesale account set up, but what size boxes should I order for start-up?! Buying by the case is somewhat expensive upfront, with all the other start-up supplies that I need. I don't want to buy a case of boxes that I might not need often. What are the most popular sizes for birthday/occasion cakes?

10" boxes for an 8" cake. I'd think you'd use a lot of those.

Thanks Leah_s! I was thinking 10" and 12" for now. Do the cake boards/circles fit in the wholesaler boxes better than the crappy Wilton ones? (I'm ordering through CK.) Also, what do you use for stacked cakes?

I've never used the crappy Witon boxes. I generally stay away from crappy Wilton products.

For a two tier, I just tape the box lid semi-open. If I'm delivering I never box. Sometimes if the customers insists on a box, I'll pick up something at the office supply store, and use it sideways.

Oh, hell yeah, stay away from wilton boxes!

I buy 10" boxes by the case. I can put 6 and 8" cakes in them. Yes, the 6" cakes look a little lost, but I only make 6" cakes for the free anniversary cake anyway. They are also perfect size for multiple dozen cookies. I buy the pie boxes by the case (2" (+/-) tall instead of 5" tall) for cookies.

Decide if you're doing sheet cakes and keep those on hand.

I hate running out of boxes. Buying them individually (when I run out) costs me about 3 times as buying them by the case, and that's not even counting the time it takes me and the gas to go get them.

I also keep cases of 12" and 14" cardboard circles on hand. I can cut them down to any size I need if I happen to run out of the 6"/8" ones.

I see alot of post about people ordering from CK. Sorry if this sounds dumb, but what is CK?
Thanks,
Tammie

Inideby, you always have such goods ideas and suggestions!! Thanks a lot for all your advices. I have learned a lot from you , although you don't even know who I am lol!!!

CK is a company called County Kitchens.

I buy 19x14 and 26x18 for my slabs.I also have 10 inch square for cookies etc...I also am lucky enough to get empty chip boxes from my kids school every month after chip day so that cuts down on cost as well.

Thanks everyone! This has been so helpful!

leah_s, I will certainly try taping the lid open. I looked at the price of boxes made for tiered cakes, and I think tape will be much cheaper!

indydebi, when you put a smaller cake in a larger box, what do you use to keep the cake from sliding around inside the box? I love the idea of keeping larger circles and cutting them down! Speaking of cardboards, can you recommend a good place to get square cardboards?

I really don't want to do sheet cakes! I was hoping to steer customers away from that. I'm checking to see if I can get individual sheet boxes from Sam's if I have to do one.

Tammies_Cakes, It's not a dumb question!!!! CK Products is the wholesale supplier that I use. They have tons of stuff, but you do have to have a business ID to have an account with them.

Thanks again for all the help! I'm feeling some serious anxiety about the details of the business now that I'm getting so close to inspection, and officially "opening" the business! You guys always bring the anxiety down a notch...a least for a little while!

bgpaper (dot) com have really good prices on boxes and boards. I've order from them few times and shipping is reasonable.

Nyma, bgpaper is one I haven't looked at yet. Thanks! I will check it out!

indydebi, That is what I've been struggling with, especially with this start-up order. I want to get the discount price on as many items as possible, but I don't want a TON of stock! I love multiple uses for one item!!! Thanks again!!! Also, just noticed your new title, Forum Matriarch!! Awesome!!!

also check out brpbox dot com, good prices and often specials for free shipping (Big river box co)