The box though is not just a container to hold things. It is a marketing tool. For example after reading the story of Newman's Own on the back on one of their boxes, I am now more likely to pick them up. And now I'm writing about them providing even more marketing ROI.
Haha yes!! :D This is great.
Boxes take a lot of love (and heavy machinery) to make. :) But seriously we're actually really competitive with companies who do a similar quality of unbranded boxes. For custom options, we offer a lot more options and finishes, but with a way less cost + quantity commitment. :) For example, many printers do digital printing if you want a small volume -- we do all lithographic printing, which means the highest resolution, stunning Pantone colours, fluorescent/pastel/metallic inks, metallic hot-stamping...
YC also funded a startup called Pakible, which is "revolutionizing packaging"... presumably by charging 5x more than anyone else in the market.
Hmm I'm not sure what you're comparing Pakible (or us?) to... but a box that is manufactured in North America just for you, with your branding, still costs more than a plain box made in the bajillions in China. Georgette, and I think Pakible, are focused on making that customization as affordable and accessible as possible. We're getting there, it's early days! :)