No box

And my conclusion was that if TGC packs cards into a plastic baggie... Well that should be enough wrapping for the "X" number of cards. Like one of my current WIP is planned to have a "collectible" reward tier. What this means that IF you ONLY want to "collect" the artwork, you'll get one of each card and insufficient cards to PLAY the game.

But this is an OPTION available to all collectors. If you like the art and don't want to pay the full price for the game, simply choose the "collector" reward tier and all I will do is ship cards in a baggie...

Where you put those cards is your business. For collectors, I would assume a binder with 9 sleeves per page... And enough pages to hold your collection. That would be a logical use and place to store the cards.

However generally speaking on a UNIT-BASIS (One-at-a-time) TGC prices are rather expensive. Sure Bulk pricing at 100 units starts to be interesting especially if you have a good set of cards and then you can see real nice price breaks. Same with boxes... Pricing goes down with more volume.

For the occasional prototype, it's acceptable. Or maybe a few (like 6 or so) reviewer copies... that too is reasonable. But one-at-a-time selling, is rather expensive (plus you have that 70/30 split also)... That's why I can't see my games selling on TGC ... But I do use their services for prototypes, reviewer copies, and plan to use Bulk Order for a project too. All those are realistic and pricing as you approach 100 copies becomes more realistic.

So generally I agree with you.

From the 2nd perspective, I'm not so sure about GLASS jars. If they fall they will shatter. If a Game Box falls, no harm or foul. Maybe source your OWN Mint Tins (I have seen some pretty nice ones and very affordable too)... It's maybe TGC's version which are costly. I also know of another Game Designer that uses TGC for cards and parts but uses his own source of Boxes that he has specially made (well what I mean custom printed but larger, stronger boxes) that he uses to sell his TGC games.

There are alternatives especially if YOU accept "re-shipping" (not direct ship from TGC). What I mean is that you buy the materials/components and assemble them with the box sourced from wherever you prefer (and maybe less expensive too)...

https://www.amazon.com/Tamicy-Metal-Rectangular-Empty-Hinged/dp/B07HF23W4P/

40 tins for $25 + shipping. That's LESS than $1 USD per tin. Like I said, IF you package the end-product ... There are a BUNCH of ways of saving money. And like I said TRUE TGC Designers (some not all) buy their own boxes and fulfill from their homes. Order in Bulk get at TGC discount, get the box elsewhere in Bulk (and also save money as in the link provided)...

Cheers!

Note #1: This was just an EXAMPLE. The size may be incorrect for your product. I'm just saying you can google or search Amazon for the right size and bulk for a cheap price point. These might be too small for actual playing cards...

Note #2: Amazon couldn't yield anything... but I googled and found this tin:

https://www.containerandpackaging.com/products/90/rectangular-tin/M556

$0.77 each. That's way less expensive that $5.00. Minimum order: 30 tins. I know it's not the most "beautiful" tin around... You can google and find others (I'm sure). I just figured I'd give you a reference. Something with dimensions more appropriate for cards.

Also THIS link/URL allows for COPPER Tins too. The Black ones look okay too... But the Copper ones look really artisanal. I'm guessing you are talking about a box for the stained-glass window game. COPPER could be real NEAT!

if your willing to be creative with your packaging your options are endless, especially if your doing the packing yourself (i guess you are if your looking at mason jars).
if your pieces are flatter and less fragile a printed envelope works well (a la cheap ass games). i also remember seeing games sold in vhs boxes ( but i cant remember which). you could also pick up large match boxes, and skin them with a nice pic etc.

Yes, a la Steve Jackson games. I think years ago they also used vinyl record sleeves to package games.

I've been trying to work out where to get the boxes that cummerbunds come in. I think they would make a great low budget game box.

I believe, correct me if I am wrong, he is trying to lower the COST to produce and SELL his game at Museum Gift Shops. So it's a retail play.

Going with home printed labels on a mint tin (bulk not TGC), is not a bad play... It will reduce the COST of the item and if you use like a COPPER tin, that gives it a bit of "WOW Factor".

So yeah, I think this is for RETAIL... Here is the connecting thread:

https://www.bgdf.com/forum/game-creation/publication/help-someone-wants-...

(I could be wrong... It may be another game. But I THINK it's the Window Pane micro game...)

And if it is, I can understand trying to lower the COST to bang out a few more bucks. Also the point is to better understand the nature of the Gift Shop pricing. Maybe $19.98 for the item is too expensive, IDK. But @Juzek was using a Hook Box (that costs $2.00) and it's not a very professional option. TGCs Min Tins (with printing) are very Professional but cost $5.00. So I think @Juzek is weighing his options...

I personally think the 4x4x4 for $0.44 might be a good one too... Thanks for pointing those out to us @Jason. Yeah I don't think he needs a SHIPPING BOX, I think it's something that will look NICE in the Gift Shop. Like a Glossy Silver Box would look nice... But a RED one would probably "Stand-Out". That's the thing, you want your product to stand-out when in the Gift Shop... To attract potential buyers.

Just an aside here, we talked about a $19.98 price point, meant that the store pay $9.99 and makes $9.99. But I "think" @juzek's concern is lowering the cost to MAKE the game ... Because $5.00 Mint Tin is HALF of his earnings... Leaving him with the cards and rules to be less than $3.00 of profit. I think this is the real issue... Allowing for MORE profitability in selling in the Gift Shop.