Board Game Designers Forum

I would probably be upset if I bought a big box with little in it, however if the box had a clear cover (like greeting card boxes) and the contents displayed elegantly, now that's another story:)

The primary functions of boxes are to set a relative price-expectation for the buyer and to then support that expectation into the retail channel via appropriate marketing/presentations on store shelves.

I strong suggest talking to experienced game store retailers.

+1

Box size sets strong value expectations. I would suggest getting info on what the game would cost to manufacture in various packages (tuck box vs. 2pc box, for instance), and use that to project a retail price for both cases. With a little research at your FLGS, you should then be able to to figure out the best way to package the game.

+1
Retailers also have strong opinions about preferred box sizes. Any experienced retailer will be able to tell you their preferred box sizes, or at least point you at the games that are sized they way they prefer.

I've just costed three different variations of box size. Just FYI: if I go for the smallest, then the retail price that I'd need to charge would be so high that my belief is that it would make the product look really expensive, particularly as it would probably get stocked next to much cheaper items. On the other hand, if I go for the largest, as benshelmars said, it looks a bit of a cheat when the box gets opened (although I'm putting clearly on the box what the contents are). So I think the "sweet spot" is somewhere in between.

Thanks again.

Steve

I think the size you're looking for is similar to Race For The Galaxy. The box is a little big for what's inside, but it seems to fit the price expectation.