When shopping for used boxes, the grading system is your key to understanding quality and value. Unlike new boxes where you know exactly what you are getting, used boxes vary in condition — and the grading system exists to set clear expectations for both buyers and sellers. Here is a detailed breakdown of what each grade means in practice.
Grade A — Like New
Grade A boxes have been used once or twice but show minimal signs of wear. They may have a few minor scuffs but no structural issues, significant printing, or damage. These boxes look and perform nearly identically to new boxes.
Best for: Customer-facing shipments, retail, e-commerce fulfillment, and any application where appearance matters.
What to Expect with Grade A
- Clean, professional appearance suitable for customer-facing use
- Minimal or no printing from previous use
- All flaps intact and fully functional
- Structural integrity at 85-95% of original strength
- May have minor scuff marks or light creasing that does not affect performance
Grade B — Good Condition
Grade B boxes show moderate wear — some printing, labels, or cosmetic marks. The structure is fully intact with no weak spots, soft corners, or compromised seams. These are the sweet spot of value and quality.
Best for: B2B shipping, warehouse transfers, storage, and any application where function matters more than appearance.
What to Expect with Grade B
- Visible printing or labels from previous use
- Some cosmetic wear including scuffs, light stains, or tape residue
- All structural elements fully intact and functional
- Structural integrity at 75-85% of original strength
- May have been used 2-3 times previously
Grade C — Fair / Usable
Grade C boxes have visible wear — multiple labels, writing, cosmetic damage. They may have minor repairs (taped seams, patched spots) but remain structurally functional. These offer the best value for non-presentation uses.
Best for: Internal storage, recycling collection, returns processing, and any single-use application where cost is the primary concern.
What to Expect with Grade C
- Significant cosmetic wear including multiple labels, ink marks, and staining
- May have minor repairs such as taped corners or reinforced seams
- Some softness or flexibility in areas but overall structure is sound
- Structural integrity at 60-75% of original strength
- Best suited for lighter loads and single-use applications
How to Choose the Right Grade
The right grade depends entirely on your use case. Ask yourself: Will the customer see this box? If yes, go Grade A. Is this for internal or B2B use? Grade B offers the best value. Is this for storage or a single use? Grade C delivers maximum savings.
Many businesses use a mix of grades — Grade A for customer shipments and Grade B or C for everything else. This hybrid approach maximizes savings while maintaining standards where they matter most.
Grading Is Not an Exact Science
It is important to understand that box grading involves some subjectivity. A box that one supplier calls Grade A might be Grade B at another. This is why building a relationship with a trusted supplier matters — you learn their standards and can set expectations accordingly.
When ordering for the first time, consider requesting a sample assortment so you can see each grade firsthand before committing to a large order. Reputable suppliers are happy to provide samples because they know the quality speaks for itself.
The Bottom Line on Value
Grade A used boxes offer 40-55% savings over new while maintaining a professional appearance. Grade B saves 55-70% and is perfect for the vast majority of non-consumer-facing applications. Grade C delivers 70-80% savings for applications where appearance is irrelevant. No matter which grade you choose, you are saving money and reducing waste.
Testing Box Strength
If you are unsure whether a used box is strong enough for your application, perform a simple compression test. Place the box on a flat surface and press down firmly on the top edges. A box with good structural integrity will resist compression with minimal flexing. If the walls buckle easily, the corner columns feel soft, or the flutes have lost their spring, the box has degraded beyond its useful life and should be recycled rather than reused.
For critical applications, you can also check the Edge Crush Test (ECT) rating printed on the box's manufacturer certificate (the round stamp typically found on the bottom flap). This rating tells you the maximum stacking weight the box was designed to support when new. Used boxes typically retain 60-90% of their original ECT rating depending on grade and condition.