Packaging Distributor Valuation
Packaging Distribution Business Valuation Calculator & Exit Planning Built for Packaging Distributors
We built one platform that tracks your packaging distribution company's value monthly, identifies exit gaps early, and ensures your personal finances align with your exit timeline.
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Most Packaging Distributors Have No Idea What Their Business is Actually Worth
Current Packaging Distribution Valuation Multiples (2026)
Packaging distribution valuations depend on customer mix and product focus. Here's the market:
Every business is different. That's why you need to track your value.
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Most business owners guess at their value. You'll know it with precision.
Our platform uses six proven valuation methodologies to give you a complete picture of what your business is worth today—and tracks how that number changes month over month. No more waiting for annual appraisals or paying $15K+ for outdated reports.
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What Actually Drives Packaging Distribution Value
Your product availability matters, but sophisticated buyers evaluate these factors that determine premium pricing:
Customer Retention
High Repeat Order Rate
Packaging supplies are consumables—customers reorder regularly. High customer retention indicates satisfaction and competitive positioning. Track retention and order patterns. Losing customers to e-commerce competitors is a common challenge.
Customer loss = competitive threat
Customer Diversification
Manufacturing, Distribution, E-commerce
Customer diversification across manufacturers, distributors, e-commerce fulfillment, and other segments provides stability. Heavy concentration with few accounts creates risk. Diversified base commands premium valuations.
Concentrated = dependency risk
Gross Margin
Healthy Margin Profile
Gross margin indicates competitive positioning and value-added service. Strong margins suggest customer loyalty and service value. Track margin by product category. Commodity products face margin pressure from e-commerce.
Low margin = commodity competition
Custom/Specialty Products
Custom Packaging, Specialty Items
Custom packaging—printed boxes, specialty designs, engineered solutions—provides better margins and stickier customers than commodity products. Custom capability differentiates from online competitors. Track custom versus commodity mix.
Commodity-only = e-commerce vulnerable
Equipment & Systems
Packaging Equipment, Systems Sales
Packaging equipment—stretch wrappers, case sealers, void fill systems—creates consumable pull-through and ongoing relationships. Equipment programs differentiate from pure supply distribution.
Supplies-only = limited stickiness
Vendor Relationships
Strong Manufacturer Partnerships
Your vendor relationships determine product access and economics. Strong partnerships with key suppliers provide competitive pricing and priority access. Understanding vendor programs and rebates helps optimize profitability.
Weak vendors = cost disadvantage
How to Value a Packaging Distribution Business
The U.S. packaging distribution market includes thousands of distributors supplying corrugated boxes, packaging materials, stretch film, tape, and protective packaging to manufacturers, e-commerce companies, and shippers. The industry generates tens of billions in annual revenue.
EBITDA is the standard valuation method. Packaging distributors typically sell for 3.0x to 5.0x EBITDA. Distributors with custom packaging design capabilities, e-commerce fulfillment clients, and automated packaging solutions command the highest multiples.
Revenue multiples generally range from 0.15x to 0.30x annual revenue. Distributors with custom packaging design and contract manufacturing accounts achieve the upper end.
The unique valuation factor for packaging distributors is the custom design capability and e-commerce growth exposure. Distributors that design custom packaging solutions (branded boxes, protective inserts, sustainability-focused materials) capture higher margins and create switching costs that commodity distributors lack. Exposure to e-commerce shippers — who require high volumes of packaging materials — provides growth tailwind. Equipment sales and service (stretch wrap machines, case sealers, void fill systems) create additional revenue streams and deepen customer relationships.
Packaging distribution has been actively consolidated, driven by the e-commerce packaging demand surge. Use our free calculator above to get your instant estimate, then track your value monthly with YourExitValue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What multiple do packaging distributors sell for?
Packaging distributors typically sell for 3.0x – 5.5x SDE or 5x – 9x EBITDA. Distributors with custom capability, strong retention, and healthy margins command premium multiples.
How does custom packaging affect value?
Significantly. Custom packaging provides better margins and stickier customers. Custom capability differentiates from e-commerce competitors selling commodities.
Who buys packaging distributors?
National packaging distributors, industrial distributors adding packaging, PE-backed distribution platforms, and manufacturers seeking forward integration.
Is e-commerce competition a concern?
Yes. Commodity packaging faces significant e-commerce competition. Custom capability and service differentiation help defend against online competitors.
Does equipment sales matter?
Yes. Equipment creates consumable pull-through and ongoing relationships. Equipment programs differentiate from pure supply distribution.
What's the fastest way to increase my packaging distribution value?
Three high-impact moves: 1) Develop custom packaging capability, 2) Add equipment programs for customer stickiness, 3) Diversify customer base across segments.