---
title: Paper Tube Co — Tea Packaging Project (Elizabeth)
type: article
created: '2026-04-05'
updated: '2026-04-05'
source_docs:
- raw/2026-02-10-check-in-ptcasymm-121225944.md
tags:
- papertube
- sales
- packaging
- tea
- food-beverage
- moq
- pricing
layer: 2
client_source: null
industry_context: food-beverage
transferable: true
---

# Paper Tube Co — Tea Packaging Project (Elizabeth)

Sales call between Parag (Paper Tube Co) and Elizabeth, a prospective customer launching a loose-leaf tea business. The call covered product requirements, MOQ economics, and a live demonstration of the Razzie Tea scaling model.

## Overview

Elizabeth is launching a new venture selling loose-leaf tea sachets, primarily through a D2C channel with plans to expand into retail, big box, B2B, and hospitality. She initially inquired about 500 pieces; the call focused on reframing her quantity expectations and demonstrating the long-term value of tube packaging.

**Related client:** [[wiki/clients/papertube/index]]

---

## Product Details

- **Product type:** Loose-leaf tea sachets
- **Packaging format:** Paper tubes
- **Sales channels:** D2C (online), with plans for retail, big box, B2B, and hospitality

---

## MOQ & Pricing Discussion

Elizabeth's initial inquiry was for **500 pieces**. Parag walked her through the economics of scaling up:

| Quantity | Notes | Approx. Cost/Tube |
|---|---|---|
| 500 pieces | Below minimum; not offered | — |
| 1,000 pieces | Minimum order; setup fees apply | ~$2.50 |
| 2,500 pieces | Setup and plate fees waived | ~$1.00–$1.50 |

**Key insight shared with Elizabeth:** For any order under 2,500 pieces, a plate fee and setup fee apply — often doubling the per-unit cost of the tube itself. A 2,500-piece order eliminates these fees, making it more economical even though total spend is higher. Total production cost was estimated at **$2,000–$3,000** regardless of quantity tier.

> *"For a $2,500 production, landed cost on the tube is about $2.50 on your first order. If you're doing 2,500 pieces, fees go away. Your all-in might be somewhere in the neighborhood of $1 to $1.50."* — Parag

---

## Razzie Tea: Scaling Model Demonstration

Parag used **Razzie Tea** (a PTC client) as a live case study to show how a small tea brand can scale using blank tubes with in-house labeling.

- **Timeline:** Started August 2024; now in **170+ retailers**
- **Method:** PTC sells Razzie blank tubes; Razzie applies custom wrap labels in-house
- **Why it works:** Allows the brand to manage multiple SKUs without committing to fully custom printed tubes for each flavor — critical when it's unclear which flavors will take off
- **Add-on:** PTC provided a QR code insert inside the tube

This model is directly applicable to Elizabeth's situation: starting with blank tubes and in-house labels reduces upfront commitment while enabling rapid SKU expansion.

---

## Next Steps

- [ ] Parag to email Elizabeth tube samples
- [ ] Parag to request Elizabeth's target fill weight and tube size

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## Open Questions

- What is Elizabeth's target fill weight / tube size?
- Is she constrained by budget, timeline, or storage space?
- Will she stay D2C or move to retail in the near term?

---

## Related

- [[wiki/clients/papertube/index]]
- [[wiki/knowledge/food-beverage/razzie-tea-scaling-model]] *(if created)*
- [[wiki/meetings/2026-04-05-ptc-asymm-checkin]]