It is inefficient to ship setup, empty boxes. At the same time, the box manufacturer tries to complete as many as the steps as possible. One step he can complete involves brining the side and end panels of a slotted box blank together and joining them.

Three methods are used to seal this manufacturer's joint. They are glue, wire stitches or staples, and tape.

Glue and stitches require an extra short tab on one send or side panel. When the boz is partially folded, the tab overlaps and is fastened to the adjacent side or end panel. The overlap, in more cases, is at least 1¼ inches, and it can be on the inside or outside of the box. On the outside, the inner panels remain smooth; on the inside, there is less opportunity for the exposed tab to snag.

Glue is the most common method of sealing the manufacturer's joint. Various formulas, including hot melts, can be used. The adhesive is usually applied to the tab with a roller.

Metal fasteners provide a stronger joint. When they are unwound from a spool of wire as they are formed, they are wire stitches. Preformed fasteners are staples. They may be applied diagonally, horizionally, or vertically along the tab, at set intervals. A "tie-stitch" joint has an extra stitch at the top and bottom. A "double stitch" joint has two stitches at each point.

An extra tab is not needed for a taped joint. The side and end panels are simply butted together and taped.