how to start with small amounts

I'm currently in the stage of designing my packaging. I'm looking for clear box w/ my own design printed on it.
here's the problem. it seems that no packaging company will even consider talking to me unless my order is at least so many thousand pieces.
If I am first trying to create a piece to show retailers- so that I can sell my product, how can I get them to produce a small run for me? is this possible?

Hi Heather,

The best thing to do is to purchase pre-made packaging from suppliers as blanks, then take it to a local silk-screen company and ask them to screen it for you. You can also purchase clear ink jet sheets with adhesive on them to print a label yourself. You want it to look good when you show it to a buyer, but they understand you can’t have thousands of them made to start.

When you get to a point that you are manufacturing them for a retailer you will be able to dial in the exact materials with the factory producing the finished parts.