Preparing a game for print is not easy, You have to get a lot of things right for it not to be perceived badly. People will nitpick, and they are the consumers so listen to what people say about other games. If you cut corners people will notice.
So I always say you need to make the best product that you can. If the box or cards or meeples cost a bit more, just let people know you are going the extra mile to give them a better product.