An auto-start dispensing container for sheet products includes a sealing member secured to a first sheet to be dispensed from the container. In a preferred embodiment, there is provided an auto-start dispenser for dispensing moistened inter-folded wipes which includes: (a) a container provided with a dispensing aperture for receiving a plurality of moist wipes; (b) a removable sealing member affixed to said container to seal the aperture wherein the sealing member and the container form an enclosure adapted to retain moisture; and (c) a lead sheet engaged with the plurality of moist wipes and secured to said removable sealing member, the removable sealing member and the lead sheet being adapted to draw a moist wipe partially through the aperture upon removal of the sealing member from the container. Preferably, the lead sheet is affixed to the removable sealing member by way of a hot-melt adhesive.