Do you need to ship candles? Shipping delicate candles requires careful consideration and attention to the shipping details. For sure, you want them to arrive at their destination in perfect shape. Whether you’re a business owner sending your candles to customers or simply sharing them as handmade gifts, shipping candles can be a bit tricky as they can melt during transit.
However, candle shipping should not be difficult. Candles are meant to bring relaxation, and thus, shipping candles should not be any different. So, how do you ship candles safely and efficiently? Read this complete guide completely to make the process of packaging and shipping candles stress-free!
Things to Note for Safe Candle Shipping
Why is it difficult to ship candles? Delicate and sensitive candles require extra care during shipping. If you don’t pack them correctly, they might get some damage during transportation.
Below are some things you should note and consider before shipping your candles.
- Know the type of your candle
Knowing that the type of wax can significantly impact your shipping needs. For instance, candles made of soy wax are famous for their lower melting point.
- Shapes and sizes
You should understand the shape and size of the candles you want to ship–be it one or multiple. By understanding the shape and size of the candles, you can then decide on the right packaging to ship them.
- Packaging challenges
The main goal of shipping candles is to protect them from heat, breakage, and deformation. This means you must choose the right packaging materials and methods. Heat-resistant insulation, sturdy boxes, and sufficient padding material can help you ship your candles safely. To get protective boxes for shipping your candles, you can design and customize the boxes with experts at Custom Box Makers.
Prepare Your Candle Shipping Supplies
Even though candles look sturdy, they can get melted at a high temperature. Thus, you need the right candle shipping supplies to prevent candles from melting during shipping.
Here are the essential supplies you will need!
Boxes
Custom candle boxes made of cardboard or eco-friendly candle packaging from kraft are ideal for shipping candles as they provide a sturdy layer of protection. Remember that the size of the box should be slightly larger than your candle when placing the cushioning materials.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is essential as it provides a cushion that absorbs shock, keeping your candles safe from bumps and drops.
Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts fill in any empty spaces within the box. Hence, it prevents your candle from moving around during transit.
Additional Tools
- Packing tape: You need packing tape to securely close your boxes and ensure they stay closed during shipping.
- Scissors: A pair of scissors is necessary to cut the bubble wrap and tape.
- Labeling materials: Prepare a marker or printed candle label to mark the package with the destination address and any handling instructions.
How to Package Candles for Shipping?
It’s essential to understand how to package your candles to prevent breakage during their journey. Packing candles for shipping is completely different from how to package candles to sell, as your candles need extra protection during transit.
Below are the steps to pack your candles for shipping!
- Wrap your candle
You can start by placing your candle at one end of the bubble wrap. Roll the candle along the bubble wrap and make sure the entire candle is covered, then cut off the excess wrap. Remember to secure the bubble wrap around the candle using a small piece of packing tape.
- Prepare your box
Place a layer of packing peanuts at the bottom of the box to provide a protective cushion. Then, place your wrapped candle on top of the layer of packing peanuts in the box. If you are shipping multiple candles, make sure they do not touch each other in the box.
- Fill the box with packing peanuts
Once you place the candle inside the box, fill the rest of the box with packing peanuts. Don’t leave any space to prevent the candle movement.
- Seal the box
Close the box and seal it securely with packing tape.
- Label the box
Make sure the address information is accurate. Consider using custom labels or stickers to indicate the package contains fragile products.
How to Ship Candles in Summer?
The extreme heat in summer can impact the quality of the candles during transit. Then again, who wants melted candles? Thus, you might be wondering how to keep candles from melting during shipping.
Here’s what you should do!
First, packing materials like air pillows should be used to help insulate the candles. Second, if necessary, you should add a cooling pack to keep your candles cool. Lining boxes with Styrofoam can also help you insulate candles and prevent them from melting. Ultimately, you should choose the fastest shipping option to minimize the time candles spend in shipping.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Candle?
Just like shipping anything else, there’s no absolute price for shipping candles. Instead, there are some points you should consider.
- Shipping insurance
Yes, you should consider shipping insurance, especially for high-value candles. Also, shipping insurance is necessary when shipping candles in the summer, which may pose a risk of melting. No doubt, it will add a small fee to your shipping cost. However, shipping insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing your candles are protected.
- Compare the rates
Start comparing the rates from different carriers to find the cheapest way to ship candles. You can also pack your candles securely in a small box to help reduce costs. Or else, you can consider flat-rate shipping options from major carriers, as they are cost-effective shipping solutions for heavier candles.
How to Calculate the Shipping Cost?
The cost of shipping your candles will vary depending on your candle weight and distance. However, some major carriers provide shipping calculators to help you estimate the shipping cost.
Let’s check them out!
- UPS – Shipping Calculator: UPS provides reliable tracking and insurance options, which are ideal for shipping larger quantities of candles.
- USPS – Shipping Calculator: USPS offers competitive rates for lightweight packages, perfect for small to medium-sized candles.
- FedEx – Shipping Calculator: FedEx is a great option for both domestic and international shipping solutions. It also provides time-sensitive delivery options and is perfect for all sizes of shipments.
Can you mail candles?
Yes, you can ship candles through the mail with proper packaging. Make sure you label your package correctly to inform the handlers of the delicate nature of your candles. Most importantly, you should know the shipping policies of your chosen carrier.
Wrapping Up
No doubt, shipping delicate candles requires careful consideration and attention to the shipping details. You need to know the type of candle you have, prepare the candle shipping supplies, and understand how to package your candles for safe shipping. Keep in mind that the shipping cost may vary depending on delivery selection, candle weight, and distance. Yet, you can use shipping calculators provided by major carriers to get the best rate.
Hopefully, the complete guide we provide here answers your question about ‘how to ship candles’ properly and safely.
Happy candle shipping!
FAQs
What is the best way to package candles for shipping?
The best way to package candles for shipping is by wrapping each candle in bubble wrap and placing them in a sturdy box. You should also add packing peanuts to prevent candle movement and seal the box securely with packing tape. Consider using custom labels or stickers to indicate the package contains fragile products.
How can I prevent candles from melting during transit?
You should use packing materials like air pillows to help insulate the candles. Also, consider adding a packaging cooling pack to keep the candle cool. Then, choose the fastest shipping option to minimize the time candles spend in shipping.
What are the most cost-effective shipping options for candles?
USPS is the most cost-effective shipping option for candles as it offers competitive rates for lightweight packages, perfect for small to medium-sized candles.
Can I use any other materials instead of packing peanuts?
Yes, you can consider other cushioning materials like crumpled newspaper. However, packing peanuts offer excellent protection and are lightweight.
Do I really need insurance to ship candles?
Insurance for shipping candles will protect you against loss or damage, especially for high-value candles.
