Shipping candles can be tricky. Candles come in many shapes and sizes, from glass jars to tall tapers.
They are also delicate and can melt in the heat or crack if not packed well. That’s why it’s important to know how to ship candles properly.
In this guide, I’ll share simple steps to help you ship your candles safely and keep your customers happy.
Importance of Shipping Candles Properly
Candles are delicate items that can melt, crack, or break in transit. Shipping them in good shape keeps customers happy and reduces returns.
Shapes and Sizes
Candles come in various sizes and shapes and need different packaging during shipping to stay safe. Whether you’re shipping a single candle or multiple, protecting them from damage is important.
Bubble wrap or custom boxes can help keep your product safe during shipping. It’s also important to use thermal insulation during summer to prevent the candles from melting.
Candle Types
Understanding candle types is important because each one has different needs for packaging and shipping. For example,
- Glass Jars: Need extra padding around the glass to prevent shattering.
- Pillars or Tapers: Can crack, so they require firm cushioning.
- Tealights or Votives: Small and fragile; need smaller cushioning within a larger box.
Knowing these details helps ensure your candles arrive in perfect shape, keeping your customers happy.
Packaging Challenges
Candles can melt in heat, break under pressure, or leak wax. Your packaging must protect against bumps, temperature, and movement.
Using heat-resistant materials, durable boxes, and inserts helps keep candles safe. This will show that your business cares about product quality and customer satisfaction.
How to Package Candles for Shipping
To ship candles safely, wrap each one in bubble wrap, place them in a sturdy corrugated box with padding to prevent movement, and protect against heat if necessary. Seal the box securely, label it “Fragile,” and use a reliable carrier with tracking for safe delivery.
Here are a few steps you need to consider when packaging candles for shipping.
1. Choose the Right Candle Box
Choose a sturdy box or mailer that fits the candle snugly but leaves room for padding. It works well for jar candles, tin, or fragile types.
Use shipping boxes or corrugated mailer boxes help keep candles secure, and the right packaging materials protect them from damage.
You can also choose branded custom candle boxes instead of a shipping or mailer box.
Choosing the right box size is also important; it should hold the candle firmly without letting it move around during shipping.
Proper packaging is the first step to safe shipping.
2. Securely Pack the Candles
Wrap each candle with bubble wrap, foam sleeves, or tissue paper to prevent scratches or breakage. Use a candle box with inserts or box dividers to hold one or more candles in place and prevent movement.
Make sure jar lids or covers are tightly closed. For extra safety, use shrink wrap to hold everything in place and protect from heat or spills.
Fill any empty spaces with soft box fillers like packing peanuts. Seal the box securely with packaging tape. This keeps your candles safe and helps them arrive in perfect condition.
3. Print Custom Labels
Clearly label your candle boxes with messages like “FRAGILE,” “THIS SIDE UP,” and “KEEP COOL” to guide careful handling during transit.
Use custom stickers to highlight that the package contains delicate items. Double-check address details to avoid delivery issues and include essential shipping documents like invoices or receipts.
4. Select the Best Shipping Carrier
Compare USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL based on cost, speed, and tracking. Jar candles may need overnight or 2-day delivery to protect from heat. For heavy candles or larger orders, look at flat-rate options to save on cost.
Tracking and Monitoring
Use shipping with tracking so you and the customer can stay updated. Watch for pickup, transit, and delivery updates to ensure timely handling and avoid delay issues.
How to Ship Candles in Summer
Heat can melt candles during shipping, especially in summer. But with the right steps, you can ship them safely and affordably.
- Use insulated shipping boxes to protect against heat.
- Add cooling gel packs to keep the temperature down.
- Choose fast shipping to reduce time in transit.
- Wrap candles in heat-resistant packaging materials for extra safety.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Candle?
Shipping costs depend on weight, size, distance, and speed.
- Small candle jars in padded mailers are cheaper.
- Heavier jar candle bundles or double-boxed items cost more.
- Overnight shipping is pricier but best for fragile or heat-sensitive candles.
Conclusion
Shipping candles safely takes the right packaging, care, and planning. From choosing sturdy custom candle boxes to adding insulation and tracking, every step helps protect your product.
Whether shipping locally or internationally, keeping candles safe from heat, damage, and movement is key. Follow these tips to ensure your candles arrive in perfect shape, leaving your customers satisfied.
