Maddie James
Preparing candles for FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon) requires careful packaging and labelling to ensure they arrive intact and ready for sale. Firstly, candles should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap or tissue paper and placed inside sturdy cardboard boxes with cushioning material like packing paper or foam peanuts. Extreme heat can melt candle wax, so insulated packaging and expedited shipping may be necessary. Proper labelling is crucial, with Amazon providing guidelines for barcode placement and packaging specifications to avoid additional fees. Additionally, preparing candles for sale involves candle-making, including melting wax, adding fragrances and colours, pouring the mixture into containers, and trimming wicks.
How to prep candles FBA
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Individually wrap candles in bubble wrap/tissue paper and place inside a rigid, sturdy cardboard box. Use packing paper or foam peanuts as cushioning. |
| Labelling | Label the package as fragile. Include FNSKU stickers on the inside and outside of the package. |
| Barcodes | Cover all barcodes (UPC, EAN, Serial #, etc.) to avoid scanning errors. |
| Weight and dimensions | Final shipping rates depend on weight and box dimensions. |
| Temperature | Use insulated packaging, freezer packs, and expedited shipping to prevent damage from high temperatures. |
| Candle preparation | Melt wax in a double boiler or glass bowl on top of a larger pot. Add essential oil at a ratio of one ounce per pound of wax. For colour, add non-toxic crayon pieces. Let the mixture cool to 130°F to 140°F, then pour into a jar with a wick. |
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What You'll Learn
Use bubble wrap and tissue paper to wrap candles
When preparing candles for FBA, it is important to package them exactly as you want them to reach the buyer. Individually wrapping candles in tissue paper and bubble wrap will provide extra cushioning and protect them from bumps, scrapes, and moisture.
To begin, lay a large square piece of tissue paper flat on a table, with the candle upright in the middle. If your candle has a glass container, wrapping it in tissue paper will make the gift safer. Take the four corners of the tissue paper and join them slightly above the candle. Secure the remaining tissue paper above the candle with twine or ribbon, creating a bow or a simple knot.
Next, wrap the candle in bubble wrap to provide extra protection. Cut the bubble wrap to encircle the candle with at least a 0.5-inch overlap for taping. You can also use the fan fold technique by folding one end of the bubble wrap to the bottom and then folding the excess that sticks up. Repeat this process until the candle's bottom surface is covered. Finally, secure the bubble wrap with tape.
Place the wrapped candle inside a sturdy cardboard box filled with packing paper or foam peanuts. Seal the box with packing tape and label it as fragile. Extreme heat can melt candle wax, so consider using insulated packaging and expedited shipping during the summer months.
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Place candles in a sturdy cardboard box
When preparing candles for FBA, it's important to package them securely to avoid any damage during transit. Firstly, individually wrap each candle in bubble wrap or tissue paper. This will protect the candle and ensure it arrives intact. Once wrapped, carefully place the candles in a sturdy cardboard box. Select a box that is rigid and durable, as this will provide a solid structure to safeguard the candles from potential crushing or impact damage.
When choosing a cardboard box, opt for one that is slightly larger than the candles to allow for additional cushioning. Packing paper, foam peanuts, or other filler materials can be added to the box to provide extra protection and prevent the candles from shifting during transportation. Make sure to fill any empty spaces in the box to minimise movement and potential breakage.
Seal the box securely with strong packing tape. Apply the tape to all seams and edges of the box to reinforce it and reduce the risk of the box opening accidentally. After sealing, clearly label the box as fragile. This will indicate to handlers that the package requires careful treatment and should be handled with extra caution to prevent damage.
Finally, apply the necessary FBA barcodes to the packaging. Cover any existing barcodes, such as UPC codes, with the FBA label or a plain white label to prevent scanning errors. By following these steps, you can ensure your candles are securely packaged for FBA and reduce the risk of damage during shipping.
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Seal the box with tape and mark as fragile
Sealing your box with tape and marking it as fragile is a crucial step in the process of preparing candles for FBA. This step ensures that your package remains intact during transit and that handlers take extra care when handling your package. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Firstly, select a strong packing tape that will securely seal your box. It is advisable to opt for a tape that is specifically designed for packaging, as it will provide a stronger seal. Ensure that all openings and seams of the box are securely taped. Pay extra attention to the bottom of the box, as this part will bear the weight of the package's contents. It is recommended to use the H-tape method for added security. This involves applying tape in a 'H' pattern, where one strip of tape runs horizontally across the seam of the box, and two vertical strips of tape overlap the ends of the horizontal tape, creating a reinforced structure.
Next, clearly mark your package as fragile. This step is crucial when shipping fragile items like candles to ensure they are handled with care. Use a bold, clear label that states 'Fragile' and, if necessary, additional handling instructions such as 'Handle with Care' or 'This Side Up'. Place the label in a visible location on the box, preferably on the top, so that it is easily noticeable to anyone handling the package. You can also use fragile tape, which is a specially designed tape with a 'Fragile' message printed on it, to seal your package. This serves the dual purpose of sealing and indicating the fragile nature of the contents.
Additionally, consider including a 'Fragile' mark on the shipping label or any other documentation attached to the package. This reinforces the message and ensures that anyone handling the package, from warehouse workers to delivery drivers, is aware of its fragile nature. By taking these steps to securely seal your package and clearly mark it as fragile, you can help ensure that your candles arrive safely at their destination, reducing the risk of damage during the shipping process.
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Use insulated packaging to prevent damage from heat
When preparing candles for FBA, it is important to use insulated packaging to prevent damage from heat. Extreme heat can melt candle wax, so it is essential to take precautions to protect your product during shipping, especially during the summer months.
Insulated packaging helps maintain a consistent temperature inside the package, reducing the risk of heat-related damage. This type of packaging is designed to keep the contents cool and protect them from external temperature fluctuations. It is commonly used for shipping perishable items, and it can also be effective for temperature-sensitive products like candles.
When selecting insulated packaging, look for materials that provide a high level of thermal protection. This can include specialised boxes or bags with insulated liners or reflective materials that reflect heat away from the package. These materials create a barrier between the contents and the external environment, helping to maintain a stable temperature.
In addition to insulated packaging, you can also use cooling elements such as freezer packs or dry ice. These can be placed inside the package to keep the temperature cool and prevent the candles from melting. Freezer packs are reusable ice packs that can be frozen before shipping and placed alongside the candles to maintain a cool temperature during transit. Dry ice, on the other hand, sublimates over time, providing a longer-lasting cooling effect but requiring careful handling due to its extremely low temperature.
By utilising insulated packaging and incorporating cooling elements, you can effectively minimise the risk of heat damage during shipping. This ensures that your candles arrive intact and in optimal condition, ready for your customers to enjoy. Remember to research the specific requirements and guidelines provided by your chosen carrier to ensure compliance and maximise the chances of a safe and successful delivery.
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Obscure barcodes to avoid scanning incorrect ones
When preparing candles for FBA, it is important to consider how to properly label them with barcodes to avoid scanning errors. Here are some detailed instructions to help you obscure barcodes and ensure accurate scanning:
Firstly, if your candles already have manufacturer barcodes such as UPC, EAN, or ISBN, you may not need to add additional labels. Amazon will notify FBA sellers if their products qualify for this. However, if your candles do not have these barcodes or are artisan products, you will need to obtain Amazon barcodes, called FNSKUs.
When applying FNSKU labels, ensure they are clear, crisp, and properly placed on a smooth surface. The labels should be at least 1-2 inches tall and 2-3 inches wide, with a resolution of 300 DPI. Use black ink on non-reflective paper with adhesive backing. Place the labels on the outside of the packaging, ensuring they are easily scannable and not obscured by corners, edges, or curves.
If you are using additional packaging such as bubble wrap, place the FNSKU labels on the outside. You can also add FNSKU stickers inside the packaging as a backup. Clearly mark the quantity of candles inside, such as a two-pack or four-pack, to avoid separation at the warehouse.
Additionally, consider printing the FNSKU on the box, similar to a UPC. This can serve as a backup in case the external label is damaged or obscured during shipping.
By following these instructions, you can help ensure that your candles are correctly labelled and scanned by Amazon's barcode-driven system, leading to efficient shipments and satisfied customers.
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Frequently asked questions
FBA stands for "Fulfillment by Amazon".
Firstly, make sure your candles are properly packaged. Individually wrap them in bubble wrap or tissue paper and place them inside a sturdy cardboard box with cushioning like packing paper or foam peanuts. Seal the box with packing tape and label it as fragile. Secondly, make sure your barcodes are correctly applied and covered so that a warehouse employee doesn't accidentally scan the wrong one.
All barcodes (UPC, EAN, Serial #, etc) need to be covered so that a warehouse employee doesn't accidentally scan the incorrect one. Amazon provides tons of documentation and videos to help prep your items so that they can be received at Amazon's warehouses without incurring additional fees.
Soy wax is a good option as it can be found in bulk on wholesale candle sites like Bulk Apothecary for around $10 per pound. Generally, the hotter the melting point of the wax, the smaller the scent throw will be.
You should aim for 1 ounce of fragrance oil for every 1 pound of wax.
