Ben Carter
Candles are a popular product, with the global market reaching $3.45 billion USD in 2018. With the growth of e-commerce, selling candles online is a great business opportunity. However, shipping candles can be challenging due to their fragile nature. To ensure they arrive safely, it is crucial to use appropriate packaging materials and shipping methods. This includes using shock-absorbing materials like bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, and biodegradable packing peanuts, as well as selecting the right shipping container and courier service. By following these steps, businesses can successfully expand their reach beyond the local market and deliver candles to customers worldwide.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right shipping box
When it comes to choosing the right shipping box for your candles, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to use a sturdy and durable box that can withstand the rigours of transit. Corrugated cardboard boxes are an excellent option as they provide ample protection and cushioning for candles. The corrugated design features an outer and inner layer separated by a fluted middle layer, creating a strong protective barrier.
Another important consideration is the size of the box. The shipping box should be slightly larger than the candle to allow for packing material. This extra space is necessary to create a cushioning effect, preventing damage from bumps and drops. Filling the voids in the box with materials such as biodegradable packing peanuts, crinkle paper, or bubble wrap ensures the candle remains almost stationary, reducing the risk of breakage.
When selecting a box, it is also worth considering eco-friendly options. Biodegradable and recyclable materials, such as cardboard and paper, are preferable to minimise waste. Some companies, like Flush Packaging, offer boxes made from 100% recyclable cardboard, specifically designed for shipping fragile items. Reusing and recycling packaging materials is also encouraged to reduce environmental impact.
Additionally, it is beneficial to test the packaging before finalising your choice. Subjecting the box to a "throw test" by tossing it around helps evaluate its durability. You can also ship test packages to friends or family who live far away to gather feedback on the box's performance during transit.
Finally, cost considerations may play a role in choosing the right shipping box. Using the smallest possible box can help save on shipping charges and reduce the amount of cushioning needed. Comparing rates and calculating shipping costs based on weight, size, and destination can guide your decision-making process.
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Using shock-absorbing materials
To ensure your candles reach their destination safely, it's important to use shock-absorbing materials for packaging. This will prevent breakage and damage during the shipping process. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Corrugated Cardboard Wrap: Use corrugated cardboard wrap to provide a cushioning effect for your candles. This recyclable material has an outer and inner layer, with a fluted middle layer that offers ample protection. Make sure to select a box that is slightly larger than the candle to allow for the addition of corrugated cardboard wrap. This type of wrap is especially useful for filling in any odd spaces within the shipping box.
Honeycomb Cardboard Wrap: Honeycomb cardboard wrap is another excellent option for shock absorption. Like corrugated cardboard, it is also recyclable and does a great job of cushioning candles during their journey. Both types of cardboard wrap can be used to fill voids in your packages and ensure the candle remains almost stationary, reducing the risk of breakage.
Bubble Wrap: Bubble wrap is a classic and effective shock-absorbing material. It can be used to wrap individual candles, providing a layer of protection. Eco-friendly options are available, and you can also reuse any bubble wrap that comes with your candle-making supplies. Bubble wrap is a versatile material that can fill empty spaces in your shipping box and protect your candles from impact.
Paper Products: Kraft paper, crinkle paper, and tissue paper are excellent eco-friendly options for shock absorption. Kraft paper can be used as a wrap for your candles and to fill empty voids in the package. Crinkle paper adds texture and fills spaces, while tissue paper provides a soft, cushioning layer. These paper products are not only functional but also give your packaging a creative and aesthetically pleasing look.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts: Packing peanuts are a great way to fill in gaps and provide shock absorption. Look for biodegradable options made from compostable materials like cornstarch or wheat instead of styrofoam. These peanuts are eco-friendly and can be reused or recycled after they've served their purpose.
By using a combination of these shock-absorbing materials, you can effectively protect your candles during shipping. Always aim to minimise movement within the box and test your packaging by giving it a good throw before sending your candles on their way!
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Filling empty voids
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
Also known as bio peanuts, these are made from compostable materials like cornstarch or wheat instead of styrofoam. They are a great eco-friendly option and can be reused.
Crinkle or Kraft Paper
Kraft paper can be used to fill empty voids and also as a wrap for your candles. It can also be shredded and used as packing material to keep the candle from moving around inside the box.
Corrugated or Honeycomb Cardboard Wrap
This is a recyclable, shock-absorbing material that does a good job of cushioning candles.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is another effective shock-absorbing material that can be used to fill empty spaces in your packaging. It is also available in eco-friendly options.
Air Pillows
Air pillows can be used as a cushioning and wrapping material.
It is recommended to use a combination of these packing materials to fill the odd little spaces within the shipping box. The goal is to create a cushioning effect so that any unexpected movement during shipping will not result in breakage.
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Shipping cost calculations
When it comes to shipping costs, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you need to determine your material and overhead costs. This includes the cost of raw materials used to make each candle, such as wax, wicks, fragrances, and containers. Overhead costs refer to any expenses incurred during the candle-making process, such as electricity or rental costs. You can add these costs together to get a total cost per candle or a monthly overall cost if you produce a large number of candles.
Secondly, you should decide on your desired profit margin. This will help you set your prices and determine how much you can afford to spend on shipping. When setting your profit margins, consider giving yourself some flexibility to run promotions or offer discounts without losing profit. For example, you could include the cost of shipping in your product price to offer free shipping to customers. Alternatively, you could charge your customers a separate shipping fee, passing on the exact cost of shipping to them. This option is straightforward to set up through e-commerce platforms or shipping software, ensuring you don't lose profit on shipping. However, it may deter customers from placing large orders due to higher overall costs.
The weight and size of your candles will also impact shipping costs. Using the smallest box possible can reduce shipping charges and the amount of cushioning needed. USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL offer flat-rate boxes at no upfront cost, which can be useful for standardizing shipping costs. To save on packaging costs, you can use recycled materials, such as cardboard boxes and biodegradable packing peanuts, and encourage customers to reuse and recycle these materials.
Finally, it's important to test your packaging to ensure your candles arrive safely. Wrap your candles in shock-absorbing materials, such as corrugated cardboard, honeycomb cardboard, or bubble wrap, and fill any empty space in the box to prevent movement during transit. Once you're satisfied with your packaging, test it by shipping candles to friends or family who live far away, simulating real-world shipping conditions.
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Labelling and branding
Custom labels can be used to convey your brand message and help you stand out from the competition. They can be placed directly onto candle jars or used on exterior packaging, and you can use kraft paper, metallic plastic, or black matte labels, and print your own custom artwork and lettering.
When shipping candles, it is important to label them correctly to ensure they are handled with care. Clearly mark your packages with "glass" and "fragile" stickers to indicate that the contents are breakable. This will help ensure that your candles are handled with the necessary care and attention during transit.
In addition to labelling, consider the branding of your packaging. You can use recyclable cardboard boxes and fill any empty space with eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch or wheat, or crinkle/kraft paper. This will create a positive impression of your brand and show that you care about the environment.
Finally, don't forget to include a packing slip or invoice with your contact information and a brief description of the contents. This will help your customers identify their order and provide them with important information in case they need to contact you.
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Frequently asked questions
A sturdy box made from corrugated cardboard is ideal for shipping a candle. The box should be slightly larger than the candle to allow for packing material.
Wrap the candle in shock-absorbing material such as bubble wrap, cardboard bubble wrap, honeycomb cardboard wrap, or corrugated cardboard wrap.
Packing materials such as kraft paper, tissue paper, biodegradable packing peanuts, or air pillows can be used to fill the empty space in the box and prevent the candle from moving around.
Use packing tape specifically designed for shipping to secure the box.
The cost of shipping a candle will depend on various factors such as the size and weight of the package, the destination, and the delivery speed. You can use an online shipping calculator to estimate the cost of shipping.
