How to Package Candles for Shipping

For candle retailers, the packaging you use can make or break your business. Candles are delicate products that can easily break or melt in transit, leading to many returns and unhappy customers.

To ensure a successful business, you must learn how to package candles properly for shipping. In this comprehensive guide, we share tips to help you deliver your products in pristine condition. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your candles are delivered safely.

Understanding Candle Types and Their Packaging Needs

Before we dig deeper into packing candles for shipping, let’s go over the various types of candles commonly available. From jarred to pillar, votive to tapers, each type offers unique packaging challenges.

Jarred candles might seem robust, yet they require cushioning to protect against glass breakage. Pillar and taper candles, with their elongated shapes, demand stabilizing materials to prevent bending or breaking.

Shipping scented candles is even more complicated, as preserving their fragrance is paramount. As you explore how to package candles for shipping, you’ll discover that unscented varieties often have less stringent shipping requirements.

Size and shape play pivotal roles in deciding on the right packaging solution. Candles with unique or artisan designs often need custom packaging options to ensure they are adequately protected.

Essential Packaging Materials

Candles must reach their destination in impeccable condition. Taking the time to choose the right packaging supplies will benefit your business in the long run. The type of candle product and time of year shipped will determine the supplies you’ll need.

Below are some essential packing materials for shipping candles:

• Corrugated box
• Packaging inserts
• Cushioning materials
• Insulation products
• Packing tape
• Shipping labels

As you can see in our guide on how to package candles for shipping, we’ve placed corrugated cardboard boxes at the top of our essentials list. No matter what type of candles you’re shipping, you must pack them inside corrugated cardboard cartons to maximize protection.

In addition to corrugated cartons, you will need some form of inner packaging to stabilize the candles inside the boxes. If you’re shipping taper or pillar candles, cushioning materials like packing peanuts may suffice. For container candles, secure them in packaging inserts.

Candle packaging inserts are made with shock-absorbing materials and provide a snug fit, preventing product movement and damage during transit. For the ultimate protection, look for a candle shipper kit that includes a corrugated box and packaging inserts.

Step-by-Step Candle Packing Guide

Now that you know what packing materials you need for shipping candles, it’s time to go over how to package candles for shipping. Follow these steps to ensure safe delivery.

1. Prepare the Candles – Clean each product to get rid of dust and debris. Also, inspect your candles to ensure there are no defects or damages. This will help you avoid shipping faulty products and ensure customer satisfaction.

2. Use Inner Packaging – For shipper kits that include packaging inserts, pack your candles according to the provided instructions. If you’re not using inserts, wrap each candle in bubble wrap to provide an extra layer of protection.

3. Place Inside Box – Arrange the candles or packaging inserts inside the box, ensuring they are positioned securely and snugly against each other. For candles without inserts, use additional cushioning materials inside the box to prevent shifting during transit.

4. Add Insulation (if necessary) – If you’re shipping candles in extreme temperatures, add insulation materials, such as cold liners or ice packs, to prevent the candles from melting or freezing in transit.

5. Seal Package Securely – Once the box is packed, close and seal it securely with heavy-duty packing tape. Make sure to seal all the seams and edges for extra security. This will prevent the box from opening during transit.

6. Add Shipping Labels – Label the box with the recipient’s address and any special handling instructions. If you’re shipping candles in glass jars or other brittle containers, label the packaging “Fragile” to make sure it’s handled with care.

7. Perform Shake Test – Hold the sealed package firmly with both hands, shaking it up and down and from side to side. As you shake the box, listen for any shifting or rattling sounds. This could indicate that the items inside are not securely packed.

8. Adjust Packing (if necessary) – If you notice any sounds or movements inside the box, open the package and add more cushioning materials to fill empty spaces and secure the items in place. Once your products have been stabilized, you are ready to ship!

Temperature Considerations and Seasonal Shipping Tips

Seasonal shifts bring unique challenges and opportunities when shipping products, especially for items as sensitive as candles. To combat the heat, you must use insulation materials, such as cold liners and ice packs, inside the box or inserts to deliver your candles in one piece.

Although learning how to package candles for shipping in warmer temperatures is crucial, you must also be cautious when shipping in the cold. As temperatures plummet, your candles may harden and crack. Use insulated inserts and heat packs to prevent the candles from freezing.

If you must ship during very hot or cold temperatures, opt for expedited shipping services to minimize the time your candles spend in transit. Faster shipping reduces product exposure to extreme temperatures, reducing the risk of damage.

Labeling and Insurance

When a package ships from seller to buyer, the clarity of its labels can significantly impact its handling and delivery success. While packing candles for shipping, marking packages with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” indicators is a simple yet effective way to communicate with carriers, minimizing the risk of damage.

Exercise prudence by considering shipping insurance for high-value shipments. Insurance offers an additional layer of security against potential loss or damage.

On the purchasing side, incorporate tracking options to facilitate a smoother delivery process and enhance customer satisfaction. Tracking information keeps your customers informed about specific transit points and expected delivery times, eliminating the frustration of waiting.

In addition, try to include care instructions within the package so customers can enjoy their candles to the fullest. Lastly, learning how to package candles for shipping requires awareness of specific regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues.

Final Check and Drop-off

The last step before shipping candles to the customer is to perform a final inspection for potential vulnerabilities. Be thorough, and select a shipping carrier known for reliability and comprehensive tracking options.

Do whatever it takes to reduce the risk of mishaps during transit. Double-check the recipient’s address and verify postage accuracy to guarantee a hassle-free delivery. Drop-off options, such as in-store pickup services or secure drop boxes, provide flexibility and convenience, catering to various logistical preferences.

Keep all receipts and tracking information organized for easy reference and peace of mind when learning how to package candles for shipping. After delivery, contact the customer to confirm receipt and foster a positive post-purchase experience.

Being proactive will establish customer loyalty and open the door for future purchases. This approach to packing candles for shipping ensures a smooth journey from seller to buyer, embodying professionalism at every step.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A smooth journey for candles from creator to customer hinges on avoiding common pitfalls. Below are some common mistakes you should avoid when shipping candles.

• Improper Balance in Packing: Ensure the box is neither overpacked nor underpacked. This prevents candle damage by avoiding cramped or loose conditions.
• Wrong Material Selection: Avoid materials that can transfer scents or colors, which could alter the candles’ intended experience.
• Climate Consideration: Assess the destination’s climate to prevent the melting or freezing of the candles.
• Lack of Internal Fillers: When packing candles for shipping, add adequate cushioning to protect against jostles and bumps during transit.
• Failure to Inspect Boxes: While sturdy, check corrugated cardboard boxes for any structural weaknesses that could compromise protection.
• Not Addressing Moisture Issues: Implement waterproofing measures to protect candles from moisture, which helps preserve their quality.
• No Insurance on High-Value Shipments: Cost-cutting or skimping on high-value shipments could be a costly oversight.
• Forget to Perform the Final Shake Test: Conduct a final shake test before sealing to reveal any movements inside the package, allowing for last-minute adjustments.

Shop Candle Shipper Kits at Gorilla Shipper

Dedicating time to mastering how to package candles for shipping pays off in fewer damaged deliveries, more satisfied customers, and a higher bottom line. Well-packaged products not only minimize the risk of loss but also enhance brand image and foster customer trust.

If you’re looking for reliable candle packaging solutions, Gorilla Shipper can help. We offer eco-friendly candle shipper kits that can be customized with your brand name and slogans. All our packaging solutions are ISTA 6-FEDEX-A test certified and approved, meeting the highest standards of safety in the industry.

Contact us to learn more about our candle shippers. Buy in bulk and save!