Packing up candles isn’t as simple as placing them into a box. In hot weather, they may melt and become crisp and crumbly in cold weather and get dents in the course of handling.
They can leak fragrance oil or break if housed in a glass container. Good packaging will help to hold everything in place and reduce the chances of damage, assisting the candle to arrive clean and in good condition.
This blog will help you learn about the safe method for shipping candles without risking anything.
Let’s get started to know the complete packaging guide:
Why do candles need careful packaging?
Candles require special packaging as they will be affected by dust, rough handling whilst in transit, heat and pressure on the product itself. The candle’s condition is primary and it needs good packaging to arrive safely and remain clean.
Here are the reasons that require candles needs careful packaging:
- Breakage Protection: Glass jars, tins and ceramic containers are easy to break, dent and crack during delivery, so be sure to pack them with a firm strong box with bubble wrap or foam within.
- Heat Protection: Candle wax can soften or lose shape in hot weather, warehouses or delivery trucks, so use insulated packaging, thermal liners or gel packs.
- Safety Labelling: Include clear candle safety statements, e.g. ‘Never leave a burning candle unattended’, to enable consumers to use the candle safely.
- Clean Condition: Good packaging protects candles from dust, dirt, scratches and fragrance loss before the customer opens the box.
- Brand Experience: Clean packaging is often attractive which creates a more positive initial impression for the consumer and elevates the consumer’s perception of the candle.
How to Pack & Ship Candles: Step-by-step Guide
To protect candles during shipment, be sure to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Choose a Candle Shipping Box
Use a good quality corrugated candle shipping box. It is important that the box is strong enough to handle pressure during delivery. Insulated boxes or thermal liners can help to most effectively guard the wax from the heat if necessary while shipping during hot weather.
Step 2: Use the Right Box Size
Make sure that the box is not too large. Additional space can cause dents, cracks or broken glass since the candle is free to move. Select a box that will have enough cushioning space and also comfortably hold the candle. You can choose custom candle boxes made to your exact dimensions.
Step 3: Prepare the Candle
Always examine the candle before packing. Cut the wick, remove all wax marks and gently wipe the jar or label. This is important for the candle to remain neat and fresh in the packaging when the customer buys it.
Step 4: Wrap the Candle
Cover every candle with either bubble wrap, kraft paper, honeycomb paper or tissue paper. Cover the slides and base and lid with additional protection, if the candle is in a glass jar. This will help to avoid any bumps to the candle during shipping.
Step 5: Fill Empty Spaces
Place cushioning at the bottom of the box then put the wrapped candle in the centre. Pack with crinkle paper, air pillow, or packing peanuts to fill any empty areas. When the box is gently shaken, the candle should not move. You can also use candle boxes with inserts to prevent the candle from moving.
Step 6: Seal and Label the Box
Use the box or carton with good packing tape and tape the top and bottom seams of the carton. Include ‘Fragile’, ‘This side up’ or ‘Keep away from heat’ labels as necessary. Labels will indicate to the handler that the parcel requires special handling.
Step 7: Choose a Reliable Courier
Use a trackable delivery service, such as FedEx or UPS. This allows both you and the customer to track the parcel until it reaches its destination. Fast delivery is especially important during warm weather, as it reduces the time candles spend in delivery vehicles or warehouses.
How to prevent candles from melting during shipping?
Shipment during hot weather periods may be dangerous due to the possibility of the wax becoming soft, melting or losing its shape. During delivery, these steps will help make the candles safer summer weather:
- Insulate the Box: To minimize heat exposure, line the box with foam or foil and place candles in thermal bubble wrap.
- Add Cold Packs: Apply frozen gel packs in summer or warm climates. To prevent moisture from reaching the candle and label, wrap them in a paper towel or a small plastic bag.
- Pack Securely: Place candles automatically in an upright position and fill any empty space with crinkle paper, packing paper, air pillows or bio-peanuts to create an active barrier inhibiting movement.
- Choose Faster Shipping: Consider using priority shipping to minimize time in hot vans, warehouses and sorting centres. Send out on Mondays through Wednesdays.
- Label Clearly: Label the outside of the package with “Fragile” and “Keep Upright” so carriers know it requires careful handling.
How to pack different candle types?
Candles may be packed slightly different as both the container and shape will vary among different candle types. Pack each one safely in this way:
- Glass Jar Candles: When shipping more than one Jar, add cardboard dividers between each Jar so they will not collide with one another. Also, wrap in 1 inch of bubble wrap.
- Taper Candles: Wrap them in a bit of tissue or kraft paper and put in a long narrow box. Add foam inserts or packing paper around them to keep straight and secure. Explore boxes for taper candles.
- Pillar Candles: Line them with waxed paper to prevent scratching. Put on some bubble wrap or insert some honey comb paper. Put them in a heavy cart box that is well-padded on all sides. Explore boxes for pillar candles.
- Votive Candles: Wrap each candle individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap, then place them in a small sturdy box with dividers or packing material to prevent movement and damage during transit. Explore boxes for votive candles.
- Travel Tins: Secure with poly or bubble wrap and send in a small container or in a poly mailer enclosed. Sometimes a padded mailer will be sufficient for light tins; boxes provide greater protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to ship candles?
The best way to ship candles is to use a sturdy candle shipping box, wrap each candle properly and fill all empty spaces inside the box.
How do you stop candles from melting during shipping?
When sending candles in warmer climates, make sure to pack them in an insulated package, thermal liners or gel packs. Quick shipping also helps as the candle is going through less time in hot vans, warehouses and sorting centres.
Can candles be shipped in hot weather?
Yes, candles can be shipped in hot weather, but they require special care. Use insulated packaging, add cold packs when necessary, avoid direct sunlight, choose fast delivery, and ship early in the week to prevent parcels from sitting in warehouses over the weekend.
Should candles be shipped upright?
Yes, they should be shipped upright, particularly jars. This ensures that the possibility of wax movement, leakage or unequal melting is minimized if the candle gets heat during delivery.
