Candles have been around for centuries, and their popularity shows no sign of waning. From simple taper and elaborate scented candles, they are a part of our everyday lives. But how do they get from the manufacturer to the store or your home? How are candles packaged to ensure they arrive to you in perfect condition?
The best way to package and ship candles are to use a box that is slightly larger than the candles themselves. This will allow for padding if the box is dropped or jostled during shipping. You will also want to use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to keep the candles from moving around inside the box and breaking.
This article will discuss the process of shipping candles, from start to finish. We will also discuss how to package and ship your candles to your customers.
What is the best method to package a candle?
When shipping candles to customers, waxed tissue paper is the best method to package your products. This will help protect the candles from being scratched or damaged during transit. You can find waxed tissue paper at most craft stores or online.
Once you have wrapped the candles in waxed tissue paper, you should select a sturdy cardboard box suitable for shipping and 2 inches larger than your candle on all sides.
Place the candle into your box and fill any space remaining around your candle with packing peanuts or bubble wrap. Using crinkle-cut paper is more attractive and provides a better customer experience. This will give the perfect presentation for your product when they open the box.
After your candle is snug in its box, seal it with packing tape and label it with the appropriate shipping information. Including “Fragile” on the label ensures your package is handled with care.
Now your candle is ready to be shipped! The next step is to select the shipping method that best suits your needs.
What is the best method to package multiple candles?
When shipping multiple candles, it is best to use a box 2 inches larger than the candles closest to the sides of the box. This will allow for padding if the package is dropped or jostled during shipping. You will also want to use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to keep the candles from moving around inside the box and breaking.
To begin, wrap the candles with waxed tissue paper. This will help protect the candles from being scratched or damaged during transit. You can find waxed tissue paper at most craft stores or online.
Use dividers such as cardboard or foam to keep the candles from touching each other inside the box. You can find these dividers at most craft stores, online, or from the delivery company you choose.
With foam, you can cut out shapes to perfectly fit your candles and then glue or tape the foam in place. This will give extra protection to your candles and ensure they do not move around during shipping.
Place the candles into your box and fill any space remaining around your candles with packing peanuts or bubble wrap. Using crinkle-cut paper is more attractive and provides a better customer experience. This will give the perfect presentation for your product when they open the box.
After your candles are snug in their box, seal them with packing tape and label them with the appropriate shipping information. Including “Fragile” on the label ensures your package is handled with care.
How do I ship my candles?
Candles are a non-restricted item, which means they can be shipped via any shipping method. However, we recommend shipping candles via USPS or FedEx Ground. These carriers have specific candle packaging requirements and will provide insurance if your package is lost or damaged in transit.
US Shipping
You must use special boxes from the carrier when shipping with USPS or FedEx. These boxes are designed to protect candles during shipping and will include instructions on how to package your candles correctly.
Most USPS boxes are free, but you must pay for shipping. FedEx boxes can be purchased at your local FedEx office or online.
After you have your box, pack your candles according to the carrier’s instructions and advice. These will vary depending on the type of candle and the number of candles shipped. Seal the box with packing tape and label it with the appropriate shipping information.
UK Shipping
Royal Mail is the primary carrier for shipping in the UK. First Class is the recommended shipping method, including insurance up to £20.
Hermes is another option for shipping candles in the UK. This service is less expensive than Royal Mail, but customer service can be problematic, with automated chatbots being the only contact method. This can lead to increased customer complaints.
DHL is another option for shipping candles in the UK. This service is more expensive than Royal Mail but includes insurance up to £500 on larger deliveries.
After you have your box, pack your candles according to the carrier’s instructions and the advice above. These will vary depending on the type of candle and the number of candles shipped. Seal the box with packing tape and label it with the appropriate shipping information.
Post Office Vs. Click & Ship
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers two ways to ship your candles: through the post office or using their Click & Ship service.
Click & Ship is the easiest way to ship your candles. You can pay for and print your shipping label at home, which saves you a trip to the post office. Your candles must be packed and ready to go when you print your label.
If you choose to ship your candles through the post office, you will need to take your package to your local post office and pay for shipping there. The postal worker will help you determine the best shipping method and provide you with a shipping label. Your candles must be packed and ready to go when you take them to the post office.
Which is better?
Click & Ship is usually the best option, as it is more convenient and often cheaper than shipping through the post office.
Air vs. Ground – Candle Shipment
The best way to ship candles is via a ground shipping service such as USPS or FedEx. This ensures that your candles will be shipped using the appropriate packaging and handling procedures.
When shipping candles via air, it is essential to use express or next-day shipping service to ensure that your candles arrive promptly.
When shipping candles internationally, you must include a customs form with your shipment. You will also need to pay any applicable duties and taxes. Finally, it is essential to check the laws and regulations of the destination country before shipping your candles.
International Deliveries – Duties & Customs Candles
Candles are an unrestricted item so can be shipped internationally. However, there are some things to be aware of when shipping candles internationally.
When shipping candles internationally, there are a few other things to remember. First, you will need to include a customs form with your shipment. This form must be filled out completely and accurately to avoid delays or issues with your shipment.
Second, you must pay applicable duties and taxes when shipping your candles overseas. These fees are based on the value of your shipment and the destination country.
Finally, it is essential to check the laws and regulations of the destination country before shipping your candles. Some countries have import restrictions, and you don’t want your shipment to be held up at customs.
How much does it cost to ship candles?
We have included below our suggested options for shipping your candles and the price calculators for these couriers so you can factor these into your candle pricing strategy.
US
USPS: We suggest that you use flat rate packaging including envelopes (if you candles will fit) and medium flat rate boxes. You can calculate the cost of shipping with their calculator.
UPS: We suggest UPS express tubes or UPS small to medium size express boxes. You can calculate the cost of shipping with their calculator.
FedEx: FedEx reusable padded packets medium and large, FedEx Tube, FedEx 10kg boxes. You can calculate the cost of shipping with their calculator.
UK
Hermes: You can calculate the cost of shipping with their calculator.
Royal Mail: We recommend a small to medium parcel. You can calculate the cost of shipping with their calculator.
DHL: You can calculate the cost of shipping with their calculator.
Package your candles for retail sale
If you sell your candles directly to customers, you must package them attractively. This will make them more appealing to customers and help increase repeat purchases, boost word of mouth and ensure customer satisfaction. You will also increase the perceived value of your product, increasing your pricing.
A few great ideas include:
• Using clear boxes to show off the candles.
• Wrapping candles in cellophane or tissue paper.
• Adding a ribbon or bow to the package.
• Including a message or thank-you note with each purchase.
• Design your container or box, including your branding on the exterior and interior of the packaging.
By taking the time to package your candles attractively, you’ll be able to increase sales and satisfaction among your customers.
What to consider when shipping candles?
Wax melting and dripping
One of the most important aspects of shipping candles is ensuring the wax does not melt and drip due to hot temperatures. This can damage the candles and the packaging.
There are a few ways to prevent this from happening:
- One is to ship the candles during cooler months.
- You can also ship the candles via express to ensure they do not spend too much time in transit.
- Ship your products with cooling packs. These can be frozen before shipping and will help keep the candles cool during transit.
- Insulate the box with air pillows.
Another consideration is the candle wax that you use for creating your candles. Candle waxes have different melting points you need to know before you ship your products to your customers. We have listed them in the table below. We suggest you read the manufacturer’s guidance on your purchased wax to find the exact melting point.
| Type of Wax (Pure) | Melting Point in Fahrenheit (°F) | Melting Point in Celsius (°C) |
| Paraffin Wax | 115 to 154 | 46 to 68 |
| Beeswax | 144 to 149 | 62 to 65 |
| Soy Wax | 120 to 180 | 49 to 82 |
| Rapeseed Wax | 126 to 130 | 52 to 54 |
| Coconut Wax | 100 to 107 | 38 to 42 |
| Palm Wax | 180 | 82 |
We encourage you to read our article that addresses the melting points of different waxes in vehicles and which candle waxes are at risk. Cars can reach temperatures of 137 degrees Fahrenheit when exposed to ambient temperatures of 93 degrees.
Use the correct shipping labels.
You need to use the correct shipping labels when shipping your candles. These labels will help the shipper know how to handle the candles and also help the recipient know what they are receiving.
The most important thing to include on the label is that the candles are fragile and should be handled with care. You will also need to have the type of candle, the scent, and the number of candles in the shipment.
Ensure that you use the correct labels and include all the necessary information. This will help to ensure that your candles arrive at their destination safely and without any problems.
Ship your candles safely and securely
The most important thing to remember is to choose a shipping method that protects your candles from damage.
If you are shipping votives or tapers, you can use USPS First Class Mail. This is the cheapest option, but it does not include insurance.
If you are shipping pillars, you must use USPS Priority Mail. This is more expensive, but it includes insurance if the candles are damaged during shipping.
The best way to ship your candles is to use a service that offers tracking. This way, you can ensure that your candles arrive at their destination and are not lost en route. You can also update your customers on their delivery, reducing the number of refunds. Remember, communication is critical.
When shipping your candles, the most important thing to remember is to choose a shipping method that will protect them from being damaged. You can ensure that your candles arrive safely at their destination using the correct shipping method.
How to package different candle types?
Votives
When shipping multiple votives, use a divider, wax paper warp them, or shrink wrap them individually. If they are not shrink-wrapped, you can use a layer of bubble wrap between each candle to prevent them from moving around and breaking.
Pillars
Pillar candles are incredibly susceptible to scratches as they have a large surface area. Cover the entire surface with wax paper when packaging pillar candles for the shipment before adding packing peanuts to the container.
Tapers & Floating Candles
When packing taper candles for shipment, use a divider, shrink-wrap them, or wrap them in wax paper. This will prevent the candles from moving around and breaking.
FAQ – Candle Shipping
Are candles allowed to be shipped?
Candles are allowed to be shipped.
Who is responsible if candles melt during shipping?
If candles melt during shipping, the responsibility falls on the seller.
Should you freeze candles before shipping?
It is not recommended to freeze candles before shipment. This can cause the wick to become brittle and lead to a cracked candle surface and finish. These issues will affect the quality of your candles and can result in customer complaints.
Can you ship candles in the mail?
You can ship candles in the mail through all of the major couriers including FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, Royal Mail and Hermes.
Final Thoughts
Candles make an excellent gift for any occasion. However, when shipping candles, it is essential to prevent them from being damaged.
Using the correct container, packing material, and shipping method ensures that your candles arrive safely at their destination. With some care, you can ensure that your candles arrive in perfect condition, ready to be enjoyed.
