With the holidays right around the corner, crafting for the holidays is in full swing. The holidays are a busy time for crafters because soap and beauty products make fantastic gifts! If your gift recipients or customers don’t live nearby, your products will need to be shipped. This can be a little nerve wracking, as homemade bath and body products are often delicate and heat sensitive. Knowing how to properly pack your items may save them from being damaged in transit. Below are basic tips on securely packaging and shipping your creations to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.
The first step to preparing your products for shipment is to evaluate what you are shipping. Are your products delicate, like bath bombs? Are they heat sensitive, like balms or lotions? Or maybe they are an awkward shape like soapy cupcakes. All of these factors will affect how your items are packed and shipped.
Then, it’s time to consider the packaging materials and what shipping service you’d like to use. Products can be shipped in a wide variety of containers. In fact, there are so many different options…it can be a little overwhelming! First, evaluate the package. How much product are you shipping? How much does it weigh? What shape are the items? For example, if you’re shipping one single bar of soap, your package strategy is going to be very different than if you are shipping a candle or bath bomb. How large and heavy your package is may help you decide on what type of shipping carrier to use, as they all provide different services depending on the size and distance of your package.
How large and heavy your items are will greatly affect how they are shipped. For smaller, sturdier items like cold process soap, an envelope can work well.
Choosing Your Shipping Service
What is the perfect shipping service? This is an impossible question to answer as there are so many variables to consider. Everything from package size, to location, all the way down to the driver that makes the delivery will determine which shipping service would be the best. Unfortunately, it is impossible for you to know if the UPS driver has been awarded Driver of the Year 5 years in a row, or will just throw the package over the fence for the dog to chew on (UPS has 450,000 employees after all). Because things don’t always go as planned, it’s important to ship early and package your items securely just in case.
One of the most popular shipping options for small businesses and smaller packages (under 5 pounds) is the United States Postal Service. In particular, USPS makes it easy with wide array of Priority Mail Boxes for free. Sizes range from envelopes to large boxes, and feature flat rate pricing (there are size restrictions which make this a limited option). FedEx and UPS are also popular choices, especially if you are shipping very large packages. Both UPS and FedEx also offer free shipping materials for those who use their service. Other things to keep in mind when selecting a shipping method are insurance, confirmation and tracking options.
To help find the right shipping option and carrier for you, check out the links below! If you sell on Etsy, they have some great tips for shipping success here.
- USPS Mail & Shipping Services
- USPS Service Postage Price Calculator
- FedEx Shipping Rates
- UPS Shipping Time and Cost
Choosing Your Package Materials
Selecting a shipping service and materials goes hand in hand, as many carriers provide free materials along with their service. But, it may be helpful to go over the two big options: boxes and envelopes.
There are a wide variety of shipping services and package material options including envelopes and boxes.
- Envelopes: Shipping your items in an envelope is a great option for small, durable packages. Envelopes usually feature a small amount of bubble wrap inside to provide padding, but don’t have a lot of space for added padding materials. Envelopes tend to work best for bars of soap because they are flat and sturdy. Envelopes are also suitable for small and durable items like lip balm and cosmetics. It’s possible to place larger items such as jars and bottles, just make sure the packaging is sturdy (glass is not recommended).
- Boxes: If your items are larger or unable to lay flat, a box is a better option than an envelope. They are also better suited for delicate items such as bath bombs, because they can be filled with plenty of padding materials (bubble wrap, packaging peanuts, etc) to keep the items from moving within the box. Choose a box that is slightly larger than the item to make room for packing material. Keep the items safe by placing them in the center of a sturdy box and taping the box securely. Keep in mind that your box will not remain upright throughout the shipping process, so make sure it is taped well.
Additional packing materials such as bubble wrap prevent your products from bouncing around within the box. These materials are also referred to as “loose fill,” as they fill up empty space within a box. Loose fill options vary in terms of effectiveness and price, so it’s important to consider the best option for you. Click here to read UPS’s “Loose Fill” tips. Typically 1″ minimum between the box and the products is needed to ensure products arrive at their destination in tact. You’ll want to bubble wrap + loose fill; not just one or the other. Items shift a lot in transit so bubble wrap can be your last line of defense.
Packing peanuts are a popular loose fill material that helps absorbs shock and prevent the items from moving within the box.
Bubble wrap is one of the most economical options, and works great if you’re shipping items in a box with little extra space. Packing peanuts are another cost effective option and work well for a wide variety of box shapes and sizes. In particular, packing peanuts are great for filling extra space within a box to absorb shock. The downside to packing peanuts is they can get a little messy and sometime, are not recyclable. Below is a breakdown of some of the most popular options.
Bubble Wrap
- Pros: Cost effective, easy to use, easy to cleanup, easy to wrap around products, works especially well for square/uniform shaped items, good for lightweight items
- Cons: Not very effective for filling extra space within a box
Packing Peanuts
- Pros: Cost effective, great for filling empty space within a box, absorbs shock within a box, good for lightweight items
- Cons: Messy, may not be effective for extremely heavy packages. If using recyclable or biodegradable packing peanuts, peanuts will melt if any leaks happen during package transit.
Foam Packaging
- Pros: Form fitting to individual items, good for a variety of different shapes, high level of protection, good for heavier items
- Cons: Can be expensive and foam machines have high set-up costs.
Once you have your box and loose fill material, it’s time to put it all together! First, fill the bottom of the box with a little bit of fill material, at least 1″ thick. Place the item in the center, and cover with more fill material until it’s well cushioned in the box. For most items, you will want to wrap them in a protective material such as bubble wrap or paper. This is particularly true for extremely delicate items or odd shaped products (like cupcake soap!).
Wrapping your products in protective material such as bubble wrap or paper help protect them during transit.
Before securing your box with tape, give it a good shake to make sure the items inside are secure and do not move within the box. Use a sturdy plastic or reinforced paper tape to seal the center of the box. In general, duct tape is not recommended for shipping boxes as duct tape tends to peel away from porous materials like cardboard. Some prefer to be extra cautious and seal all the seams with tape. Using the tape to seal all the edges is known as the “H-tape” method, as the tape will create an “H” shape on the box’s surface.
Taping all the seams of the box with packaging tape ensure the box is securely shut.
Considering Hot and Cold Temperatures
If you’re sending your items during the holiday season, chances are you don’t need to worry about heat damaging your items. But if you’re shipping in a hot climate you may want to take extra precautions to ensure your recipients receive their items in mint condition. These steps include packing heat sensitive items with ice packs, shipping with an expedited option and performing a “ship test.” Check out the Soaping in the Summer Heat blog post for more tips on shipping items in hot temperatures.
Luckily, cold temperatures do not negatively affect homemade bath and beauty like extreme heat. Many products can freeze and thaw without major side effects. How your products react to extremely cold temperatures will depend on your unique recipe. Cured cold process soap can freeze and thaw without major problems (you may find it sweats a little). When melt and pour soap freezes and thaws, the soap may produce glycerin dew. Read more about glycerin dew (and how to prevent it) here.
Emulsified products (products made by emulsifying oil and water together, like lotion) are heat sensitive. When lotions freeze and thaw, the emulsification may break and the lotion can separate. This also applies to other emulsified products, such as heavier creams and scrubs. Oil + wax balms are also heat sensitive (this includes lip balms and lipsticks) and need more TLC for shipping during the summer than during the colder months. If your product is sensitive to humidity (such as bath bombs) you may want to include moisture absorbing silica packets in your box as well. If you’re unsure how your product will react to extremely cold temperatures, you may want to place your product in the freezer for 2-3 days and allow it to thaw at room temperature. This will give you a good idea of what will happen when your product comes in contact with cold temperatures during shipping.
Inform Your Recipients
The last piece to make sure your items safely arrive to their destination, is to inform the recipients. Packages can get left at alternative entrances such as back or side doors. This may cause the package to sit in the hot sun or rain for several days. Your recipient may prefer to have their package sent to an office space, or to a friends house where it can be received immediately. In addition, if you are selling your items that are heat or cold sensitive, you may consider encouraging your customers to choose expedited, 2-day, or overnight shipping. Customers may also be able to sign up for FedEx and UPS services that will text or email them the status of their orders and their locations.
Shipping homemade beauty products can be a little stressful. After all, you put so much hard work into making it, and want your recipients to receive them in tip-top shape. But with a little planning ahead and plenty of protective material, shipping is simple. It’s also a learning process; the more you package and ship items, the better you’ll get at it! This post only scratches the surface, and I encourage you to chat with other soapers to learn what packing and shipping techniques work best for them. In particular, the Teach Soap Forum is an amazing resource for reaching out to other soapers and small business owners.
If you have any tips or tricks for safely packaging your items, I would love to hear them.
So I am gonna make soaps in the shape of flowers and paw prints and some geode ones, those would be really fragile since they aren’t gonna be that thick.
This article was helpful regarding the shipping but what’s the best way to wrap the actual soaps so it doesn’t get dust and other things on them?
Should I use cellophane or saran wrap ?
Never made soap before so this is all unknown territory for me.
Plastic wrap works well. You can wrap your bars tightly and then use a heat gun to shrink it on. Once your soap is wrapped, you can package it anyway you like. Bags, boxes, or wrapping paper are all cute options. This video has tips for shrink wrapping the soap, as well as packaging ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD4bJgtaHMg&t=3s
I am selling sugar scrubs with coconut oil and they are not emulsified. Can I ship them USPS or is that one of the liquids that is banned? I’m looking through my options and not sure what is the best route to go. Thanks!
I’m not entirely sure, I would recommend contacting the USPS to find out for sure: https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
If I use shrink wrap bags on my bath bombs will I need to ship them with silica packets?
You can add a few just to be extra careful! That will help absorb excess moisture, especially if they’re in a pretty humid delivery truck. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
It is definitely a good idea to use extra packing materials like bubble wrap. However, I think it is also a good idea to make sure the packages are as close to form fitting as possible. The less space there is to move in the package the more likely the items will not be damaged.
That is a great tip Jesse! Packing the items in tight containers helps during shipping for sure. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi
I just started selling a natural product line. Do you have any recommendations for shipping on a website?
The recommendations above work really well for shipping products! Is there a specific product you’re wondering about shipping? Let me know and I can offer some tips. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thanks for the amazing tips! Once I have shipped my photo frames with bubble wraps & they just delivered with out any damages.
You’re welcome Kate, glad you found the post helpful! Anything shock absorbing like bubble wrap or packing peanuts work great. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi Kelsey
What tape do you use to seal liquids from leaking e.g. essential oils? I received my package on Monday and I really liked the tape on my essential oils and there was zero leakage around the cap. Would appreciate if you can let me know the name of the tape.
Thanks
Charity
Hi Charity!
I’m not sure of the brand, but it’s electrical tape! You can find that at your local hardware store. We find that helps seal the bottles really well. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello Kelsey, I have a quick question for you. I make bath bomb cupcakes with the cupcake base being a bath bomb and the icing on top. I was wondering if I should keep heat shrink wrapping them using shrink wrap and a heat gun or is it better to put them in a decorative bag with the ribbon so they can still breathe? With it being summer I worry about humidity affecting the fizzing process. Thank you so very much, I love your site!!!
Hi Heidi!
I think it’s a great idea to shrink wrap them! That will protect the fizzies from moisture in the air, which can cause them to fizz early.
I would recommend letting the cupcakes sit for 1-2 days before wrapping. That way the water in the frosting can evaporate fully. During that time you can run a fan over the cupcakes or use a dehumidifier to keep them cool and dry. Then, you can shrink wrap them and put them in a cute decorative bag. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Bath Bomb Cupcakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBvC1RnWqrE
My bath bombs are sold in cupcake boxes should I fill that box with peanuts as well so the bath bomb isn’t banging around in its own package? I can shrink wrap the ones that aren’t decorated not sure about the ones that have decor on top…
You can put packing peanuts in the box if you like! You can also use something like raffia, wrapping paper or newspaper. That will protect the cupcake and look really cute at the same time. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I am very happy to see your post. These tips and tricks are highly appreciated!
So glad to hear that Rebecca! Thanks for reading. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I’m about to open up shipping options on my Square shop and checking out USPS. When shipping soap via USPS, is it recommended to mark it as fragile? There’s extra cost there, and I’m not sure how likely my products are to get damaged, but I’d also hate to see some show up to a customer all crushed or crumbled. I’m thinking about flat rate bubble envelopes and/or the flat rate boxes.
Hi Katenik!
It’s definitely personal preference! If you want to be extra careful, you can choose the fragile option. It also helps to pack the products with peanuts, paper, etc. You can also wrap the products tightly in bubble wrap. That will prevent them from moving around too much inside the box. 🙂
You may want to check teachsoap.com/forum! Someone there may mark their shipments fragile and can tell you more about it.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
How much would you estimate the shipping be for bath products such as bath bombs? Thanks!
Hi Cassie!
How much shipping costs will vary based on how much your package weighs, what service you’re using, where it’s being sent to, etc. It’s tricky to give you an estimate!
I would recommend checking out USPS, UPS and FedEx to find out more! They offer shipping quotes and services for small business owners. This post has some awesome tips as well: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/4-steps-to-shipping-success/22925492768
You may also want to check out teachsoap.com/forum. Some of the soapers there may have some good advice for shipping your products. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
USPS Mail and Shipping Services: https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm
USPS Postage Price Calculator: https://postcalc.usps.com/
FedEx Rates: http://www.fedex.com/us/2015rates/rate-changes.html
UPS Calulator: https://wwwapps.ups.com/ctc/request?loc=en_us
What type of packaging is best for protecting individual soap cupcakes? Would small boxes work or do I need to wrap it?
Hi Jasmine!
Boxes are a great idea! They will help protect the frosting of the cupcake from getting dented in the box. Then, you can surround the cupcakes with shock-absorbent packaging, like paper or packing peanuts. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi,
Great tips even for an experienced “wrapper”.
Im used to send our good in a cardboatd box filled with airtight plastic bags for food with zipper-like opening. I close the bag partly leaving it open to fit my hairdryer to fill the bag and then quickly close the bag before the filled air comes out. Very safe and practical, doesn’t weigh much, economic when bought in bulk and you can fill the bag just to fit into space needed. Aliexpress, plastic zipperbags 4x6cm 0.40$/100pc free shipping
– sorry for my bad english…. hope you got the idea =)
That’s a great idea Wallis! I love the idea of DIY air cushions. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thanks for the amazing tips! I need to ship some items abroad and I really need them to arrive unbroken. Best regards
You’re welcome Betsy! I think these tips will help your package make it in one piece. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Shipping! Ugh! I struggled for a long time to charge the correct amount for shipping! I have only used UPS a few times, but have used USPS for so many shipments! Printing the postage has been a lifesaver!! Even when I run out of labels, it’s so easy to tape it on the package! Either from Etsy or the USPS website, saves money AND time – just drop at the post office or have them pick up! During the holiday season it feels especially good not to stand in the long line to ship orders! Doing it online gives you a tracking number that is easy to get to your customer. Also, on the USPS website, you can order many other sizes of boxes not available at the post office. I LOVE the 7x7x6 box – it’s a great size for party favor orders, or several bath and body products! One packing material I like to use are brown paper lunch bags! They puff up and squish down wonderfully! Thanks for all your great info!!
Hi Marilyn!
Thank you for all your great information! It’s really helpful for other small business owners to hear what works for you, so I really appreciate you sharing your tips with us. Printing postage sounds super handy. I’m in support of anything that helps me avoid long lines. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thanks for always sharing such useful information. I like GoShippo.com for calculating shipping charges and printing labels from my home office. Their prices are discounted vs. going directly through USPS.
The other thing I like to do is to save packing peanuts and bubble wrap when I receive packages. I like reusing the materials and it saves money as well.
You’re very welcome Mary! That website sounds like a great resource, thanks for sharing. Also, reusing materials is a great idea as well! I do that too. Old newspapers work in a pinch as well. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I used the USPS for my very first international package. The customer chose first class international shipping. The package still has not arrived. The tracking number has not been updated since “in transit” on September 9th. I’ve been to the post office twice. They said it could be sitting on someone’s desk in customs. We have no control of it. Even though I have stayed in contact with my customer, she is upset. This is a bad experience for both of us. What do you recommend? What do you use for international shipping?
Hi Melissa!
I am so sorry to hear that you and your customer had a bad experience. That definitely sounds frustrating.
With USPS International, after the package clears customs it is sent to the country’s local post office for delivery. Depending on the country, the package may be delivered in a couple of days, or it can sit there for weeks. If you’re sending a package internationally, I would definitely recommend checking with your customer to learn more about their local post office. If the post office takes a long time to deliver, or frequently loses packages, you may want to consider another option.
With UPS and FedEx international, after the package clears customs it is typically given to a delivery service that takes the package to the customer’s home. That way you can skip the post office, which means the customer has a better chance of getting that package earlier. UPS and FedEx also update their tracking information more consistently, which is very helpful.
For the package that’s waiting now, I would recommend talking to your customer to find out how reliable their local post office is. It may be normal for that package to take awhile to arrive, or maybe they frequently deliver to the wrong address and your customer may be able to check there.
Hope that helps!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
UPS and FEDEX can be EXTREMELY expensive internationally. I personally use USPS almost without any problems BUT:
a) Your customer needs to visit his/her local post office with the tracking number. Overseas most packages go through customs in the importing country. The post office won’t deliver them to a person’s door except for a few European countries. In most ofther countries, they’ll notify the recipient with a note or phone call (which is why they ask for a phone number of the customs form) to come pick up the package, at which time they have to pay customs fees due to them before the post office will release the package. In some countries, such as in South America, we even have to open our packages in front of the customs officer and show them the contents before they will release the package to us. I believe in the EU countries, for example, import taxes are charged on anything valued over 15 Euros.
b) YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: When you ship internationally you must include a packing slip inside the box and a packing slip on the outside of the box (USPS requires a customs form in addition to the packing slip and they must be attached to your package in an official USPS “customs declaration pouch” which is basically an adhesive clear bag you can get free from USPS here: http://bit.ly/2qLBO5K). If you do not attach a customs slip AND packing slip, your package may never be delivered.
c) YOUR CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY: Every importing country applies different customs rules and laws. There is no way for you to know all of them for each country, nor is it your responsibility. Your website or online shop should always have a disclaimer for your customers, indicating that THEY, not you, are responsible for informing themselves about their country’s customs laws prior to ordering, and that THEY, not you, are responsible for any customs fees THEIR customs officials may apply.
d) You can also mention that USPS international first mail packages are only tracked until the point at which they exit the USA and once the package enters another country, it becomes the responsibility of the postal service of that country. The other country’s postal service may or may not continue to track the package once they’ve received it (some do, some don’t).
I find that letting my customers know these things BEFORE they order means it’s their choice whether to continue with their order or not (or they can THEN decide if they want to pay $50-100 for a bar of soap to be shipped via FEDEX or UPS).
Hope this helps
I don’t do much shipping except for soap, but this is great information for general knowledge. I agree too with Jill – I love Uline for all the packaging and shipping options they have. And depending on what you’re getting you can get items in bulk inexpensively – I buy shopping bags and small containers from them. I know that packing peanuts are great shock absorbers as well as light weight and inexpensive – but I really hate getting a package packed with them. But my local Postal Annex will accept them for recycle. Also if you have one of your own postal meters to print out your own postage this keeps the cost down too, and the post office will pick it up at your door.
So glad you like the post Michael! Thanks for sharing your great tips. It’s definitely worth it to check with your local post office to see if you can recycle them, rather than just having to throw them away. Also, the postal meter seems like a great thing to have on hand. No post office lines! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
To make sure packages are securely taped, I always tape 3 times over the top and bottom. The first one is just regularly taping it shut. The other two pieces are taped in the shape of a long x over the first piece (example – start on the left edge of the center tape and end on the right edge, then do the opposite). After that is done, I tape both edges of the box to hold those pieces in place (this is done on the top and bottom). It uses a bit of tape, but I’ve never seen a box bust open when taped that way.
Oh that’s an awesome tip! It sounds like the X shape helps keep that package nice and secure, and keeps your products safe. Thanks for sharing Kelly. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This post is very helpful! I’ve been stock on packing options, as I try to avoid contributing to excess plastic and styrofoam waste. Ecoenclose has some paper alternatives to plastic fillers: http://www.ecoenclose.com/category_s/913.htm
I haven’t tried them yet, but I use their padded mailers for all of my products. When I begin shipping jars of whipped body butters I plan to try out their filler options.
So glad you found the post helpful Alicia! Thanks so much for that link, I know people looking for a plastic alternative will appreciate it. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Great article – thanks for taking out some of the guess work. A great resource is uline – they have great products and will send samples to try.
You’re very welcome Jill, so glad you enjoy the post! Also, thanks so much for that great tip. Who doesn’t love samples? 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry