Can You Ship Candles In Bubble Mailers?
Shipping candles can be a bit tricky because they are fragile items that could easily get damaged during transit if not properly packaged. One of the common questions candle sellers have is whether it is safe to ship candles in bubble mailers. Bubble mailers are flexible and padded envelopes that are a popular choice for shipping light and non-breakable items like t-shirts, documents, and other soft goods. However, candles have unique properties that require more protective packaging to prevent breakage and leakage. In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if bubble mailers are suitable for shipping candles.
Safety Considerations
There are some important safety factors to consider when shipping candles in bubble mailers.
The biggest risk is fire hazards from the melting wax. Bubble mailers provide minimal protection against high temperatures. On hot days or when sitting in direct sunlight, the inside of a delivery truck or mailbox can get extremely hot. This intense heat can cause candles to start melting inside bubble mailers.
Melting wax can leak through the bubbles and seep out of the mailer. If the leaking wax comes into contact with high heat, it can potentially ignite or cause other packages to catch fire.
The flammable wicks embedded in candles also pose a combustion risk if they become exposed during shipping. The wicks could ignite from heat exposure or cause other packages to ignite.
Clearly, the fire hazards of melted wax and exposed wicks make improperly packaged candles sent in bubble mailers extremely dangerous.
USPS Regulations
According to the USPS domestic shipping restrictions page (https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm), there are certain restrictions and requirements for shipping hazardous materials like candles through the USPS. Candles fall under the category of flammable solid materials, which are restricted but not completely prohibited from being shipped with USPS.
However, there are regulations in place to ensure safe shipment. USPS states that candles can only be shipped via surface transportation, meaning no air mail. Candles must also be packaged properly to prevent leakage or damage. The outer packaging must be rigid and sturdy, such as a fiberboard box, and there must be sufficient cushioning material inside. The box must display the proper hazardous materials labeling.
According to Parcel Path (https://parcelpath.com/shipping-candles-usps/), there are no restrictions on the number or size of candles you can ship through USPS as long as you follow the proper packaging guidelines. However, international shipments may have additional restrictions.
The key takeaway is that candles can be legally shipped through USPS as long as the shipper understands and complies with all the regulations and requirements for safe handling of hazardous materials.
UPS and FedEx Policies
Both UPS and FedEx have restrictions on shipping candles. According to UPS’s list of prohibited items, candles are not permitted to be shipped via air transportation, either domestically or internationally. However, candles can be shipped via UPS Ground within the contiguous 48 states [1]. For FedEx, their restrictions state that candles can be accepted in FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery shipments, but cannot be shipped using air transportation [2].
When shipping candles via UPS Ground or FedEx Ground, proper packaging guidelines must be followed to prevent damage and leaks. UPS provides packaging advice tailored to specific items like candles [3]. FedEx also has resources on how to safely package candles for ground shipment.
[2] https://www.fedex.com/en-us/service-guide/terms/other-restrictions.html
[3] https://www.ups.com/packaging/?loc=en_US
Proper Packaging
When shipping candles, proper packaging is crucial to prevent damage during transit. Two main packaging options for candles are bubble mailers and boxes. Bubble mailers are lightweight and affordable but provide less protection. Boxes are more rigid and offer more cushioning, but can be bulkier and more expensive to ship.
Experts recommend wrapping each candle individually, with at least 1 inch of protective material like bubble wrap, paper, or hex wrap (How to Ship a Candle: A Step-by-Step Guide). This padding prevents the candles from shifting and breaking during handling and transport. If shipping multiple candles, separate each one before wrapping to prevent damage.
For bubble mailers, add plenty of padding around each wrapped candle to cushion them. Pack tightly so there is no room for movement (How to ship candles: packaging, shipping, and calculating the cost). With boxes, line them with padding then wrap and pack candles snugly.
Choosing the optimal packaging provides protection and prevents candle damage. Bubble mailers work for smaller, lighter shipments while boxes are better for multiple, heavier candles.
Preventing Damage
Candles can be delicate items to ship, especially taper and pillar candles which have a fragile shape. To prevent damage during shipping:
Wrap each individual candle in bubble wrap or tissue paper to pad them inside the shipping box. This helps cushion the candles so they don’t directly hit each other or the sides of the box during transit (Source: https://blog.papermart.com/small-business/package-ship-candles/).
Use crumpled kraft paper, peanuts, or air pillows to fill empty space inside the shipping box and immobilize the candles. This prevents shifting and rubbing that could cause breaks or scratches (Source: https://flushpackaging.com/blogs/the-flush-feed/how-to-ship-your-candles-with-confidence).
Choose a sturdy shipping box with an interior size that closely matches the candle dimensions. Avoid oversized boxes, as excess empty space allows the candles to bang around during shipping.
Secure the lid with strong tape designed for shipping. Reinforce all box edges and seams to prevent crushing or bursting.
Write “Fragile” on the box to alert shipping handlers to gently move the package. Inspect the box for dents or damage before sending.
Shipping Costs
Shipping costs for candles vary between carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. According to CandleScience, USPS Priority Mail is one of the most affordable options for shipping candles domestically. The flat rate medium box costs around $13. The large flat rate box costs around $18.50. Regional rate boxes offer additional savings for shorter distances. For example, shipping a 15 lb candle to Zone 1-4 costs $11 in a regional box A.
For heavier shipments, UPS and FedEx ground shipping tend to be cheaper than USPS. Per 716 Candle Co., candles shipped via UPS or FedEx ground in the continental US can cost between $8-16 depending on weight and distance. The more you ship, the more you can negotiate for discounts. International shipping has much higher rates starting around $40-60.
Proper packaging is key to minimizing damage and insurance claims that drive up costs. Padding with bubble wrap, peanuts, or air pillows can prevent breakage. Using the right size box also reduces unnecessary dimensional weight charges.
Insurance
When shipping candles, it’s important to consider purchasing insurance in case the package is lost or damaged during transit. Insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection.
The three major shipping carriers – USPS, UPS, and FedEx – all offer insurance options at an additional cost. The cost is usually based on the declared value of the package contents.
With USPS, insurance is recommended for packages valued over $50. You can purchase up to $5,000 of coverage. UPS also offers declaration of value coverage up to $50 for no fee, and additional insurance up to $50,000 for an added charge.
FedEx provides declared value and insurance options. You can declare a value up to $100 for no additional cost. If you declare a higher value, you pay an insurance fee based on the total value. Coverage up to $50,000 is available.
When deciding on insurance, you’ll want to balance the added cost versus the value of your shipment. Insurance can provide compensation if the candles are damaged, as they are fragile. But it does add to the shipping cost.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid the hassle and costs of shipping candles, consider alternative fulfillment options. One popular option is to offer local pickup. You can have customers pick up their orders directly from your business location or warehouse. This avoids any shipping costs and damage risks. Just make sure your business has a safe and convenient location for customers to visit.
Another alternative is to partner with local shops or other businesses to carry your products. You can wholesale candles to gift shops, boutiques, salons, hotels, and other retailers in your area. This allows you to sell locally, build relationships, and avoid shipping costs.
If your customers need candles to be shipped as gifts, consider offering gift wrapping. You can provide high quality gift boxes, wrapping paper, ribbons and other packaging materials. Charge a small gift wrapping fee to cover materials and labor. Beautiful gift wrapping helps ensure candles arrive safely and creates an amazing unboxing experience.
While you may still need to ship some orders, utilizing local pickup, partnerships, and gift wrapping can help reduce shipping needs. These alternatives provide customers more options while limiting costs and damages.
Conclusions
In summary, there are some best practices that emerge when it comes to safely shipping candles in bubble mailers. Be sure to thoroughly read and follow the regulations set by USPS, UPS, and FedEx to avoid any issues. Choose bubble mailers that are sturdy and thick enough to protect the candles in transit. Use proper internal packaging like bubble wrap to prevent the candles from shifting. Weigh the package carefully to determine the correct postage. Insure valuable shipments in case of damage or loss. And consider alternatives like gift boxes if preferred for high end candles. By following these guidelines, you can successfully ship candles across the country while minimizing any risks of leaks, breakage, or rejected packages. The right preparation and packaging will result in timely, intact deliveries that delight customers.
