Do Candles Ship Well?
Shipping candles can present some unique challenges compared to other products. The main concern when shipping candles is preventing them from melting, warping, or otherwise being damaged during transit. Candles are sensitive to temperature changes and need to be properly insulated and packed to maintain their shape and quality. Other factors like packaging, shipping regulations, carrier options, and insurance also need to be considered when sending candles. With some preparation and planning, candles can arrive safely at their destination with minimal fuss.
This article provides an overview of the main considerations and tips for successfully shipping candles without issues. Key topics covered include candle materials, packaging methods, temperature control, shipping regulations, selecting a carrier, insurance needs, and special factors for international shipping. Following the right procedures can help ensure candles ship well and arrive in perfect condition.
Candle Materials
The most common candle materials are paraffin wax, vegetable wax, beeswax, and soy wax. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct that is inexpensive and easy to work with. It has a high melting point which allows candles to retain their shape in hot environments (How to Match Your Room with Luxurious Scented Candles, 2022). Vegetable waxes like palm, bayberry, and soy are from renewable resources and burn cleaner than paraffin. Beeswax is natural, non-toxic, and burns slowly with a pleasant honey aroma. Soy wax is a vegetable wax, made from soybeans, that burns slowly and cleanly.
Wicks are typically made from braided cotton or paper fibers that have been coated with wax or rubber. The wick absorbs and burns the melted wax to produce the candle’s flame. Wicks come in different thicknesses, known as ply. A larger wick produces a taller flame while a smaller ply wick makes a shorter flame. Wicks should be trimmed to 1⁄4 inch to prevent smoking (ElectricCern 2021).
Candles are housed in containers known as jars, tins, or votives. Glass jars allow the candle scent to permeate a room while metal tins retain heat. Votive holders are short, stout glasses used for tealights or votive candles. The container material impacts how the candle performs. Tin containers conduct heat better while glass jars allow fragrance to pass through (Candles by Roen 2020).
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Packaging
Proper packaging is crucial for safely shipping candles. The packaging should completely surround and protect the candle while also preventing leaking or melting. Most recommend shipping candles in corrugated cardboard boxes with cushioning inside.
Cardboard candle boxes can be custom ordered or purchased ready-made. According to Easyship, custom boxes allow you to fit the candles securely with less empty space. Ready-made cardboard mailers and boxes designed for candles are also available from various packaging suppliers.
Inside the box, the candles should be surrounded by 2-3 inches of cushioning padding on all sides. Bubble wrap, foam, crumbled paper, or biodegradable packing peanuts work well. The goal is to prevent the candles from shifting and absorbing shocks during transit.
The box should have a snug fit and be sealed thoroughly with strong tape. According to STTark, sealing the box with water-activated tape provides extra leak protection. Take care not to seal boxes too tightly, as air circulation is still needed.
Preventing Damage
There are a few key things you can do when packaging candles to help prevent cracking, leaking, and other damage during shipping:
Use bubble wrap – Line the inside of the box with bubble wrap and make sure the candle is completely surrounded. Bubble wrap cushions the candle and absorbs shocks. Leave about 1 inch of space between the candle and box walls.
Avoid empty space – Pack peanuts, crumbled paper, or additional bubble wrap to fill empty spaces and prevent shifting. You don’t want the candle rattling around.
Secure the candle – Tape or tie candles closed to prevent leaking. Use straps or stretch wrap to hold candles firmly in place.
Choose an appropriately sized box – The box should be only slightly larger than the candle, with minimal extra room. Oversized boxes increase the chance of damage.
Use strong, durable boxes – Opt for double-walled cardboard boxes with sufficient strength to protect the candle inside. Avoid flimsy boxes.
Cushion pointy edges – Pay extra attention to protecting the top and bottom of a candle, as pointy edges are most prone to damage. Use extra padding on these areas.
Consider candle construction – Fragile containers like thin glass are more prone to breaking. Sturdier candles like those in metal tins will be easier to ship safely.
With proper packaging techniques, you can ship candles across the country or the world without damage. Taking steps to prevent cracking, leaking, and breaking is key.
Temperature Control
Keeping candles cool during shipping is crucial to prevent melting, especially in warmer months. According to Easyship, high temperatures can cause candles to melt, so consider the weather at all points along the shipping route https://www.easyship.com/blog/how-to-ship-candles. Fillmore Container recommends shipping candles in spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate, and avoiding summer shipping if possible. They also advise shipping candles via ground transportation instead of air whenever feasible, as cargo holds can reach very high temperatures https://www.fillmorecontainer.com/blog/2022/05/18/8-tips-for-shipping-candles-in-the-summer-fillmore-container/.
When shipping candles in warm weather, use insulated packaging and ice or cold packs to keep the package cool in transit. UPS and USPS offer temperature-controlled shipping options that can help prevent melting according to Parcel Path https://parcelpath.com/shipping-candles-in-hot-weather/. Avoid leaving packages in hot vehicles or storage areas for extended periods. Monitoring the weather and planning the shipment timing and route carefully can help minimize melting.
Shipping Regulations
In the United States, there are certain regulations regarding restricted materials and labeling that apply when shipping candles. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces regulations for candle products under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). The FHSA prohibits the use of certain chemicals and ingredients in candles which may be toxic or flammable.
According to the CPSC, candles cannot contain more than 0.1% of chemicals such as benzene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and dimethylformamide (DMF) as they produce poisonous fumes when burned (ComplianceGate.com). Lead wicks are also prohibited.
Candles must be appropriately labeled with the company name, product identity, net contents, country of origin, and warning statements if applicable. Warning labels are required for candles which are highly flammable or combustible. Proper labeling is important for compliance when shipping candles domestically or internationally (CTM Labeling Systems).
Carrier Options
When shipping candles, you have several carrier options to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. The three major carriers used for shipping candles within the United States are USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
USPS, or the United States Postal Service, is often the most budget-friendly option. They offer flat rate priority mail shipping boxes that can accommodate most candle orders. USPS rates start around $7-10 for smaller shipments. One downside is that delivery times can be slower and more variable with USPS (see https://www.sttark.com/blog/how-to-package-and-ship-candles).
UPS and FedEx offer faster and more reliable delivery times for candle shipments, but at a higher cost. Their rates are based on box weight and distance. Expect to pay $10-20 for smaller UPS/FedEx ground shipments, and $20-40 for faster 2-3 day service. Both carriers offer extensive tracking and insurance options. As private companies, UPS and FedEx can reject packages they deem unsafe, including certain types of fragile candle packaging (see https://www.candlescience.com/how-to-ship-candles-part-1-packaging-shipping-and-calculating-the-cost/).
Overall, USPS is the most economical option for basic candle shipping, while UPS and FedEx provide faster transit and more shipping service features at a higher cost.
Insurance
When shipping candles, it’s important to have insurance in case any damage occurs during transit. There are a few options for coverage:
Most shipping carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx offer their own shipping insurance that will cover the declared value of the package in case of loss or damage for an additional fee. Rates vary based on the carrier, package value and shipping method. According to ParcelPath, UPS and USPS insurance can cover up to $5,000 in value.
You can also look into small business insurance or product liability insurance, which covers candle makers for property damage, bodily injury or financial loss caused by their products. Policies like those from Progressive Commercial or Armatage Candle Company are specially designed for candle makers.
Having insurance can protect your business from significant losses if a candle is damaged during shipping. Review all options to determine the right coverage based on your specific needs and risks.
International Shipping
When shipping candles internationally, there are some additional considerations around customs, duties, and potential shipping delays that you need to be aware of.
According to Eurosender, all commercial shipments sent abroad need to go through customs clearance, which can cause delays. Customs will inspect the package to determine if any duties or taxes need to be paid. Candles may be subject to import duties depending on the destination country. Sellers need to properly classify and document the candles with the harmonized tariff code to avoid customs delays or penalties.
Shipping carriers like FedEx provide guidance on proper documentation procedures when exporting candles internationally. You may need a commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and other trade documents. Failure to comply with customs regulations can lead to seizure of the package by authorities.
It’s recommended to work with a shipping provider or broker that has expertise in international exports and importing requirements when first starting to ship candles abroad. They can ensure proper protocols are followed to avoid logistical issues.
In general, plan for additional transit time when shipping candles internationally, especially when crossing continents. The package may need to clear customs in multiple countries which can add days or weeks to the delivery. Communicate realistic timelines with international customers and get delivery guarantees from carriers.
Conclusion
In summary, when shipping candles, it’s important to carefully consider packaging, temperature control, shipping regulations, and insurance. The main goal is preventing candle damage during transit. Some best practices include:
- Use sturdy boxes with plenty of cushioning like bubble wrap or peanuts.
- Allow candles to cure for 1-2 weeks before shipping to prevent sweating and improve rigidity.
- Ship during cooler months or use insulation and ice packs.
- Comply with regulations about flammable materials from USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.
- Purchase insurance and/or signature confirmation.
- Consider faster shipping services for international packages.
With thoughtful preparation and packaging, candles can be shipped successfully domestically and abroad. Following these tips will help ensure customers receive quality products.
