Will Candles Melt During Shipping?

Many candle enthusiasts and candle business owners likely wonder if the candles they ship will arrive at their destination intact or if they will melt in transit. With candles becoming an increasingly popular product for both personal use and as gifts, understanding how to properly package and ship candles is important for avoiding damaged merchandise.

Candles are vulnerable to melting when exposed to heat for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, the conditions during shipping can sometimes cause enough heat buildup to melt a candle, especially during warmer months. The potential for candles to melt during shipping depends on several key factors.

The good news is that with the right packaging and shipping methods, it is usually possible to ship candles across the country without melting.

Why Candles Melt

Candles are made from wax, which is designed to melt at fairly low temperatures. The most common candle waxes include paraffin, soy, beeswax, and gel wax. Each has a different melting point based on its composition:

• Paraffin – Made from petroleum, paraffin wax has a melting point between 115-150°F.
• Soy – Made from hydrogenated soybean oil, soy wax melts between 115-135°F.
• Beeswax – Made by honey bees, natural beeswax melts between 144-147°F.
• Gel Wax – A mineral oil-based wax, gel wax melts between 140-160°F.

As you can see, most candle waxes melt at temperatures below 160°F. This allows them to transition from solid to liquid state as the candle burns. But it also means they can easily melt if exposed to warm conditions during shipping.

Shipping Conditions

The shipping conditions that a candle experiences can significantly impact whether it melts during transit or arrives intact. Three key factors related to shipping conditions play a role:

• Temperature – If a package sits in very hot conditions inside a delivery truck or storage facility, the warmer ambient temperature can soften or melt a candle. During summer months or shipments to warmer climates, extra precautions may be needed.
• Humidity – High humidity levels inside packaging can also contribute to melting or weeping. Humid conditions may have an outsized impact on soy wax or other wax blends that are naturally softer.
• Duration – The longer a package spends in transit, the higher the chances of melting occurring if temperatures or humidity levels fluctuate. Expedited shipping with fewer stops can help mitigate risks.

Monitoring and controlling these three factors as much as possible enables safer wax and candle shipments with less likelihood of melting in transit.

Candle Packaging

Proper packaging is crucial to preventing candles from melting during shipping. The packaging needs to provide insulation and protect the candles from excessive heat. Some effective packaging options include:

Insulated boxes – Placing candles in an insulated box with thick walls traps cool air and prevents hot air from reaching the candles. The box insulation creates a protective barrier against temperature changes. Popular insulated packaging options are poly mailers, cardboard boxes lined with bubble wrap, and styrofoam containers.

Bubble wrap – Wrapping candles individually in bubble wrap minimizes contact between the candles, absorbs shocks, and prevents candles from rubbing together and warming up through friction. The bubbles provide insulation against heat. For extra protection, use bubble wrap in conjunction with an insulated box.

Air pillows – Filling void spaces in the shipping box with inflated plastic air pillows restricts candle movement and insulates against hot air. The flexible air pockets mold around the candles to minimize heat transfer. Air pillows effectively absorb shocks too.

With the right insulating and shock-absorbent packaging materials, candles are less likely to melt or get damaged during shipping, even in hot temperatures. Proper insulation regulates temperature exposure and provides a protective barrier.

Seasonal Effects

One of the most significant factors in candle melting during shipping is the season and corresponding ambient temperature. Hot summer months increase the risk of candles melting in transit, while colder winter weather reduces the chances. During summer, the inside of delivery trucks and mail vehicles can reach very high temperatures if not climate-controlled. Asphalt on roads also absorbs and radiates large amounts of heat. Leaving candles in hot vehicles all day long can cause partial or complete melting.

Spring and fall tend to pose a lower risk, but there are still hot days. The transition between very cold and hot seasons also leads to fluctuation in temperatures. Colder months like winter see little risk of melting, but candles may still be affected by other temperature variations during shipping.

Overall, the hotter the location and time of year, the more melting is likely. When shipping candles in summer, special care must be taken with packaging and shipping methods to protect the candles from heat exposure. Whereas in winter, melting may be less of an issue.

Shipping Method

The shipping method you choose can impact whether candles are likely to melt during transit. The two main options are ground shipping and air shipping.

Ground shipping generally takes longer, with transit times ranging from 2-8 days for cross-country shipments. The more time candles spend in transit, the more opportunity there is for temperature fluctuations that could cause melting. Ground shipping also involves frequent loading/unloading of trucks and storage in warehouses, which can expose packages to both hot and cold conditions.

Air shipping is faster, usually 1-3 days for cross-country deliveries. The quicker transit time reduces the risk of melting. However, air transport still exposes packages to temperature changes as cargo moves between warehouses and planes. Fluctuating air pressure in the hold during take-off and landing can also affect candles.

In general, air shipping reduces the risk of melting versus ground, simply because the candles spend less time in transport. But melting can still occur with air shipping depending on conditions. Appropriate packaging is important for both methods.

Preventing Melting During Shipping

Proper packaging and choosing the right shipping method are key to preventing candles from melting during transit. Here are some tips:

Use Insulated Shipping Boxes: Look for boxes designed for shipping candles and other temperature-sensitive items. The box should have an inner liner or insulation to protect contents from heat. The box should fully contain the candles with minimal air space.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Don’t leave candles sitting in direct sunlight before shipment. Store in a cool, dry place away from windows. Instruct recipients not to leave packages in sunny areas or hot cars.

Select Fast Shipping: Choose expedited shipping methods like 2-day or overnight delivery. The less time candles spend in transit, the less opportunity for melting. This is especially important during summer months.

Ship Early in the Week: Schedule pickups and shipments early in the week to avoid candles sitting in warehouses over weekends. Candles shipped on Monday or Tuesday have less transit time than those shipped at the end of the week.

Include Ice Packs: Place ice packs around candles to keep the package cool, especially when shipping during summer heat. Freezer packs last 24+ hours and help prevent melting.

With proper planning and packaging, it’s possible to ship candles across the country during even the hottest summer months without melting. Pay close attention to insulating boxes, fast shipping, and temperature control to keep candles intact.

Managing Melted Candles

If a customer receives a melted or damaged candle, it’s important to communicate with them quickly and offer a replacement. Here are some tips for managing melted candles:

• Email the customer as soon as possible to apologize and offer a replacement candle or refund. Be polite, understanding, and solution-oriented.
• Provide clear instructions for the customer to return the melted/damaged candle if needed. Offer to cover return shipping costs to make it easy on the customer.
• Send the replacement candle quickly, ideally with expedited or priority shipping, to make up for the inconvenience.
• Include a small token like a coupon or sample with the replacement candle to encourage future business.
• Follow up with the customer after the replacement ships to ensure satisfaction.

Taking care of customers who receive melted candles is crucial for building trust and loyalty over the long-term. A timely, thoughtful response shows you value your customers and stand behind your products.

Alternatives

If you are concerned about candles melting during shipping, there are some gift alternatives to consider that avoid the melting issue altogether:

Other Gift Options
Instead of candles, consider sending gift baskets, gift cards, books, baked goods, flowers, or other non-meltable gifts. Scented soap, lotion, room spray, or potpourri can provide lovely scents without the melting risk. For a more personal touch, create homemade gifts or gift certificates for services.

Local Pickup

Arranging for the gift recipient to pick up the candles in person ensures the candles will stay intact. See if the company offers in-store pickup or make arrangements to meet up. This adds a nice personal touch to the gift giving experience.

Conclusion

In summary, whether candles will melt during shipping depends on several factors like the candle’s packaging, the shipping method used, and the season. Properly packaging candles in insulated boxes with cushioning can help prevent melting in transit. Avoid shipping candles in hot summer months if possible. And opt for faster shipping methods that have climate control and minimal stops. Some final tips are to choose candles with a higher melting point, place an ice pack in the box, or reconsider gifting candles that may not withstand shipping conditions. With careful preparation, packaging, and shipping choices, candle lovers can continue to share their favorite scented gifts without arriving as a melted mess.