shipping question

[Alexie90]

Hello all

just wanted to see what type of shipping do you find is best for your candle and/or soap products.

I'm trying to figure out what is going to be my best shipping to offer. I did an estimate on USPS.com and for a 2lb item, thats $7-9 for standard post (depending on the zip code) and if I use the priority medium rate box, thats $12.95. apparently 1st class mail is only up to 13ounces

boxes seem like the best idea vs bubble envelopes. although that may work for small shipments of like from 1-3 bars. but other than that.. plus needing to use foam peanuts or other items

any ideas or suggestions?

thanks Suzanne

 

[HorseCreek]

USPS goes primarily off weight not size. I've found shipping to be a bit cheaper if I use my own boxes and not the flat rate. Unless of course I'm shipping something really heavy then flat rate is cheaper if it fits. I'm not sure if candles would be since they are fairly weighty sometimes. USPS is almost always cheaper than UPS for me and ALWAYS cheaper than fedex for me.

 

[shunt2011]

I too use USPS. It's the most economical for me and my customers. I like regional boxes or my own box. Heavier orders go Flat Rate. I always ship the most reasonable way possible.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

Hello all

just wanted to see what type of shipping do you find is best for your candle and/or soap products.

I'm trying to figure out what is going to be my best shipping to offer. I did an estimate on USPS.com and for a 2lb item, thats $7-9 for standard post (depending on the zip code) and if I use the priority medium rate box, thats $12.95. apparently 1st class mail is only up to 13ounces

boxes seem like the best idea vs bubble envelopes. although that may work for small shipments of like from 1-3 bars. but other than that.. plus needing to use foam peanuts or other items

any ideas or suggestions?

thanks Suzanne

Hi

I think that trying to group the two will be a bit problematic - candles to my mind are a totally different shape than soap is, so the shipping involved will be totally different.

What sort of sizes are your products?

As for the foam peanuts, maybe for candles where there could well be more movement, but again, does that go so well for soaps......? I don't think it would

 

[DeeAnna]

Welcome to the world of shipping. :shifty:

Foam peanuts are not my favorite. I'm seeing a trend away from the use of peanuts, and I think that's because they are messy to use when packaging, a pain to deal with by the receiver, and nearly impossible to recycle. To use them properly, fill the container to the top with peanuts but don't overfill. If you close up the box and shake it, the contents should not jiggle, but the box shouldn't be bulging either. Heavy items can compress and migrate through peanuts, even if the box is properly filled at the beginning. You're better off with a different type of packaging for heavy items especially if they are fragile.

My personal philosophy about packaging is to use only enough "fill" (peanuts, bubble wrap, foam, crumpled paper, etc.) to ensure the item is protected from bumps and falls. I size the box to fit the contents properly, rather than use a lot of fill to compensate for too-large boxes.

https://www.usps.com/ship/box-packaging.htm
http://www.fedex.com/us/service-guide/our-services/package-shipment/index.html
http://compass.ups.com/spruceup/
http://www.ups.com/packaging/

 

[pamielynn]

Flat rate isn't what it used to be I don't find it to be useful at all in my business. Regional boxes are the bomb, though. I'll use those any time I can.

 

[shunt2011]

I agree with pamielynn, Regional rate boxes seem to work best for me most times.