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Let’s face it: if you are starting a business that involves shipping handmade products, there is the risk of them getting damaged in transit. Once your products leave your home, they enter an entirely different world where anything can happen. Minor dings from other boxes may hit them as they slide down the conveyor belt at the post office. They may get dropped along the way or sit for too long in a hot or humid warehouse. There’s no telling what can happen to your products once you send them out into the world, but with some preparation beforehand and good intentions, you can significantly reduce the risk of something going wrong. The key is being prepared and knowing precisely what shipping methods best suit your handmade products. Whether selling online or setting up a booth at a local craft fair, there are many ways to ship handmade products without risking their safety or integrity. In this detailed guide, we will explore all options so that you can confidently choose which one is right for you and your business.
Determining the Best Shipping Method for Your Handmade Products
There are a few significant factors that you should consider when choosing the best shipping method for your handmade products. Knowing these will help you make a well-informed decision that considers your product and its environment during transit. First, you should consider the size of your products. Smaller items can be shipped via USPS First Class or Priority Mail, which are not boxes. They are usually packed in plastic bags, so they can be shipped with insurance up to $100 and have more affordable rates at the price of a significantly higher shipping time. There are also options to send them with insurance up to $50,000 and have expedited shipping. Shipping larger items via USPS will force you to use a larger box than needed, resulting in a lot of wasted packaging materials and being very expensive. Next and most importantly, you need to consider the type of product that you are shipping. Fragile and delicate effects are much better shipped via insured and trackable methods, like FedEx or UPS. If your products are a bit more sturdy, like pottery or candles, USPS First Class Mail Parcel or FedEx Ground will be sufficient. FedEx or UPS will be your best options if your products are heavier or more significant. Finally, it would help to consider how far you are shipping the products. If you are shipping within the same state, USPS will be sufficient, but if you are sending out of state, you may need to consider FedEx or UPS, as USPS will have a $100 limit per shipment. You might also want to consider using 3pl logistics companies to delegate your shipping to so you can focus on other aspects of your business.
Finding the Right Box
As we mentioned before, it is essential to use a box that is the correct size for your product. Using a too large box will result in wasted materials and be too costly. On the other hand, using a too-small box will put your product in danger of being crushed. Finding the correct size box can be a bit tricky, but there are a few methods that you can use to make sure that you get it right the first time. The easiest way to find the correct size box for your product is to go to your local FedEx or UPS store and ask the sales associate for help. You can also request a friend who works in shipping and receiving at their job. Another option is to have your product measured in advance by someone who works in shipping, such as the delivery person at your local FedEx or UPS store. Another important thing to keep in mind is the weight of the product. Using a flimsy box that is too small for the product will not only make your product more vulnerable to damage but also prevent the package from being appropriately shipped, leading to a risk of your product not arriving at its destination.
Styrofoam Boxes: Protecting Your Product and Its Environment
If your products are fragile or packaged in a way that is not ideal for shipping, using a styrofoam box can help to protect both your product and its environment. Styrofoam is a great way to protect your fragile items from being crushed, broken, or otherwise damaged during transit. Another excellent feature of styrofoam is that it does not retain moisture, so if your product is perishable, it will not trap in any moisture, which can lead to spoilage. Although styrofoam is an excellent way to protect your product and its environment, you should be careful, as it can be dangerous if not used properly. You must place your product on top of the styrofoam and not bury it underneath, as this can trap moisture and cause the product to break. You’ll also want to make sure that the styrofoam doesn’t stick to your product, as this can cause damage during transit. If your product is fragile or perishable, using styrofoam is an excellent way to protect it and its environment.
Double-Walled Shippers: Protecting Your Product, its Box, and Its Environment
Double-walled shippers are an excellent way to protect your product, box, and environment. These shippers, which come in various sizes and shapes, are made of two boxes. The first box is the shipping box, where all of the product information, like the company’s name and address, is written. The second box is where the product is stored during transit, making them double-walled. Double-walled shippers are excellent for fragile products and products that are perishable. In addition, they protect against moisture and heat, making them a perfect option for products like fresh flowers and food products. This is also an excellent option for products that need to be kept at a specific temperature, like medical supplies and pharmaceutical products. Double-walled shippers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you can easily find one that is the right size for your product.
Padded Shipper Boxes: Protecting Your Product and Its Box
Padded shipper boxes are a great way to protect your product’s box, as well as the product itself. If your products are fragile, this is an excellent option for you. Padded shipper boxes offer more protection than just using a regular box, as they are usually a bit larger and made of more robust materials. They also come with various features, such as drawers and compartments, to make the shipping process more accessible. This is an excellent option for products that need to be kept at a specific temperature, like food products and medical supplies. Padded shipper boxes also come with a wide variety of sizes, so you can easily find one that is the right size for your product. Padded shipper boxes are a great choice if your products are fragile or if you are shipping large or heavy items that need extra support.
Choosing a Reputable Shipping Company
Whether you decide to go with a little mom-and-pop shop or one of the big boys, it’s crucial to find a shipping company that will treat your product with care and gets it to its destination on time. Remember, the shipping company is responsible for your development from the moment it leaves your hands. They are the last line of defense between your product and any potential hazards along the way, so make sure that you pick a reputable shipping company that will take good care of your product. One way to find a reputable shipping company is to ask your friends and family for recommendations. Another option is to go to a FedEx or UPS store and talk to the employees to see if they have any suggestions or know of any reputable shipping companies in your area. You can also look up reputable shipping companies in your area online. Once you’ve found a few shipping companies in your area, do a bit of research on each one to see which would be the best fit for you and your business. It would help if you looked into things like their customer reviews, their shipping rates, and their insurance policies. Once you’ve found a few shipping companies that seem a good fit for you, you can set up a time to meet with them to discuss your shipping needs and find out how they would like to work with your business.
Conclusion
Shipping handmade products can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. By choosing the best shipping method for your product and knowing what to look for in a shipping company, you can rest assured that your products are in good hands on their journey to their new owners. Handmade goods take more time and care to produce, so it.
