Have you ever thought about how to ship a package? When it comes to candy shipping, the process is similar to shipping frozen meat due to the temperature restrictions.
If you’re running a wholesale candy or snack food (such as healthy snacks, gourmet popcorn, or wholesale chocolate) wholesale distribution business, chances are you will be shipping candy at some point. This means that you’ll need to know how to ship candy so that it’s delivered to your customer properly.
The candy shipping process will vary depending on the type of candy and wholesale snacks that you’re shipping. This includes bulk candy, individually wrapped candies, and chocolate. Keep reading to discover five tips for shipping candy.
Candy Shipping for Beginners
One thing that you should ask yourself before shipping off your package full of candy is, “Is it possible for this candy to melt during shipment?” This is especially true if your online candy store ships chocolate.
If so, it’s best for you to add certain eCommerce packaging materials to prevent the chocolate or candy from melting. This is crucial during the warmer seasons like spring and summer, but also important in the fall and winter.
During the candy shipping process, the main objective is to have your candy delivered to the recipient in excellent condition. In order to do this, you need to pay attention to the kind of candy you’re shipping and its shipping requirements.
Most candy will require temperature-regulating packaging to keep the items cool during transit. This is similar to shipping frozen food It’s better to be safe than sorry when shipping food items.
Key Takeaway: Before you start the candy shipping process, be sure to take all the precautionary measures. This includes using a temperature-controlled box, to ensure the safety of your package.
5 Tips for Shipping Candy
People consume candy on a regular basis, for special occasions, or they receive it as gifts or in care packages. Most candy isn’t perishable, which is what makes it a popular food item to ship.
However, if you don’t ship the candy properly, it’s possible for it to get ruined during the candy shipping process. Here are five tips to keep in mind when shipping candy:
1. Plan Deliveries Ahead of Time
During the hot months of the year, like the summer, it’s important to bring in your packages as soon as possible to prevent them from getting too hot. The summer season is also when people start traveling the most for vacations or holidays. This means that some packages may arrive when customers aren’t home.
Due to this, it’s important to plan delivery schedules ahead of time so that customers are aware of when they will receive their packages. In fact, you may want to look into expedited shipping options for your business, including flat rate shipping and overnight shipping.
2. Properly Store Your Inventory
As a candy business, you will have inventory that requires proper inventory management. With the right inventory management techniques in place, you will be able to keep track of your items and ensure that they’re stored properly.
When it comes to candy, the inventory management process will vary depending on the type of candy. However, it’s important to keep storage facilities, such as warehousing spaces, at about 65 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the best possible quality of your candy.
This is true for all additional storage areas and display cases, especially if you have a brick and mortar store. You should not store heat-sensitive items in places that have direct sun exposure as it can cause damage and melting.
3. Pay Attention to the Packaging Process
Packaging candy and getting it ready for shipment may seem like an easy task. However, there’s more thought that goes into it than you might think.
Chances are you’ll wonder, “how much does it cost to ship a package?” While this is an important question, it’s not the only one you should consider. It’s also important to pay attention to the actual packaging process to ensure that your candy stays safe.
Using candy boxes, candy pads, inserts, and similar sustainable eCommerce packaging will work wonders at helping protect your candy. It’s best to choose candy boxes and similar accessories that comply with food safety system requirements and help you stay organized. Be sure to also look into how to measure a box for shipping.
Candy items–such as chocolate–are delicate, which is why you should always prioritize safety. To do this, choose a sturdy shipping box large enough to support your items, use cushioning, and include a cooling pack.
During the candy shipping process, it’s important that your box is sturdy enough to support your items on all sides. This is because many boxes get jostled around during transit, and they need to be able to survive without a hitch.
Temperature control is essential when you ship perishable candy items, such as chocolate. To ensure that these items stay intact, you have to regulate the temperature inside your candy package. Using dry ice or gel ice packs usually does the trick.
4. Restock What You Need
It’s normal for some items to sell more quickly than others, especially for a wholesale business. Only order what you need to prevent candy items from going bad or nearing their expiration date.
To do this, utilize the reorder point formula to determine what the ideal reorder point is for each item. However, be sure to keep in mind that most candy suppliers will have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) or economic order quantity (EOQ) in place.
5. Be Mindful of Hot Weather
Wholesale food distributors should know how to ship food. This includes how to ship cookies, how to ship dairy, and candy items such as chocolate.
The summer heat is something to keep in mind when shipping food items. This is because temperature plays a large role in the freshness and quality of candy and chocolate.
To ensure that your candy is in excellent condition during the candy shipping process, be sure to use the right packaging. This includes temperature-regulating boxes, insulated liners, and cold packs. It’s also possible to use dry ice to keep items cool.
Aside from the packaging, you may also consider different shipping methods so that the packages aren’t exposed to high temperatures for long. These include expedited shipping such as overnight or next-day shipping.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Candy
In the United States, the cheapest way to ship candy is through the United States Postal Service (USPS). They offer a First Class Package Service that is an affordable shipping option and applies to packages that weigh 16 ounces or less. Average shipping prices for such packages range between $3 and $5 per package.
Keep in mind that USPS doesn’t allow people to utilize their free packaging offers when shipping First Class packages. This means you will have to supply your own boxes and packaging items.
Use Shipping Software for Discounted Labels Online
Part of the candy shipping process involves printing labels with all the necessary shipping information. If you’re wondering how to print shipping labels for your candy items, consider using shipping software.
This software provides you with an opportunity to purchase discounted shipping labels saving you time and money. Shipping software will also allow you to skip the line at the Post Office by printing the shipping label from home or your store using a shipping label printer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Candy
The candy shipping process will vary based on the kind of sweets you’re shipping. Whether it’s chocolate, hard candy, soft candy, or wholesale candy, it’s best to keep the items in a temperature-regulated box. This will ensure that the package is delivered with the candy in the same condition as it was when it was shipped.
To further understand the candy shipping process, read through the following commonly asked questions:
Will Chocolate Melt In the Mail?
It is possible for chocolate to melt in the mail; however, if the proper precautions have been taken, chocolate will arrive safely when shipped by mail. Different chocolate types have different melting points and in some cases, it can be as low as 70°F.
When shipping chocolate items, it’s important to include cooling packaging materials such as ice packs. This will allow you to regulate the temperature within the package and avoid common shipping problems such as chocolate melting.
What Is the Best Way to Ship Candy?
The best way to ship candy is by using food-safe packaging and temperature-regulating packaging materials. This kind of packaging promotes food safety and with the right packaging materials, you can be sure that your candy items arrive in excellent condition. Such packaging materials include ice packs and dry ice.
Does FedEx Ship Perishable Items?
Yes, FedEx will ship perishable items; however, it’s important for you to declare that the items are perishable and use the proper packaging. To ensure safe and quality deliveries, perishable items should be shipped using overnight or 1-day shipping options.