How to Safely Package and Ship Beauty Products
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) cosmetics and other beauty items are conquering the globe. 52% of internet consumers stated they had previously purchased a beauty product from a DTC business. This demonstrates the significant demand for independent online beauty companies. There are obstacles, even with so many possibilities, mainly when delivering delicate beauty goods.
This article will discuss the challenges and best practices of shipping cosmetics.
Challenges of shipping products
Cosmetics are available in liquid and solid forms and in various containers ranging from plastic to glass. Some beauty products are more challenging to ship than others, depending on the type of makeup and the case it comes in. Here are three reasons why shipping cosmetics might be tricky.
Shelf life
Makeup, contrary to popular belief, can expire. Although cosmetics may not often come with a “best by” date, they eventually expire. Unopened foundations and mascara can last up to three years and lipsticks up to five years. Several elements influence the shelf life of beauty products, ranging from ingredients to climate. One thing to bear in mind is that the shelf life of organic or natural beauty products is significantly shorter.
Fragile
Cosmetics items, whether the makeup itself (e.g., powders) or the container (e.g., glass or easily damaged plastics), are fragile shipments. Some beauty items even include small, delicate elements, such as applicators. Consider strategies to give additional protection before shipping a product. A little tape to seal cosmetics containers or an applicator can go a long way.
Shipping materials needed
Choosing a shipping carrier and materials goes hand in hand since many carriers offer complimentary materials. However, it may be beneficial to go through the two main options: boxes and envelopes.
Envelopes: For compact, durable parcels, shipping goods in an envelope is a great option. Envelopes often include a small amount of bubble wrap inside to provide padding, but there isn’t much space for additional padding materials. As they are flat and firm, envelopes work well for small and durable products such as lip balm and cosmetics. Larger objects, such as jars and bottles, can be placed; however, the object’s packaging must be durable (glass is not recommended).
Boxes: A box is a better alternative than an envelope if items are bulkier or unable to lay flat. They are also better suited for delicat4e items such as bath bombs because they are stuffed with a lot of padding (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and other materials) to keep the contents from moving around inside the box. To allow space for packaging material, choose a larger box than the object. It is important to note that the box will not stay upright during the shipping process, so ensure that it is tightly taped.
Bubble wrap and other packing materials keep products from bouncing around within the box. As they fill vacant space within a box, these materials are sometimes known as “void fillers.” Void fill options vary widely in effectiveness and cost, so choosing the ideal choice is critical. A minimum of 1 inch between the box and the items is usually required to guarantee that the products arrive in good condition. One should use bubble wrap and other void fillers, not just one. As items move a lot in transportation, bubble wrap might be your last line of defence.
Bubble wrap is one of the most cost-effective choices for transporting things in a box with limited space. Packing peanuts are another low-cost solution that works well for a wide range of box shapes and sizes. Packing peanuts, in particular, are excellent for filling additional space within a box to absorb shock. The disadvantage of packing peanuts is that they can get messy and are not always biodegradable. Some of their pros and cons are listed below.
Pros: Cost-effective, simple to use, simple to clean, simple to wrap around objects, works particularly well for square/uniform shaped items, ideal for lightweight items.
Cons: Not effective for filling unused space within a box.
Pros: Low cost, excellent for filling space within a box, absorbs shock within the box, suitable for lightweight items.
Cons: Messy and may not suit bulky packaging items. If one chooses recyclable or biodegradable packing peanuts, the peanuts will melt if there are any leaks during package transit.
How to package beauty products
- Wrap the perfume or beauty item in thermal bubble wrap. Wrap it 4-6 times, depending on the item’s fragility. Wrap each item in bubble wrap separately if you are packaging more than one item.
- Tape the bubble wrap, so it does not loosen or open.
- Due to the products’ cost and fragility, placing them in a leak-proof and sealed container is typically a good idea regardless of the courier’s specific shipping rules. Hence, it is especially advised for pricey high-end cosmetics and perfumes.
- Take a firm and sturdy box that is larger than the item.
- Fill half of it with packing peanuts and shake to ensure proper settlement.
- Place the item or container in the centre of the box and fill the rest of the way up with packing peanuts.
- Use the H-taping method to seal all the edges and any remaining seams of the box with tape.
- Use orientation symbols and arrows to label the packaging.
Tips when shipping products
- Understand the product’s components. It must also be mentioned on the packaging, especially for overseas shipments. This is important since many carriers only allow alcohol-containing commodities, such as perfume, to be shipped domestically.
- Mailing classes are often limited by weight and volume. If there is a limitation, utilise it by adjusting the volume of the parcel.
- It is helpful to learn about the destination’s shipping policies for cosmetics and fragrances. Different countries have different export restrictions, so understanding them is essential before immediately sending the shipments.
- Understand the significance of symbolic labels such as “Handle with Care.”
- Remember that one may be charged additional special handlings, such as a hazardous fee. Don’t forget to include this vital and unavoidable fee in the shipping budget!
- Be truthful and clear when labelling the components of your items. The cargo will be subjected to several screening procedures. If any doubt is discovered, the box may be destroyed or detained indefinitely.
Conclusion
Beauty products are one of the most popular product categories marketed online. Many sites offer them; however, transporting them might be difficult due to the nature of the items and the containers they come in. Alcohol is an ingredient in fragrances and other cosmetic goods, and several countries restrict its shipment. Another complicated item to send because of its components is nail polish.
However, by learning courier rules, choosing suitable packaging materials, and properly wrapping the items, individuals may safely and successfully send cosmetics through the mail!