Packaging and Shipping
At the request of customers, I have been trying to limit packaging in general and trying to use more "green" alternatives specifically for shipping. I am often asked to limit packaging. This makes things challenging on several levels. I want the items you order to be in the same shape when they arrive, as when they leave my shop. Protecting them enroute takes a leap of faith. My standard fill material is Kraft paper. I also have a corrugated kraft roll fill that works well for heavier and glass items.
Shipping tape, for now, will be plastic. I realize that there are paper options out there, but they require special applicators that are expensive. Also, the packages that I have received that have utilized paper tape, have not always been sealed up as well as they should have been.
Since I also receive goods and materials, I save and reuse padding/void filler materials where it is appropriate. This means that I get items that are shipped with air pillows, bubble wrap, foam etc. The "fluff" that is clean and undamaged will be saved and reused where it seems appropriate. The best "green" option for me is to reuse this packaging, rather than adding it to my recycling bin.
One of my considerations is how fragile the item being shipped is. After all, a solid lotion bar in a tin, is significantly less fragile than some 7" birthday candles,
Here are a couple popular items and the "standard" way they are dealt with:
If you have specific needs as far as packaging is concerned, either send me an email before ordering, or add a note at check-out like "no plastic please".
Shipping tape, for now, will be plastic. I realize that there are paper options out there, but they require special applicators that are expensive. Also, the packages that I have received that have utilized paper tape, have not always been sealed up as well as they should have been.
Since I also receive goods and materials, I save and reuse padding/void filler materials where it is appropriate. This means that I get items that are shipped with air pillows, bubble wrap, foam etc. The "fluff" that is clean and undamaged will be saved and reused where it seems appropriate. The best "green" option for me is to reuse this packaging, rather than adding it to my recycling bin.
One of my considerations is how fragile the item being shipped is. After all, a solid lotion bar in a tin, is significantly less fragile than some 7" birthday candles,
Here are a couple popular items and the "standard" way they are dealt with:
- regular bar soap : "naked" bar wrapped in a glassine envelope with paper label and shipped in a mailer padded with kraft paper
- 10" taper candles: 4 and 8-packs come in a box. The padding is kraft paper
- pillar candles: wrapped with foam, bubble wrap, or corrugated cardboard wrap, and voids filled with kraft paper
- lotions/creams/body oils: those that are in plastic bottles/jars will first go into a zip top bag (USPS regulation) and voids filled with kraft paper. Those transitioned to glass will get wrapped in corrugated kraft roll material.
If you have specific needs as far as packaging is concerned, either send me an email before ordering, or add a note at check-out like "no plastic please".
Shipping
I pride myself on fast shipping, however as we get close to the holidays, I may need a couple extra days to get your order out. If you need something by a certain day, let me know in the comments section. I will do my best to accommodate. If its just not possible, I will send you an email letting you know.
Shipping is the bane of most small businesses and mine is no exception. I HATE to charge for shipping, in part, because it can be so variable. Most of my orders go via USPS, small orders go First Class and all others go Priority Mail. I also have a UPS account and for larger orders I explore that option for potentially cheaper rates. So far that has worked relatively well. I pride myself on quick, often same day shipping.
My shopping cart is set up to do "real-time" shipping quotes, so if you want to know what the shipping will be, I encourage you to take your items through checkout. You should be given a shipping quote prior to being asked to complete order by paying.
Shipping is the bane of most small businesses and mine is no exception. I HATE to charge for shipping, in part, because it can be so variable. Most of my orders go via USPS, small orders go First Class and all others go Priority Mail. I also have a UPS account and for larger orders I explore that option for potentially cheaper rates. So far that has worked relatively well. I pride myself on quick, often same day shipping.
My shopping cart is set up to do "real-time" shipping quotes, so if you want to know what the shipping will be, I encourage you to take your items through checkout. You should be given a shipping quote prior to being asked to complete order by paying.