When you've poured hours into creating something beautiful, the last thing you want is for it to arrive damaged at your customer's door.
If you're used to selling at craft fairs or farmer's markets, shipping might feel like unfamiliar territory. But with the right approach, you can ensure your handmade items arrive safely while keeping costs manageable.
Before you list a single item online, calculate your shipping expenses. Weigh your products in their packaging and check rates with USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Many artisans are surprised to find that USPS Priority Mail flat-rate boxes can save money on heavier items, while First Class Package Service works well for lighter crafts under 1 pound.
Consider building shipping into your product pricing rather than charging separately. Customers appreciate knowing the total cost upfront, and you'll avoid cart abandonment at checkout.
Your packaging needs to do two jobs: protect your product and represent your brand. Start with the basics:
Sturdy corrugated boxes form your first line of defense. Avoid reusing old shipping boxes, which may have weakened with previous use. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crinkle paper cushion items during transit. For fragile pieces like ceramics or glassware, wrap each item individually and fill empty space so nothing shifts.
Jewelry and small accessories often ship well in padded mailers or small boxes. Add a piece of cardboard to prevent bending, and seal items in plastic bags to protect against moisture.
Textiles like scarves, clothing, or quilts can travel in poly mailers, which cost less and weigh less than boxes. Just ensure the item is wrapped in tissue paper for presentation.
Breakable crafts require extra attention. Wrap glassware and ceramics in several layers of bubble wrap, securing with tape. Place wrapped items in a box with at least two inches of cushioning on all sides. Mark the outside of the box as fragile, though you shouldn't rely solely on this.
For extremely delicate work, consider double-boxing. Place your wrapped item in a smaller box with padding, then place that box inside a larger one with more cushioning between them.
The moment your customer opens their package is an opportunity to make an impression. Include a handwritten thank you note. Add your business card or a small postcard showing other products. Use branded tissue paper or stickers if your budget allows.
This personal touch reminds customers they bought from a real person who cares about their craft, not a faceless corporation.
Set up a dedicated area in your workspace for packing orders. Keep your boxes, tape, labels, and cushioning materials within reach. Print shipping labels at home to save trips to the post office. A small postal scale (available for $20-30) pays for itself quickly.
Batch your packing when possible. Packing five orders at once is more efficient than packing them one at a time throughout the week.
Despite your best efforts, occasionally something will arrive damaged. Have a clear policy in place before you start shipping. Many artisans offer replacements for items damaged in transit, though you may be able to file a claim with the carrier if you purchased insurance.
Photograph your items before shipping. If a customer reports damage, these photos help you file claims and identify whether damage occurred before or during transit.
Shipping internationally opens your market but adds complexity. Customs forms are required, and packages take longer to arrive. Some countries charge the recipient customs fees or taxes, which can surprise customers.
Start with domestic shipping only until you're comfortable with the process. When you're ready to expand, begin with Canada, which has simpler customs than many countries.
For items over $50, consider purchasing shipping insurance. Tracking is essential for all packages. It protects you if a customer claims non-delivery and gives customers peace of mind.
Most shipping services include basic tracking. For valuable items, signature confirmation adds another layer of security.
Send your customer the tracking number as soon as you ship. Let them know your typical processing time (how long before you ship after receiving an order). If you're a one-person operation, being honest about needing a few days to pack orders is better than rushing and making mistakes.
Some artisans include a note about processing time in their product descriptions: "Please allow 3-5 business days for me to carefully pack and ship your order."
During holidays, shipping carriers get overwhelmed and delivery times increase. Start shipping earlier in the season and communicate clearly about order deadlines for holiday delivery. You might need to temporarily stop taking orders once you reach your capacity.
Cold weather can affect certain materials. If you work with chocolate, soap, or other temperature-sensitive materials, you may need to adjust your shipping methods in summer or winter.
Every artisan develops their own shipping routine. What works for a jewelry maker won't work for a furniture builder. Give yourself permission to experiment and adjust your process as you learn what works for your specific crafts.
The goal isn't perfection from day one. Start simple, ship carefully, and refine your approach based on experience. Your customers will appreciate the care you take in getting their purchase to them safely.
© Verra Technology Corporation