Shipping for Makers

Ship confidently. Protect your product. Keep your profit.

Shipping is one of the most common places makers lose confidence not because they’re doing it wrong, but because no one ever explains it clearly.

This page exists to replace guesswork with understanding and fear with preparation.

You don’t need to fear shipping.

You need a system you trust.

A Note From Monica

If you’ve ever stared at a packed box wondering “Is this enough?” or “Why is shipping eating my profit?” You’re not alone.

Most makers aren’t taught how shipping actually works. They’re handed opinions, horror stories, and half-answers.

This page is here to ground you in facts so you can ship with confidence, not anxiety.

You are capable of this.

Shipping is a skill, not a personality trait. Skills are learned. You are learning.

The #1 Shipping Mistake Makers Make

Shipping based on intuition instead of carrier logic.

Shipping cost is not based on:

- Product price

- How fragile it feels

- How pretty the box is

Shipping cost is based on:

- Weight

- Box dimensions

- Distance

Oversized boxes and excess padding are one of the fastest ways to lose money even when intentions are good.

Truth Check

A tighter, well-packed box is safer and cheaper.

 Shipping Room Sprays & Liquid Products (Safely)

If it can leak, assume it will. That doesn’t mean shipping is scary.

It means you plan for reality.

Best Practices:

- Poly bag each bottle individually

- Use a snug-fit box

- Fill all void space

- Seal and test for movement

Avoid:

❌ Bubble mailers

❌ Loose bottles

❌ Oversized boxes

🧠 Confidence Reminder

Planning for leaks doesn’t mean failure.

It means professionalism.

Bubble Wrap: When It Helps (and When It Doesn’t)

Bubble wrap is a support tool, not a solution.

How to Use It Correctly:

- Use after poly-bagging

- 1–2 light layers only

- Focus on the neck and sprayer

- Keep everything snug, not bulky

When It’s Helpful:

- Trigger sprayers

- Multi-bottle orders

- Long-distance shipments

- Seasonal temperature changes

Over-wrapping increases box size and shipping costs.

Truth Check

Protection comes from control, not excess.

Quick Pack Diagram

STEP 1: Bottle

✔ Fully tightened ✔ Clean threads ✔ Tested sprayer

STEP 2: Poly Bag

✔ One bottle per bag ✔ Seal closed

STEP 3: Cushion

✔ Light bubble wrap ✔ Focus on neck/sprayer

STEP 4: Box Placement

✔ Smallest safe box

✔ Upright if possible

✔ No movement

STEP 5: Fill Void Space

✔ Kraft paper or minimal padding

✔ Prevent shifting

STEP 6: Seal & Label

✔ Reinforced seams

✔ Label secure and readable

Confidence Reminder

Consistency beats perfection every time.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

USPS Ground Advantage

- Often the most cost-effective

- Great for room sprays

- Strong profit protection

USPS Priority

- Faster, but not always smarter

- Higher cost for light liquids

- Use intentionally

Flat Rate

- Rarely ideal for liquids

- Only works when fully utilized

Labels

- Discount platforms often beat retail rates

- Compare, don’t assume

🧠 Truth Check

Faster shipping does not equal better business. Sustainable shipping does.

🚚 Free Shipping Decision Calculator

A clarity check, not a pressure test

Step 1: Typical shipping cost = $___

Step 2: Average order value = $___

Step 3: Add a buffer ($10–$20)

Step 4: Set your free-shipping threshold

If the number feels stressful, it’s not the right time.

Free shipping is a strategy, not an obligation.

Cold Weather Shipping Add-On

Cold temperatures may cause:

- Thickening

- Temporary cloudiness

- Separation

These changes are usually cosmetic and resolve at room temperature.

Cold-Weather Adjustments:

✔ Snug packaging ✔ Bubble wrap for temperature buffering ✔ Reduced air space

Cold does not automatically mean damage.

Temporary changes do not equal permanent damage.

Hot Weather Shipping Add-On

Heat may:

- Thin liquids

- Increase internal pressure

- Expose weak packaging

Hot-Weather Adjustments:

✔ Double-check sprayers ✔ Always poly bag

✔ Absorbent material (optional) ✔ Snug boxes

Heat exposes packaging issues, not bad products.

You don’t need extreme solutions for normal conditions.

Customer Communication (Prevents Panic)

Simple language goes a long way:

“Seasonal temperature changes during transit may temporarily affect product appearance. This is normal and typically resolves at room temperature.”

Clear expectations reduce emotional responses.

Clear communication is professionalism, not an admission of fault.

When to Replace or Refund

Consider action if:

- Packaging failed

- Product leaked beyond usability

- Bottle cracked

Weather alone is rarely the issue.

Final Thought

Shipping confidence doesn’t come from never having issues.

It comes from understanding, preparation, and trust in your process.

You are not behind. You are building.