As a chocolate manufacturer, you devote a large amount of effort and time to creating one of the most delightful and acclaimed confectioneries of all time. So you want your products to be managed with care when they are carried to their destination. In an age when customer happiness is integral, the recipient must receive the candies in good condition. Chocolate shipping is an artistic expression in its own right.
This is highly important for chocolates with elaborate designs, such as rose-shaped chocolates or holiday-themed bonbons. Luckily, there are a few methods to make it all go seamlessly.
Here are five tried-and-true methods for shipping chocolates without any damage in transit:
No #01: Understand the Melting Temperature
The melting point of chocolate is typically between 86 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 and 32 degrees Celsius). However, this might vary based on the exact ingredients in your chocolate composition. Chocolate is classified as a perishable commodity because it is a food item. Make a note of the weather conditions throughout your expected shipment week so you can determine whether or not to deliver on that day.
For example, if it’s hot outside, it’s not a good idea to ship the chocolates since they can melt. However, keep in mind that this is only appropriate for those with flexible delivery deadlines.
Otherwise, you must keep your same-day shipping commitment!
No #02: Before Packaging, Keep Chocolates Cold!
Whether or not you can extend the shipment date, it is necessary to keep your chocolates refrigerated before shipping them out. It will safeguard their integrity. However, you should store some chocolates at room temperature to retain their flavor, so watch out if to cool your chocolates or not. Keep your chocolates away from intense heat or light sources at all times. If your supply has a long journey ahead of it, it’s good to keep it cool with ice gel packs.
It would help if you put the ice packs in plastic bags so that the humidity does not damage the chocolate wrappers.
No #03: Plan for the Delivery
Make a list of everything you need to have ready before planning your shipments, such as chocolate packaging, shipping fees, and permissions. Due to the obvious increased traffic and volume of shipments in transit on weekends and holidays, most chocolate businesses avoid shipping during these times. To promote faster execution, inform your consumers about the timeframe ahead of time and ensure they are clear of the shipping expenses.
If at all practical, contact your couriers and let them know when they should come to pick up the products. Ensure that your chocolate box is securely sealed, that all essential documentation is completed, and that they are aware of dealing with a delicate product.
No #04: Be Smart with Your Chocolate Packaging
You should aim to make your chocolate packaging both attractive and functional. You not only want the chocolates to ship unharmed but also to look elegant when customers open them.
So, here are a few chocolate packaging materials you should take into account:
- Insulated box — There is a range of shipping packages available for your chocolates. Pick from box liners, pallet shippers, and pouches. Make your box at least twice the size of what you’re delivering to allow for a protective layer to wrap around it.
- Cold packs — Enclosed in plastic bags, these cold packs keep your goods chilled and work as a mobile refrigerator.
- Candy pads — Used to keep the inside of your shipment stable. You will reduce the impact of uneven roads on your chocolates by using these cushion pads.
- Additional packing material — Whether it’s a flower, a soft cloth, candy pads, or business cards, don’t forget to incorporate your company’s logo on the package. You can even include particular instructions on preserving or enjoying the chocolates.
No #05: Strategize Your Shipping Days
Shipments arriving on Saturday/Sunday will remain in heated storerooms over the weekend. To avoid this, inform your buyers that orders booked on these days will not be shipped until Monday by door to door pallet delivery. Send them a confirmation email once their order has shipped so they may have faith in your system.
Michael Package has got you covered if you need help finding a premium and custom chocolate packaging solution for your business. Check out our amazing collection of chocolate packaging possibilities!
Also read: 3 Reasons Why You Should Let Customers Track Their Packages
