How to Ship Cotton Candy Like a Professional – Everything You Need to Know
Find out how to ship cotton candy and go through all the required steps to ensure it retains its fluffiness and freshness. Get all the needed materials to keep moisture and air out of the package, and the cotton candy can last for weeks.
Whether you want to ship cotton candy for a special occasion, surprise a loved one, or run a business, learning how to ship cotton candy is not as easy as it seems.
First of all, cotton candy is edible. Second, air can ruin it in no time.
In other words, classic shipping methods are out of discussion.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about packing and shipping cotton candy.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Prepare
How to Pack Cotton Candy
In this guide, you will learn how to ship cotton candy safely and efficiently, like a pro. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Prepare the Cotton Candy Before Shipping
Prepare the cotton candy as soon as you are ready to ship it.
Avoid doing it in advance – avoid the idea of making plenty of it days or hours before shipping.
To retain its fluffy profile, you need to pack it responsibly as soon as it is done.
Whether you buy it from somewhere else or do it yourself, get everything you need together upfront.
You can make cotton candy with a machine, but you can also do it without any equipment – plenty of ideas over the Internet.
2. Wrap the Cotton Candy into Cellophane
It is the second step in the process and implies adding a layer of protection around the cotton candy.
Keep in mind that the cellophane is not enough to keep moisture away.
It will help, but it is not enough.
Wrap it like a bouquet and leave no room for air – use a thin rope or baker’s twine to seal it.
Baker’s twine is not more efficient, but it looks better.
3. Add the Cotton Candy Bouquet into a Zipper Storage Bag
Put the cotton candy bouquet into a zipper storage bag.
When buying such bags, make sure they are large enough to get the cotton candy without having to squeeze it too much.
Pressing it will not affect the taste but the overall appearance – you want it fluffy if you sell cotton candy as a business.
The mix of cellophane and a zipper storage bag is excellent to keep the moisture away, but not enough.
4. Add a Desiccant Packet
This is the last major step in ensuring a proper shipping procedure without the cotton candy losing its fluffy profile.
Moisture is the biggest enemy, and while desiccant packets can pose a health and safety risk, they will not affect the packaging if they are not damaged.
Inspect each packet to ensure it is in perfect condition.
Put the packs close to the cotton candy bouquet in the same zipper storage bag.
You cannot close the bag, but not before removing most of the air from inside it.
Check it and ensure it is well closed.
5. Prepare the Packaging
Get the bag inside a cardboard box.
Some people send cotton candy in classic bags, even enveloped.
If you get a bag, careless workers could damage it.
A simple tear could also tear the desiccant packet or perhaps the bag or the cellophane bouquet, letting air and moisture inside and contaminating the item.
For more efficiency, a cardboard box would do.
Opt for something in the right size – slightly larger than the bag.
You risk paying more for bigger boxes – plus, they are more expensive.
Although cotton candy can be squeezed and can go into a smaller package, you may want to retain its fluffiness.
6. Seal the Box and Label it
Finally, use some tape to seal the box and label it.
You are now ready to go ahead and ship it.
If done correctly, this packaging will keep your cotton candy in good condition for more than a few weeks, so it can bypass the test of time even if you ship abroad.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cotton Candy?
Like most other items, courier companies will charge cotton candy based on a few factors.
First, most couriers will charge you on weight – great news because cotton candy is almost as light as air.
The packaging and box will weigh more than the actual product.
The box size is also relevant, especially if you prepare a large package.
Get ready to pay around $5 to $10 for a middle-sized package – just enough cotton candy for a couple of people.
The price will be higher if you ship internationally.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Cotton Candy
USPS is one of the cheapest couriers for cotton candy – there are flat rates, primarily based on the weight.
Even if you send big packages, the weight will be relatively low.
Now, while USPS is relatively cheap, apart from the shipping costs, you will also have to pay for labels – not expensive, but worth some attention.
Here comes the good news – you can use different labeling software and get the labels done at home.
You will have to weigh the package yourself, though. Pirate Ship is a free labeling software – it implies registering first, and it will save you money, making the shipping even cheaper.
Final Thoughts
Bottom line, cotton candy may look like it can last for ages, but air and moisture will make it lose its fluff and volume.
You need to keep these things if you want them to look delicious, rather than old.
A little attention to small details will ensure perfect packaging that lasts over a few weeks.
Feel free to share this post if you find it useful – it may help others facing the same challenges.
