The hardest part of running a wreath business is shipping the wreaths because you want to ensure that they arrive at your customer looking like you just made it. Here are the BEST wreath shipping boxes and my tips on how to ship wreaths the right way.
Hey, y’all! The last thing you want is to work hard on your product only to have it arrive damaged or smashed. So learning how to ship wreaths efficiently is understandably crucial to your reputation and the life of your business.
Whenever we talk to wreath makers on our Facebook page or our business coaching programs, we get a ton of questions about how to ship a wreath.
In fact, it may be the most commonly asked question we receive! The whole shipping process stresses out new wreath Craftpreneurs. Although I understand why it does, the good news is that there is no need to stress.
Use these tips to help you learn how to ship wreaths safely and effectively every time!
Note: If you’re working to build your business, check out 5 Sanity-Saving Small Business Shipping Tips and How To Calculate The Cost Of Goods Sold For Crafting.
The Best Wreath Shipping Boxes
First things first. You will need great wreath shipping boxes. That may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to just grab whatever y’all have lying around and that often will NOT work.
If you’re running a business, you’ll want to have several specific sizes of wreath shipping boxes handy to choose from. The most common basic measurements I use are:
Watch My Video Tutorial!
Ready to see for yourself exactly what I do? I’ll write out the steps below, but it may be helpful to watch this video first.
How To Ship A Wreath Using Wreath Shipping Boxes
When I’m getting my wreaths ready to ship, I usually prefer to tape the box so it has the measurements on the outside. Then at a glance, I know which wreaths will fit in it. You don’t have to do that, but it saves me time.
Supplies Needed
Instructions
Here’s how to prepare your wreath boxes for shipping…
Step 1
First, tape the box.
Run 2 pieces of tape the entire width on the bottom of the box along the seam. Using 2 pieces of tape ensures that the wreath shouldn’t fall out. Having a sturdy tape dispenser helps tremendously and is worth the investment!
For the bottom sides of the box, you can just use a single piece of tape in the center of each side.
Step 2
Use an ice pick or screwdriver to make holes in the bottom corner of the box, about 2 inches from the edge.
Tie a pipe cleaner into the holes you made. Simply stick them in like you’re putting in a shoelace. I prefer pipe cleaners with wire in them, because they work better.
Repeat those steps on the opposite corner with the pipe cleaner.
Step 3
Insert the wreath into the box and tie pipe cleaners on the metal part of the wreath.
Always pull the pipe cleaner really tight and make sure it’s twisted as tight as possible too. This is what keeps the wreath from moving anywhere.
Step 4
Fluff the wreath, so it looks just like it did when you took the photos. You want the person who receives the wreath to fall in love the second they open it. It’s important that all they have to do is take it out of the box and hang it!
Step 5
Add a packing slip to the inside flap of the box.
Also, include some of your business cards, so hopefully, you can get repeat business as well as new customers.
Add the printed packing sales slip as well.
Step 6
Fold over the tops of the box, then add a personal and touching thank you note to the customer. This will make them feel special, and they will know how much you appreciate their business!
It’s the little things that keep people returning.
Step 7
Finish by closing and adding tape to the top of the box. Do 2 pieces in the center and 1 one on each side, just like the bottom.
Put a piece of tape over the top of the pipe cleaners too. This will keep them from snagging on something. It will also prevent damage.
Step 8
Weigh your box with a shipping scale and use a label printer to print your shipping label from Etsy or whatever store you use. You can put in the dimensions of the box as well as the weight and purchase the label that’s right from them.
Stick on your label and cover it with tape, so it’s protected from elements during shipping. Schedule a pick-up with USPS.com, and you are good to go.
Your wreaths are now ready to ship!
FAQs
Here are a few questions I commonly see readers ask about how to ship wreaths and boxes for shipping wreaths. If you have a question and don’t see it below, please leave it in the comments or ask in our Facebook Group!
What size box do I need to ship a wreath?
When you ship wreaths, you’re balancing a couple of important things.
- First, you don’t want your wreath to slide around the box and get mashed. Have you seen packages being delivered? I have frequently seen delivery people just toss boxes around as if the contents don’t matter. So you want to make sure your wreath is secure inside that box.
- The second thing you need to balance is shipping costs, which seem to go up every year. I recommend choosing a box for your wreath that’s 2″ smaller than the diameter of the wreath. This will help your wreath stay secure and help you save on shipping costs too.
However, if you’re concerned about the wreath being too squished and looking flat when the customer opens the box, opt for a bigger box and tie your wreath down securely before closing up the box.
What is the cheapest way to ship wreaths?
Keep the box as small as you can without squishing your wreaths. The larger your box is, the more expensive it will be to ship it.
My Best (+ Final) Tip
Being a business owner is tough because there is a TON of competition out there. The more you care about your business and your customers, the more you will thrive.
Give each customer the best service you can, as well as a fantastic product, and they will keep coming back to you. This includes the final delivery of the product.
The goal is to make them so happy with your product and service that they tell their friends and family about it!
Learning how to ship a wreath may seem small, but if you don’t keep the customers happy and feeling appreciated, you won’t have any orders for wreath boxes to ship.
Final Thoughts On Wreath Shipping Boxes
I hope y’all found some helpful and useful tips on precisely how to box and ship a wreath so that it arrives at your customer’s house looking exactly the way you packed it. The process tends to make people nervous at first, but it’s not hard. I think paying attention to the details is the key to success here.
If you’re looking for more Craftpreneur business help, check out these posts:
- Wreath Prices: How To Price Homemade Wreaths
- Business Budget Template 101: Creating Your Small Business Budget
- 4 Ways to Build an Email List and Help Your Craft Business
- Top Wreath Storage Secrets You Need to Know
Check out our Facebook group if you have questions or are interested in more info on learning how to make wreaths, where to buy supplies, and being in a community of like-minded crafters!
We’d love to hear your ideas or feedback! If you need more help pricing your wreaths we have a full detailed lesson all about pricing in our Business Coaching Group.
If you are interested in more info on learning how to sell wreaths, how to make wreaths, where to buy supplies, and being in a community of like-minded crafters, check out our Creative Coaching Subscription Group.
How To Ship A Wreath In Wreath Boxes
Instructions
- First, tape the bottom of the box. Add 2 pieces of tape down the entire width on the bottom of the box along the seam. Just use a single piece of tape in the center of each side for the bottom sides.
- Place the wreath into the box and tie pipe cleaners on the metal part of the wreath frame. Pull tight so that it prevents the wreath from moving anywhere.
- Fluff the wreath, so it looks just like it did when you took the photos. You want the recipient to be able to take it directly from the box and hang it!
- Add a packing slip, a printed sales slip, and some business cards inside the box.
- Fold over the tops of the box, then add a personal thank you note to the customer to let them know how much you appreciate their business.
- Finish by closing taping up the box. Add 2 pieces in the center and 1 one on each side, just like you did on the bottom. I recommend adding a piece of tape over the top of the pipe cleaners too to prevent damage or having them snag on something in transit.
- Finally, weigh your box with a shipping scale and input the dimensions to purchase a customized label. Then use a label printer to print your shipping label and add it to your box. Cover it with tape and schedule a pick-up with USPS.com.
Just pin this how to box and ship a wreath tips and tricks tutorial to save these ideas for next time!
If you love to craft, check out our Eat. Sleep. Craft. Repeat. t-shirts and click on the picture below!
Great tips…. thanks
Very useful tips for shipping wreaths
glad you liked them!
Thank you for the info! I get a little stressed over shipping!
dont let it bother you – it gets easier!
Thank you for the tips! I’ve shopped around for thr best prices (FedEx, USPS, UPS) and I’ve found almost always the post office is way more expensive then UPS and FedEx, FedEx is usually a couple bucks cheaper then UPS. I ship a lot out of state, but I do get told the shipping is expensive ($45-52) with one customer recently not happy at all about shipping, convinced there has to be a cheaper way and it should never cost most then the weight. I’m trying to find better ways, but I just dont see it. My wreaths are 4… Read more »
Shipping is expensive since the new weight changes with USPS – with boxes that size you will be paying based on the dimension not the weight… my suggestion is to talk to UPS and Fedex and negotiate some rates with them… you dont have to ship a lot and they will work with you… build that relationship.
Try pirateship.com for shipping, that is what I use and I have had no problems as of yet and it seems much cheaper. I have been using it for over a year.
I use pirate ship as well but they have increased prices as well
Yep you are doing it right. When they whine tell them it isn’t your fault, blame the shippers. All shippers even USPS charge by the zone. The more zones a package crosses the more $$ it costs to ship. They are oversized boxes and it does cost more. I charge a flat rate of $40.00 shipping and eat the overage, but that is usually only a dollar or two.
Thanks soo much for another informative WINNER! Love this
appreciate it!
Thanks for the info will be using it
glad to hear it!
Really useful tips! Thank you for sharing.
no problem!
I ship via USPS but I ship as parcel post not priority shipping, the most it’s cost me is $23 to my farthest point Washington state. It’s usually delivered within 5 days
awesome! theres alot of variables in shipping though. thanks for watching!
What is parcel post
what size box do you use? When I go from 4″ to 6″ high it jumps from approx. $22 to $55
it varies depending on how thick the wreath is. we usually use 8″ thick boxes. check out other shipping options other than usps.
Thanks for the great tips and love watching your lives from the warehouse! Great job Parker!
appreciate the support!
Thank you for the great tips!
Happy to help
Very useful tips, thanks
no problem!
Love the details you provided on how to ship wreaths. Will definitely use them when shipping.
awesome! feel free to share with a friend
Great tips guys!! Thanks so much
Y’all are a dictionary of great information. Thank you both for continuing to find ways to share these tips to a huge community.
hanks!
Very useful information. Thanks
no prob!
Great tips.
Thank you Damon and Parker for your detailed instructions. This is very helpful. Good job!
glad you liked it!
Thank you. I have been afraid to ship.
you got this!
Great tips! These tips can be applied to anything you ship! Thanks so much!
thats what we were hoping for
Thank you for sharing your tips and experience with the crafters community. I enjoy and always learn something from watching your videos.
no problem! feel free to share – it really helps us out
Thanks for the tips on shipping. You did not have quiet tape.
that was before we knew what we were doing 😉
Thanks Damon. I just sold 2 wreaths. I’m so excited! Your method of shipping is great. Will do! ?
way to go!
Parker, thank you!!
I do it this way also and I appreciate knowing I was doing it correctly.
It seems to take longer to pack a wreath then to make one but securing it with pipe cleaners is worth the time.
I also add cut to size paper towel tubes or toilet paper tubes into the bows to make it easier for a customer not to have to fuss with it so much.
great idea! I’ve heard the paper towel tube trick but havnt used it myself yet
What is the tube trick
Great tips!!!
thanks!
Wonderful tips! Thank you!
Haven’t used this yet but thanks for the info always makes life easier when it’s demonstrated too!
Thanks for all the hard work and tips very much appreciated!
you got it!
Very clear and concise instructions. Thank you.
glad you loved it – feel free to share.
Parker and Damon,
Always great tips and tricks!
Thank you!!!!
appreciate it – feel free to share
Thank you for all the tips. Use this method too today! Appreciate all you do for and share with everyone.
awesome! feel free to share 🙂
Perfect!
Great information!
thanks!
Thanks Damon! Every tip helps us to be better!
awesome!
Always open for more tips. This was very thorough. Even had links for purchasing.
happy to help- feel free to share
Very interesting and useful information, thank you
happy to help – feel free to share 🙂
you got it Silvia
Good tips
Thanks
no problem!
Great wreath boxing tutorial!! The pipe cleaner idea is so smart!! Thanks again!!
happy to help – feel free to share 🙂
I think this is a great idea.
thanks! feel free to share
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the wreathing community. It is a blessing to have You and Parker to help us along the way!
happy to do it shan
Thank y’all for all the great information!!
thanks for reading!
This is great with awesome information not only is packaging and shipping a great idea that is a great way to store the wreaths as well
for sure!
Great tips for shipping our wreaths .
thanks!
Great tips…thank you
you got it – feel free to share
Thank you for the helpful shipping tips!
glad to help
Excellent precise information! Knowledge makes shipping hassle free!
agreed – glad you liked it
Thanks so much I needed this info.
happy to hear, feel free to share.
Thank you so much for the Great tips!!! You guys are the Best!
appreciate it – feel free to share with a friend!
As always, great tutorial. Thanks Damon.
Great info. Thanks
you got it!
Your shipping advice is spot on! Thanks for sharing.
happy to help 🙂
Thank you so much you make it so easy in this tutorial I am going to order my boxes now thank you so much love you guys
good luck! you got this
Thanks! I like the blog!
thanks!
Very helpful.
thank you
Did not mean to text stop can you make sure you change it Tk U
Thanks for sharing these awesome tips.
you got it!
Thank you it’s very useful I learned how to pack the correct way plus more thank you very much Damon and Parker
happy to help!
I appreciate the time you took to explain these steps. Very useful information and wise. Thank you.
Thank you
Thanks for sharing!!
np!
Wonderful information! Helps a lot
glad to hear it
Great advice Master Damon. Congrats on the new adventures with your blog.
appreciate it!
Absolutely love the great tips. Thank you!
no problem!
You both are awesome! Thanks for sharing everything with all of us & trying to make things easier for us.
thanks! feel free to share the blog 🙂
Where do you get the boxes? I’ve been shipping at a local shipper buying the box there and it’s costing more than the wreath. Thanks
hey Cindy, we used to get ours from amazon (when we had small quantities) not we use uline. If you click the link (where the box dimensions are written) it will bring you to the ones we used to buy
Very helpful
that’s what we were going for
Great info as always! Thanks Damon
awesome, glad you liked it
Very good and exactly to the point tips
that’s what we are going for!
Thank you for the step by step instructions and awesome tips.
you got it 🙂
Very informative instructions everyone needs to know.
What a wonderful write up! Thanks for the information.
appreciate it
These are great tips… Thanks!
glad you liked it!
Great step by step instruction! Thanks so much!
glad you liked it!
Awesome. Thanks for the great information.
you got it!
THANKS! Great tips ??
you’re welcome!
As usual, great tips and advice. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
no problem – feel free to share
This really answers any questions I have had in regards to preparing for shipping boxes.
Thank you again!
happy to help – feel free to share
Thank you, great blog, really helps.
awesome – feel free to share
Thank you
yw
As always you provide great tips and instructions!
Nicely done ❤️
thanks!
Thanks for the tips!
you got it!
Great information
Thanks for the info Damon as i will be mailing out my first wreath soon???
congrats!