Packaging and Shipping

Packaging and shipping perfume oils is an important topic. I have personally tried many methods to ship these items safely and through trial and error found a safe and cost effective way to send these items to customers.

Types of bottles

Oils come mostly in two main types of bottles - (1) Plastic PET squeeze-top and (2) Glass roll-on. Although there are many other types of perfume oil containers, these are the two most popular ones.

The squeeze top bottle is far more likely to leak, but less expensive. This bottle is commonly used when storing large quantities of oil. A plastic bottle should use the highest quality of plastic.

Glass roll-on bottles are used for body oils. This packaging is not only more appealing, but applying the oil is also much easier and less messy.

Transporting

Many precautions should be taken when transporting oils since they can cause a huge mess when spilled. The oil can remove ink on the envelope, resulting in items being lost in the mail. Most mail goes through facilities where machines will sort packages. These packages are also subject to rough handling by human operators.

Glass roll-on bottles can be shipped in padded or bubble mailers. Bubble mailers usually cost a little more, but are worthwhile investments for the added cushioning. You can ship small orders of 1-2oz in padded envelopes, but larger orders should go in boxes. Make sure to pack the box tightly with newspaper, peanuts, or other shipping cushions.

Squeeze bottles require extra attention. Remove the lid and insert a layer or two of suran wrap between the lid and neck of the bottle. Screw the lid back on extra tight. The suran wrap will keep oil from leaking through the rails or the bottle neck. Using a kitchen glove can reduce strain on the wrist from repeatedly twisting bottle tops.

Regardless of the container used, oils should also be sealed in a plastic bag. Sandwich bags from the grocery store and ziplock bags are excellent and only cost a few cents each. Seal with packaging tape for extra protection. Your customers will also appreciate the care that went into packaging these items.

Mini glass vials should also be sent in a padded or bubble mailer and wrapped tightly in plastic.

Do not use clasp envelopes or regular envelopes since the bottle can break through the side of the envelope when sorting machines handle the package.

Choosing a Carrier

The main shipping options that most perfume oil businesses use are the post office (USPS), UPS, Fed Ex, or DHL. The post office in my experience had the highest rate of lost or damaged items. Contrary to popular belief, insuring a package will not improve the handling, unless maybe the item is insured for over $50. The rate of damage was the same for uninsured package and package insured under $50.

UPS, Fed Ex, and DHL are also used by perfume oil sellers. In most cases, it is cheapest to use the post office for small packages and the other carriers if you frequently ship larger packages. As long as the items are packaged securely as described above, any carrier should be acceptable for transporting oils.