Posted on

Valentine’s Day is almost here. If the object of your affections lives far away, you may be wondering how to safely send them chocolate, flowers, and jewelry. Never fear–our Richmond packaging company is here to answer all your Valentine’s Day mailing questions! Keep scrollingto learn how to safely ship chocolate, jewelry, and flowers.

How to Ship Chocolate in 3 Basic Steps

Since chocolate is rather delicate, and has a low melting point, shipping it can present a bit of a challenge. However, it can easily be done as long as you control the temperature; use adequate packaging; and ship strategically.

Step 1: Control the temperature

Chocolate can begin to soften at 70°F, and melts quickly above 85°F. And even though February tends to be chilly, your package might pass through many facilities and climates that aren’t. Keep things cool with the following tips:

  • Pre-chill your chocolate. Refrigerate your treats for at least 2 hours before packing them to give them a “cold start.”
  • Avoid freezing it. Do not freeze the chocolate itself; extreme temperature changes can cause “sugar bloom” (unsightly white spots).
  • Include a cold pack. Add a frozen gel pack to your package. Double-bag it in leak-proof plastic to prevent condensation from dampening the chocolate.
  • Use an insulated liner. Line your box with mylar bubble wrap or specialized insulated foam to reflect heat away and keep the cold air inside.

Step 2: Use protective packaging

Using high-quality packaging and packaging materials will help protect your chocolatey investment! Follow these tips:

  • Use two boxes. This might be self-explanatory, but the chocolates should be contained within another, smaller box. This will prevent movement during transport. And if the outer box is pierced, they won’t fall out.
  • Use a sturdy outer box: The outer box should be made of corrugated cardboard and should be at least 2–3 times the size of the chocolate box to allow for insulation and padding.
  • Use sufficient cushioning. Fill all gaps with bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled paper so that the contents do not rattle around when shaken.
  • Seal all seams. Use the H-taping method (taping all edges and center seams) to prevent air from entering the package.

Step 3: Ship strategically

Choosing the right carrier and shipping at the right time will help your package get where it’s going in a timely manner. Follow these recommendations:

  • Choose FedEx or UPS over USPS. The prior two are generally preferred over USPS for their more reliable tracking and specialized temperature-control services.
  • Use strategic timing: Only ship on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. This prevents your package from sitting in a non-climate-controlled warehouse over the weekend.
  • Use a specialty label: Mark the box clearly as “Perishable” and “Fragile”.

How to ship jewelry in 3 simple steps

To ship jewelry safely, it’s important to prioritize discreetness, physical protection, and financial security. Follow these tips to prevent both theft and damage.

Step 1: Package carefully and discreetly

Theft and damage are the primary concerns for mailing jewelry. So, never use words like “Jewelry,” “Gold,” or “Gems” on the outer label. Remove any branding that might indicate value (like “Tiffany’s” or “Pandora.”) In addition:

  • Use two boxes. As with the chocolate, you should place the jewelry in another, smaller box. Wrap that container in bubble wrap, and place it inside a larger box made of cardboard.
  • Use plenty of fill material. Not only does this keep the precious item within from rattling around, it also makes it harder for thieves to quickly slit the package and palm the contents.
  • Tape with care: Use heavy-duty, tamper-evident packing tape to seal every seam of the outer box.

Step 2: Select a quality carrier

For high-value items, the speed and security of the carrier are more important than the cost.

  • USPS Registered Mail: This is the most secure shipping method available. Packages arekept in locked cages and signed for at every handoff. While USPS is slower than othermethods, it allows you to insure items up to $50,000.
  • UPS & FedEx Express: These carriers are the better choice for time-sensitive gifts. However, standard insurance for these carriers often caps jewelry at $500 to $1,000, unless you have a specialized business account.

Step 3. Obtain insurance and documentation

Insurance and documentation do take a small investment of time and money, but they will help you rest easy as your package is transported.

  • Request a signature: Always select the “Adult Signature Required” option if it is offered. This prevents the carrier from leaving the package on a doorstep where “porch pirates” could steal it.
  • Have proof of value: Ensure you have a receipt for the item. If there is no receipt–for instance, if it is inherited jewelry–have it appraised before it is mailed. Without proof of value, insurance claims will be denied.
  • Insure the items: Be sure to insure the items with the carrier. For items with a value over $5,000, consider using a third-party insurer like Shipsurance or Jewelers Mutual, which often provides better coverage than the carrier’s basic “declared value.”
  • Take photos: Take a photo of the jewelry and the open box before sealing it as proof of the item’s condition and your packing process.

How to ship flowers in 3 simple steps

If you are reading this article, we’re guessing you’ve already discovered that all the florists in your area are booked. You may also be aware that online, non-local flower services are of notoriously poor quality, sending overpriced bouquets that rarely match what was advertised. To mail someone flowers yourself, follow these simple tips:

Step 1: Keep the flowers hydrated

Without a water source, most flowers will begin to wilt almost immediately. Use one of these three methods that professionals use to keep flowers damp:

  • Trim and clean the steps: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle to maximize water uptake. Remove foliage that sits below the water line to deter bacterial growth.
  • Wrap the stems: Wrap the bottom of the stems in damp paper towels, then place only the stem portion into a Ziploc bag or plastic wrap. Secure the bag tightly with a rubber band to prevent leaks that could weaken the shipping box.
  • Use water tubes: For individual, high-value stems (like roses), you can use small plastic water tubes filled with fresh water and capped with a rubber seal.
  • Use wet floral foam: For full arrangements, you can add soaked floral foam to the base of the stems, then secure it in a waterproof container or bag before boxing.

Step 2: Use protective packaging

As with the chocolate and jewelry, protective packaging helps keep your investment safe on its journey to its intended recipient.

  • “Nest” the flowers in paper: Line a sturdy corrugated box with crumpled paper or tissue. Place the flowers in the center, and fill all empty spaces with additional padding (packing peanuts or paper) so the bouquet cannot shift or rattle.
  • Protect the blooms: Wrap the delicate flower heads loosely in tissue paper or a plastic sleeve to protect the petals from friction. Avoid wrapping too tightly, as flowers need some air circulation to prevent mold.
  • Use a waterproof box: You may consider using a speciality shipping box that is lined with foil or plastic so that the watery contents within cannot leak and damage the box’s integrity.
  • Add a label: Mark the box clearly as “Perishable” and “Fragile”.

Step 3: Select a carrier

  • Avoid USPS: FedEx Express and UPS Next Day Air are the industry standards for flowers, because they minimize the time the blooms spend in non-climate-controlled environments.
  • If you decide to use USPS: Only use Priority Mail Express (1-day). Standard Ground services often take 3–5 days, which is too long for most fresh-cut flowers.
  • Time your delivery carefully: Only ship the flowers on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. This ensures they arrive before the weekend, and prevents them from sitting in a warehouse during Sunday service gaps.

Get all your Valentine’s Day mailing supplies from SSI Packaging!

Need boxes, bubble wrap, tape, or another packaging material? If you live in Richmond, Virginia, swing by SSI Packaging. We offer everything you need to ensure your Valentine’s Day gifts reach your loved ones safely. Happy Valentine’s Day from our entire crew!