Know When Chocolate Melts
Depending on the intricacy of your creations and the ingredients, the average chocolate confection melts at around 86-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Chocolates are considered perishable by nature, which is why time is of the essence when shipping your finished products. Make it a point to check the weather forecast for temperatures for the week ahead and carefully weigh which day is most appropriate for shipping.
For example, if you know Wednesday is going to bring scorching hot weather, it’s best to put off shipping. However, this all depends on just how flexible your company’s shipping schedule is. If you provide guaranteed delivery dates, it’s another story as you will still have to meet them.
Keep Chocolate Refrigerated
Regardless of when you plan on shipping your chocolates out, make sure you keep them refrigerated to ensure longevity. It is worth keeping in mind, however, that certain chocolate products require room temperature storage to ensure the integrity of the taste.
It also goes without saying that you should aim to keep your chocolates away from direct sunlight or any heat source. Is your delivery going to take longer than expected? If so, frozen gel packs can ensure that the chocolates arrive safe and sound without melting. As a side note, these gel packs should always receive proper protection from a plastic bag to ensure as they melt, they don’t damage the packaging of your finished product.
Plan Your Delivery Accordingly
Before scheduling for the official delivery, make sure you plan the delivery well ahead of time. This means consider the weather, the packaging necessary, the potential fees attached, and permits. Most corporate chocolate companies avoid shipping anything during the holidays or weekends as there’s simply too much traffic.
Do keep your customers in the loop about any changes you make about your shipping schedule. They deserve to know what fees are attached to their shipping costs and how long they need to wait until delivery.
It’s best to schedule a pickup with your courier to ensure that your chocolates are delivered in a timely manner. Always properly seal the shipping box and have the proper documentation ready as well as make note of the perishable and fragile nature of the products on the outside of the box.
Use Smart Packaging
You need a good strategy for packaging your chocolates in an enticing manner. Not only do the boxes need to offer adequate protection during shipping, but they should provide something nice to look at. Here are a few favorite materials many chocolate sellers opt to use:
*Insulated boxes are available in a number of designs with pouches, liners or pallets to provide necessary protection. Choose a box that is at least twice the size of what you’re shipping as it will allow you to bubble wrap the chocolates inside.
*Bubble wrap is an integral part of ensuring that your chocolates arrive in one piece. These are delicate foodstuffs, so the right cushioning can prevent damage when the chocolates jostle around the box.
*Plastic tubes are a great way to present your chocolate gifts; they are versatile and offer great protection. Learn more at https://www.plastechgroup.com/plastic-tubes/tubes-and-containers.
*Cold packs can help ensure the temperature is adequate inside of the shipping container to prevent melting. They act as a sort of cooler insider of the box to provide the necessary environment for the chocolates in transit.
Quick note: as a seller, you may also wish to provide instructions within your packaging as to how the recipient should consure or store the chocolates.
Aim For Speedy Delivery
Chocolates have a fairly low melting point and that means timely delivery is of the essence. Make it a point to ship the chocolates via next day or overnight delivery. If possible, choose same-day delivery! At the end of the day, the less time spent in transit, the better the chances of survival for the chocolates.
