Everyone experienced shipping food one way or another. Whether or not you’re on the receiving end, technology made it more accessible. So, it is no surprise why an online business started to ship perishable goods. If you plan to venture on this, learn the different ways to make it profitable.
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What are Perishable Goods?
Perishable goods are products that spoil or decay in time. These items become unsafe to eat if it doesn’t maintain a specific temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to stay refrigerated at 40℉ and frozen at 0℉.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Shipping fruits and vegetables need extra protection to preserve freshness. Without proper packaging, it gets bruised easily. So, find the most appropriate box to minimize movement while shipping.
In addition, fresh produce is susceptible to temperature. That’s why it is a must to check the area’s weather where the package will travel. Keep in mind that hotter regions decrease the timeframe of freshness.
Baked Goodies
Baked goods are biscuits, bread, cakes, cookies, and many more. It doesn’t need refrigeration since it is not that sensitive to the outside temperature. However, it needs secured packaging to maintain its freshness.
Baked goodies are precious cargo. These sweet treats are delicate. Therefore, little to no movement during shipment is highly advisable. It ensures that the quality remains the same while on transit.
Frozen Foods
Frozen goods include meat, fish, pre-cooked meals, and others. It is highly sensitive to the temperature outside. So you must follow strict packaging protocol. The frozen items remain intact until they reach the customer’s doorstep.
Coolants, insulated containers, and corrugated boxes are vital factors in shipment success. It helps maintain the correct temperature for your frozen goods. Plus, it keeps the products in place during shipping.
Requirements to Sell Perishable Foods Online
If your business opts to ship perishable goods, it is essential to secure certifications and permits. Whether you’re selling from a store, restaurant, or home, you need these basic requirements.
Annual Kitchen Inspection
The state’s health department requires you to have a yearly kitchen inspection. It guarantees that all the food preparation takes place in a clean and safe environment.
Business License
A state business license is vital. It shows that you abide by strict business regulations before opening your shop.
Proper Storage of All Ingredients
Proper storage is a must-have for fresh produce or baked goodies. But, first, you need a separate storage room for cold and dry ingredients and arrange them according to expiry. This way, you won’t lose profit.
The set of requirements varies from state to state. It is your responsibility to contact the Department of Agriculture and the local health department for more details. If you’re a home-based perishable food seller, you must comply with this paperwork.
Tips to Ship Perishable Goods Online
Many scenarios can go wrong if you ship perishable goods in your online business. But, you can minimize such dilemmas if you consider the following tips.
Review Shipping Regulations
The eCommerce business extends to the growth of cross-border. With this, you need to know both the local and international shipping regulations. So check out the shipping customs of every country you plan to ship to in the future. Also, find out if there’s a special import license to prepare.
Invest in a Secure Packaging System
If you want your online business to ship perishable goods, you need to invest in the best packing materials. Some foods need to be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Others need to have minimal or no movement to prevent bruising. Consider the following packing materials.
Glass
Glass is the best for food item transit since it looks classy. However, it comes with several disadvantages. The glass itself is heavy, so it adds up to the billable weight of the customer’s order. Also, a glass package is fragile. It needs extra bubble wrap to keep it safe from impact while shipping.
Plastic Bags
Plastic wrappings are the least expensive when transporting food. Also, it’s the most resilient when it comes to impact. If others get crushed and dented, the plastic absorbs shock evenly. However, the material is not safe for the environment. So it’s best to look for biodegradable plastic or other eco-friendly material.
Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are fit to ship perishable goods and non-perishable items. You can choose a box based on the type of food you sell. Also, you can pick a package made from a cardboard box or a rigid plastic box. However, it needs to have an insulated liner or coolant inside.
The amount of insulation varies. For example, if you are to ship perishable food items for 1 to 2 days, 1-inch insulation is enough. But if it needs a more extended travel period, look for thicker insulation.
Here are your options to keep the heat out.
Styrofoam Boxes
come with a typical exterior cardboard box. It has a thicker wall to help maintain the temperature inside from the outside.
Styrofoam Cut Sheets
are customizable to fit any box size. But, unfortunately, it is a lot let expensive than a whole box.
Insulated Liners
are like emergency blankets. Its bubble wrap texture aids in wrapping the food product tightly.
Insulated Pads
are a combination of Styrofoam and insulated liners. Its insulation and reflectiveness sustain the appropriate food temperature inside the package. Also, it comes with a fitting cardboard box.
Meanwhile, here are the options to keep in the cold inside.
Ice Packs
are for refrigerated shipping items. It’s best to use one-time-use ice packs.
Dry Ice
is highly effective for frozen products. But it needs careful consideration, especially when labeling the package.
Proper Placement of the Package Label
The label is crucial when you ship perishable goods in your online business. It allows your shipping partner and customer that the package contains food. Therefore, it won’t stay long in a hot warehouse.
Place the label outside using a permanent marker. Or you may paste a purchase label on it. Then, use any following to indicate what’s inside the box.
- Food Content. Handle With Care.
- Keep Refrigerated.
- Keep Frozen.
- The package contains Dry Ice.
Consider Right Timing
What time does UPS deliver? You have to know the right timing of delivery. Perishable food gets stuck in a shipping warehouse. It happens when you ship out before the weekend. No worries. If you research your shipping provider, you can manage your online store more.
Overnight shipping of food packages guarantees a safe transit. It keeps the product in good shape. Plus, it minimizes the number of days for delivery.
Provide a Clear Customer Policy
The nature of perishable shipping goods is equal to potential spoilage. So, it’s advisable to have a clear customer policy. For example, explain the refunds and replacements if the products arrive in a poor state. Also, make sure to post your policy online. Don’t forget to include another copy within the package shipment.
Set the Right Price
Maximize your profit in your online business by setting the right price. Consider the dimensional weight in your calculation. Also, ask yourself if you’ll pay for such a shipping fee if you ever buy it.
In addition, you may charge some of the shipping expenses on the product price. It lowers the shipping price more than the cost. For example, a beef jerky costs $13/oz, but you charge $15/oz instead. When a customer orders 4 oz, you generate $8 in revenue. It helps you cover some of the shipping costs.
Partner with the Best Shipping Partner
A 1-2 day delivery guarantees an excellent performance when shipping perishable products. It might sound absurd, but it is attainable. If you research how couriers handle food items, you can see which one is the best. UPS and FedEx are prominent names. Also, they offer specific discounts even without huge volumes.
In addition, there’s Red Stag Fulfillment. It is a fulfillment company that helps sellers handle high-value, large, and specialty products. Check out more of their services and see how they ship perishable goods in your business.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide To Canva Pro For Students.
