However, scented candles are special goods: they melt easily and break easily, because the jars are usually glass or ceramic. This article explains how to calculate storage costs, how to pack and how to apply fragile labels correctly before sending goods to the Mississauga warehouse.

Cost breakdown for shipping scented candles to Canada and storing them

When selling candles through a fulfillment warehouse, your costs fall into two main stages: shipping from Vietnam to the warehouse in Canada, and the order processing fee at the warehouse.

1. Air freight from Vietnam to Canada

To keep candles from deforming during long ocean voyages, air freight is the best choice, taking just 7–14 days.

• Two-way door-to-door air shipping between Vietnam and Canada starts at $16/kg.
• This price includes import duties, so you can easily calculate your cost of goods without surprise charges at clearance.
• Packing note: Shipments to Canada include basic packing in a carton. Heavy or oversized goods that need a pallet carry a separate surcharge.

2. Fulfillment fees in Canada

Once the goods arrive at the warehouse at 2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5A 3K6, every Etsy order is processed automatically.

• Fulfillment (storage, packing and delivery to retail customers) starts at $5 CAD per order.
• Domestic shipping within Canada to the customer starts at $35 per parcel.

How to apply fragile labels to candle jars

Scented candles in glass jars crack easily when knocked during domestic transit. Fragile labels not only make handlers more careful but also support an insurance claim if something goes wrong.

Step 1: Wrap in bubble wrap

Wrap each candle jar in at least 2 to 3 layers of bubble wrap. Tape the corners firmly so the bubble wrap doesn’t slip off in transit. Don’t let candle jars touch each other directly in the carton.

Step 2: Use cardboard dividers against impact

When packing several candle jars in one large box to ship to Canada, you must use cardboard dividers to split the box into individual cells. Each cell holds one wrapped jar. This completely stops the jars knocking against each other when the box is shaken.

Step 3: Apply “Fragile” labels

• Placement: A “Fragile – Handle With Care” label, or a prominent red broken-glass symbol, should be applied on at least two sides of the large carton, next to the main shipping label.
• Size: Use labels at least 9 cm x 15 cm so handlers can see them clearly from a distance.
• Don’t put the warning label over the tracking barcode, or it may cause scanning errors.

Important notes when shipping scented candles to Canada

Selling handmade scented candles comes with specific rules that Etsy shop owners need to watch out for:

• Temperature control: Avoid shipping candles in the hottest summer months without temperature protection, as the wax can soften, lose its shape and leak fragrance oil.
• Fragrance rules: Some concentrated natural essential oils may be checked by customs if they are classed as flammable. Have the safety data sheets (MSDS) for your candle ingredients ready to show if needed.
• Tracking: After shipping from Vietnam, you can easily track the shipment online with your order or booking number. The system sends automatic updates by email, SMS or Zalo so you can follow its journey.
• Buy extra insurance: Because insurance isn’t usually included in the standard rate, for high-value shipments of handmade candles you should ask to buy extra cargo insurance so you are properly compensated if anything breaks.

For detailed advice on the right box sizes and an accurate quote for your candle shipment, call +1 888-998-5199 or email info@soleiltransportation.com.