Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I`m a desserts manufacture. I sell my desserts to local restaurants but I want to expand and sell online and around the country, but my issue is shipping. I`m not sure how to ship a dessert (that needs to be refrigerated) without damaging it during the shipment. What about cost? Is it cheaper to ship overnight or to purchase more packaging items so that I can ship it 2 day? Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

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Ed
Business Optimization - www.businessoptimization.biz

First you need to decide how far away you want to ship your product.  Some perishables for example can not be shipped long distances even in refrigerated trucks. 

Then, go on line to find freight carriers that will service those areas.  When you contact them, specify that your product will need to be refrigerated.  Most freight services have refrigerated trailers.  But it will cost you more. 

Another option is to package your product in a refrigerated container of some type.  You can go on line and search for "refrigerated packaging" or "packaging suppliers."  Refrigerated packaging will add to your packaging cost, but may save you money on shipping.

Finally, a good rule of thumb on packaging came from a friend.  He worked for a major parcel delivery company.  A package should be able to withstand being dropped several times from a three foot platform.  If the package falls apart during the test, it won`t make it through a freight center.

If you have more questions, you can contact me at www.spcfreelance.com

Hope this helps



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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.