At first it can seem daunting to figure out how to package a plant well enough to survive the mail. Once you do it a few times the worst part is just the time it takes! Everyone has their own methods and this is how I like to pack during the warmer months. Supplies:
Optional Supplies:
If you are packing a plant to sell my first tip would be take a picture of the plant and the roots before you start packing. It is always good to have proof as well as pictures you can send your buyer to set the expectation. Next, I grab my cotton round and cut down the middle to make the Pac-Man mouth shape. Then, I'll take the cotton round and fit it around the stem of the plant. Taping down the cotton round is the next step. I will completely secure the cotton round to the pot. This will prevent soil from spilling everywhere during transit. After that, I grab my craft paper. The first thing I do is lay the pot down and tape it to the paper. Afterwards, I will take my polyester fiber and pack it gently around the leaves and stem to make sure it is fully covered. Roll it up nicely and tape up the ends. Once the plant is fully packed in the craft paper, I like to take my USPS Box 4 and make a cradle out of the flaps of another Box 4. This will further help the plant from rolling around during the shipping process. I personally like to put a piece of tissue paper down on the bottom to make it look nice and then I will set the plant in. If I have air packs on hand, I will put one on each side. These are not always necessary. If I don't have air packs on hand, I will use packing peanuts or more polyester fiber as a cushion. Lastly, I take another flap from the other box and secure it on top of the plant. At this point, the package is almost ready to go. I'll stick in an invoice, any additional documentation needed like a phytosanitary certificate, a thank you insert asking for the customer to leave a review, and a sticker from my business. Lastly, I'll seal the box up making sure to put fragile/live plants on the box with marker or stickers and the pre-paid shipping label.
I highly recommend NOT buying your postage from USPS directly. If you use an alternative service like Pirate Ship you do get a slight discount. Also, it is important to note if you use a priority mail box like Box 4 you can only send the package priority mail. I never send plants anything less than priority mail. Tips for Cold Weather:
Shipping Plants the Legal Way: Every state has different agricultural rules when it comes to transporting plants. Trying to find out what states have what rules can be incredibly confusing and even the language used isn't always clear cut. The National Plant Board is a great resource for being able to find shipping requirements for all 50 states. Click here to check out the website. Additionally, depending on whether you are shipping as a nursery dealer or business that can create additional rules to follow depending on the state. It is super important that you always check with your state to see what requirements there are.
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