14/09/2023
Posting toppers… 📦
The big question - how to safely post cake toppers? I’ve been asked this so many times, so here are my words of wisdom…
When I started thinking about posting toppers, I made some, wrapped them up securely… annnnd threw the package down a flight of stone stairs! I figured that was about the worst that could happen to a parcel on its journey, so that’s what it needs to be able to survive! I also posted toppers to myself, just to see what condition the package arrived in.
Now, packaging well absolutely doesn’t mean that toppers always arrive undamaged! In a few thousand parcels I’ve posted, I’ve only had 1 that was totally crushed and had to be remade (poor Forky). And, I’ve had maybe 30 ish over the years that have arrived with a little injury (or have been damaged by the recipient when opening). But, most little injuries can be fixed by the recipient with care and some guidance.
I’m also careful of the orders that I accept - if I don’t believe something will survive the post, I suggest an alternative that might be more sturdy. Even if the customer says they are happy to take the risk of it breaking in the post - I’m not! For example, I don’t make figures with limbs not safely by their side, using the body for support. No arms up in the air, or legs out kicking a ball. Doesn’t mean I haven’t in the past misjudged and made something I thought would survive in the post, which hasn’t made it in one piece. There are always lessons to be learned!
Packaging… my toppers are first wrapped in kitchen roll, as a food safe barrier. Then layers of bubble wrap, posted in sturdy boxes with fragile stickers on the box. Any gaps in the box are filled with packing chips or those plastic air bubbles you get in packages - sometimes deflated partially and taped back up, to squeeze into gaps. I recycle as much packaging as possible, so I’ve never actually had to buy any packing chips or bubbles.
I add in allergen and ingredients labels from , and delivery slips drawn and created by with storage instructions and a handy repair guide!
So, package carefully, experiment first, and only commit to what you’re comfortable with!
