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How to Ship Macarons: 2 Inch Padding and Box Cost (2026)
A step by step packing method so your macarons arrive whole, plus how to price the shipping into your order.
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Learning how to ship macarons is mostly about cushioning and timing. The good news is that the same padding rules you use for a cake apply here. This guide walks through the box, the cushioning, and the cost so you can quote a shipping price without guessing.
What to remember
- Freeze macarons before packing so they firm up.
- Use 2 to 3 inches of padding on every side.
- Ship by Tuesday to avoid weekend delays.
- Check the carrier rules for your box size and weight.
What you need before you pack a single macaron
You do not need special equipment to ship macarons. A rigid box, cushioning material, tape, and a label are enough. The box should be sturdy enough that it does not bend when you pick it up. Crumpled paper, bubble wrap, or foam all work as padding. Make sure you have enough to fill every gap.
Choose a box that is just a little larger than the macarons you are shipping. Too much empty space means you need more padding. Too little space means you cannot cushion the sides. A box that is two inches larger on each side gives you room for the 2 to 3 inches of padding.
Gather your labels and tape before you start packing. A roll of packing tape and a marker are enough. If you print labels, make sure your printer has ink. Running out of tape in the middle of packing is a waste of time.
How to pack macarons so they arrive whole
Packing is the part that decides whether your macarons arrive whole or in pieces. Work on a clean table and give yourself enough room. Do not rush the padding step. The goal is to make sure the macarons cannot move at all inside the box.
Test your packing method with a dummy box before you ship a real order. Put a few macarons in the box, seal it, and shake it gently. If you hear movement, add more padding. This takes two minutes and can save a whole order.
Freeze the macarons
Place the macarons in a single layer in a freezer safe container. Freeze for at least an hour. This firms up the shells so they do not crush under their own weight.
Line the box
Put a layer of padding at the bottom of your rigid box. Use 2 to 3 inches of crumpled paper or bubble wrap. Press it down so it stays in place.
Layer the macarons
Place the frozen macarons on top of the padding. Leave space between each one. Do not stack them more than two high. Add padding between layers if you must stack.
Fill the gaps
Fill every empty space with more padding. The macarons should not shift when you gently shake the box. Add a top layer of padding before you close the lid.
Seal and label
Tape the box shut on all seams. Write the address clearly. Ship by Tuesday so the box does not sit over the weekend. Check the carrier rules for your label.
How to price shipping into your macaron orders
Shipping is a cost you must cover in your price. Do not treat it as a surprise. Add the cost of the box, the padding, the label, and the postage to your order total. If you offer free shipping, build that cost into the price of the macarons.
For example, if you sell a dozen macarons at $2 each, that is $24. Brevl takes 0% commission, so you keep the full $24. Your only fixed cost is $20 a month. Subtract your ingredient and labor costs to find your margin. The margin is what is left after all three.
If you ship a lot, your Brevl cost per order goes down. The $20 monthly fee is the same whether you ship one box or fifty. That makes it easier to offer flat rate shipping. Just make sure your price covers the postage and the packaging.
You can charge shipping as a separate line item or build it into the price. Separate is clearer for the customer. Built in feels simpler for you. Either way, do the math so you are not paying for shipping out of your own pocket.
What to check before you commit to a carrier
Every carrier has its own rules for box size, weight, and labeling. Check the rules before you promise a shipping price. USPS and FedEx both have guides on our site. The USPS guide lists five checks before you pay. The FedEx guide covers box, label, and cost.
You also need to know the delivery timeframe. If you ship by Tuesday, most domestic packages arrive by the weekend. That matters because macarons stay fresh for about three days. Check the guide on keeping baked goods fresh for three days.
Ask about insurance and tracking. A lost box is a cost you eat if you do not insure it. Tracking lets you and your customer see where the package is. Both are worth the small extra cost for a perishable item.
Check the delivery confirmation options. Most carriers offer tracking for a small fee. A tracking number lets you answer customer questions without guessing. It also protects you if a package goes missing.
Mistakes that cost you money when shipping macarons
The biggest mistake is not padding enough. A box that feels full can still let macarons shift. Another mistake is shipping late in the week. A package that sits in a warehouse over the weekend can arrive stale. Always ship by Tuesday.
Do not forget the label. A smudged address can delay your box by days. Print the label or write it clearly in dark ink. Put a return address on the box as well. That way it comes back to you if it cannot be delivered.
Do not overpack the box. If you have to force the lid shut, you have too much inside. The pressure can crack the macarons. Leave a little room for the padding to do its job. A box that closes easily is a box that ships safely.
How Brevl helps you ship macarons
Brevl gives you a shop where you can add shipping options and take card payments through your own Stripe or Square account. You can also accept Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, and cash. The recipe costing tool helps you price the macarons and the shipping together.
Brevl also has a weekly planner and ingredient inventory. You can see what you need to bake and what you have on hand. That helps you plan shipping days so you are not rushing to the post office.
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- How to ship baked goods: box, label, and cost
- How to ship fresh baked goods with 2 to 3 inch padding
- How much to charge for a dozen macarons
- Craft guides for home bakers
Common questions
Can I ship macarons in warm weather?
Warm weather makes macarons soft and more likely to crush. Freeze them first, then pack with 2 to 3 inches of padding. Ship by Tuesday so they do not sit in a hot warehouse over the weekend. Check the carrier rules for your destination.
How much padding do macarons need?
Use 2 to 3 inches of padding on every side. That is the same rule we give for shipping fresh baked goods. The padding absorbs bumps and keeps the macarons from touching the box walls. Crumpled paper or bubble wrap both work.
Do I need to freeze macarons before shipping?
Freezing firms up the shells so they do not crush under their own weight. It also helps them survive a few days in transit. Let them come to room temperature before your customer eats them. A short freeze is enough.
What is the cheapest way to ship macarons?
The cheapest way depends on weight and distance. USPS and FedEx both have options. Check the USPS guide for five checks before you pay. Brevl takes 0% commission, so you keep more of each sale to cover shipping.
How do I keep macarons from breaking in transit?
Pack them in a rigid box with 2 to 3 inches of padding on all sides. Freeze them first so they are firm. Ship by Tuesday to avoid weekend delays. Do not leave empty space in the box.
General information, not legal or tax advice.