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Macaron Shipping Boxes: Size, Padding, and Cost per Box
How to pick macaron shipping boxes that protect the cookies and still leave room for profit.
On this page
- What size box do you need for macarons?
- How much does a macaron shipping box cost?
- What to check before you buy a case of boxes
- How do you store and assemble macaron shipping boxes?
- How do you test a macaron shipping box before a big order?
- How do you price shipping separately from the macaron?
- What changes when you ship macarons in warm weather?
- How to pack macarons in the box
- Mistakes that cost you money on macaron shipping boxes
- How to choose a carrier for your boxes
What to remember
- Inside height protects the macarons, not the outside size.
- The shipping guide for macarons uses 2 inch padding, so add 4 inches to your stack height.
- Box cost is a line item in your price, not an afterthought.
- Test one box before you buy a case.
Choosing macaron shipping boxes is a balance between protection and postage. A box that is too small crushes the feet, and a box that is too large adds weight and cost. Start with the stack you are shipping, then work outward to the box size.
What size box do you need for macarons?
Measure the diameter of one macaron and the height of the stack you plan to ship. The guide on how to ship macarons uses 2 inch padding, so add 4 inches to both the width and the height. That gives you the minimum inside dimensions. Look for a box that matches those numbers.
How much does a macaron shipping box cost?
Box cost is part of your price, not a separate favor to your customer. The guide on baked goods shipping boxes covers cost, size, and padding. You can also use the macaron pricing guide to see how box cost fits into your margin. Add the box, padding, label, and tape to your ingredient and labor cost.
For a worked example, let I be ingredient cost per box, L be labor cost per box, and O be overhead per box. If you ship 20 boxes a month, your Brevl fee is $1 per box. Add the box, padding, label, and tape to I, L, O, and the $1 fee. If your selling price is P, your margin is P minus that full cost.
What to check before you buy a case of boxes
Before you commit to a case of 50 or 100 boxes, check these things. They save you from storing boxes you cannot use. Look at the inside dimensions, the wall thickness, and the assembly. A box that folds flat is easier to store.
How do you store and assemble macaron shipping boxes?
Store flat boxes in a dry area away from heat and moisture. Keep the lids and bases together so you do not mix sizes. Assemble one box before you pack a full order. That tells you if the folds are strong and the corners hold.
A box that folds flat saves shelf space in a small kitchen. Check that the assembly does not tear the coating or weaken the walls. If the box feels flimsy when empty, it will not protect a stack. Choose a rigid box that holds its shape after folding.
How do you test a macaron shipping box before a big order?
Buy one or two boxes from a supplier before you buy a case. Pack a real order and ship it to yourself. That tells you if the box survives the trip. Shake the box gently to hear if the stack moves.
When the test box arrives, check the macaron feet and the box corners. If the stack shifted, add padding or choose a shorter box. If the box crushed, pay for thicker walls. Then buy the case that passed your test.
How do you price shipping separately from the macaron?
Treat the box, padding, label, and tape as separate line items in your price. Add your ingredient and labor cost from recipe costing. Then add overhead, such as the $1 Brevl fee for 20 boxes a month. Divide the full cost by the number of macarons in the box.
That gives you the cost per macaron before margin. Add your margin on top to set the selling price. Brevl’s pricing calculator can do this for you. Keep shipping separate so you can see if a carrier rate changes your profit.
What changes when you ship macarons in warm weather?
Heat and humidity affect macarons more than the box. In summer, ship early in the week and use a carrier that moves fast. The box still needs 2 inch padding on every side. Check the same guide for timing and packing.
A warm day can soften the filling and make the feet fragile. A fast carrier reduces the time the box sits in a hot truck. The same box works if you change the ship day. Do not skip padding because the weather is warm.
How to pack macarons in the box
The packing method matters as much as the box. The same guide covers 2 inch padding and box cost. Follow that method, then seal the box so it cannot shift. A snug box protects better than a loose one.
Measure your stack
Stack the macarons the way they will ship. Measure the width and the height.
Add 2 inch padding
Add 2 inches of padding on every side. That means 4 inches to width and 4 inches to height.
Choose the box size
Look for a box with inside dimensions that match your total. The outside size can be larger.
Buy one sample
Order one box and pack it as you would for a customer. Shake it gently.
Line the bottom
Put a layer of padding in the bottom of the box.
Place the macarons
Set the stack in the center. Do not let it touch the sides.
Fill the gaps
Add padding around the sides and on top. Close the lid and tape all seams.
Mistakes that cost you money on macaron shipping boxes
These mistakes show up again and again. Avoid them and your boxes will do their job. The cost of a ruined order is higher than the cost of the right box. A little planning protects your margin.
How to choose a carrier for your boxes
The carrier matters because some handle small boxes better than others. The guide on the best carrier for shipping baked goods gives 3 rules. Read that before you buy postage. It helps you avoid a late or damaged delivery.
You can compare rates on your phone. Brevl helps you price and plan. For more guides on the craft of selling baked goods, see the craft hub.
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Common questions
What size box do I need for macarons?
Measure your stack, then add 2 inches of padding on every side. That means 4 inches to the width and 4 inches to the height. Always choose a box with inside dimensions that match. The outside size can be larger.
Can I use a flat rate box from the post office?
You can, but check the inside dimensions first. A flat rate box may not have enough height for 2 inch padding. If it does not, your macarons will crush. Measure before you buy postage. That saves you from a ruined order.
How do I add box cost to my price?
Add the box, padding, label, and tape to your ingredient and labor cost. Then divide by the number of macarons in the box. That gives you the cost per macaron. Add your margin on top. Brevl's pricing calculator can do this for you.
Do I need a different box for different seasons?
Heat and humidity affect macarons more than the box. In summer, ship early in the week and use a carrier that moves fast. The box still needs 2 inch padding, so check the same guide for timing. That is the same box, just a different ship day.
Where can I buy macaron shipping boxes?
You can buy them from online suppliers, craft stores, or local packaging shops. Order one sample first to check the inside dimensions. The guide on baked goods shipping boxes covers cost, size, and padding. Start there before you buy a case.
General information, not legal or tax advice.