What you bake
Pie Shipping Boxes: 1 Inch Padding and Cost per Box
A clear way to pick pie shipping boxes that protect your pie and keep your shipping cost per box down.
On this page
- Measure your pie before you buy a box
- What to put inside the box
- How to keep shipping cost down
- Mistakes that cost you money
- What to check before you commit
- How to test one box before you buy a case
- How to compare carriers for a pie shipment
- How to set your shipping price per pie
- Worked example: cost per pie after ingredients, labor, and overhead
What to remember
- Measure your pie before you shop for a box.
- An inch of padding on all sides prevents cracks.
- A smaller box weighs less and costs less to ship.
- Test one box before you buy a case.
Choosing the right pie shipping boxes is about getting a good fit and real protection. A box that is too big lets the pie slide around inside and then crack. A box that is too small can crush the crust and ruin your hard work. You want a snug fit with cushioning, and you can find more craft tips at the craft hub.
Measure your pie before you buy a box
Always start with the widest part of your pie, including the rim of the pan. Measure the height from the bottom of the pan to the top of the filling or meringue. Always write those numbers down so you do not have to guess them again later. You will use them to pick a box size that fits your pie properly and safely.
A 9 inch pie pan is common, but your own pan may be a different size. You should always measure it yourself instead of guessing or assuming it is a standard size. If you use a deep dish pan, your height will be taller than a regular pan. That means you need a taller box to fit the pie and its extra padding.
Measure the pie
Use a ruler to measure the diameter and height of your pie in its pan.
Add padding
Add one inch to each side for cushioning. So a 9 inch pie needs an 11 inch box.
Choose the box
Pick a corrugated box that matches your padded size.
Test the fit
Put your pie in the box with padding. Close the lid. Shake gently. The pie should not move.
What to put inside the box
Proper padding inside the box always keeps your pie from sliding around during shipping. Use bubble wrap, foam, or crumpled paper to fill up all empty space inside the box. The pie should not shift at all when you gently close the lid and press. Too much padding can always crush the pie, so pack it snug and not tight.
Always first line the bottom of the box with a flat layer of good clean padding. Then set the pie in the center and add padding around all its four sides. Then finally add a layer on top and close the lid gently and press down slightly. If the lid bulges, you have too much padding, but if the pie moves, add more.
How to keep shipping cost down
Shipping cost always depends on both the size and the weight of your final box. A smaller box usually weighs much less and also often costs less to ship to. Do not ever use a box that is bigger than you truly need for shipping your pie. Weigh your packed box at home if you can, because that number helps you compare carriers.
You can also ship from your home instead of going to a nearby local store. That also saves time and sometimes money on your total overall shipping and packing costs. Always compare rates from at least two different carriers before you commit to one shipping. The cheapest carrier for a 2 pound box may not be cheapest for a 5 pound box.
Ask your carrier about flat rate boxes and see if they work for your pie. Always ship multiple pies in one box if you can do so safely and securely. That spreads the shipping cost across more pies in each single order and helps. It also lowers your cost per pie when you ship a much larger customer order.
Mistakes that cost you money
Buying a full case of boxes before you test one is a very common mistake. Box sizes can often vary from one maker to another different brand or supplier. Always order one box, pack a pie, and then ship it to yourself as a test. If it arrives intact, then buy more, but if not, change the size or padding.
Another common mistake is using a box that is too big for shipping your pie. You pay for the extra weight and space, and then the pie also slides around. A box that is too small will crush the pie and ruin your beautiful crust. Always measure twice, buy once, and do not forget the cost of padding and tape.
What to check before you commit
Always check the inside dimensions of the box first, and not just the outside size. Then also check the weight limit and whether the box is food safe for shipping. Always check the full cost per box, including the shipping cost to you and tax.
A cheap box that crushes your pie is often actually very expensive in the end. A slightly pricier box that protects your pie is often cheaper in the long run.
Ask for a sample if you can, because many suppliers offer samples for a small fee. Test the sample with your pie before you then decide to buy a full case. Also check the strength of the box and how it feels in your own hands. A box that feels sturdy is better than one that bends easily under heavy weight.
Always check the recycling code on the box if that matters to you and your. Then also check if the box can be reused for a local delivery later on. A box that survives shipping can be used again and saves you some good money. Also keep a record of what you paid for each box to help set your shipping price.
How to test one box before you buy a case
Testing one box before you buy a case is always the smart way to work. Then order a single box and pack it with your pie and good proper padding. Then ship it to yourself or a friend and wait for it to arrive safely. Then open the box and check the pie for any signs of cracks or shifting.
If the pie arrives intact, then you can buy a full case with much more confidence. If it arrives damaged, then change just one single thing at a time. Then try a thicker box or more padding, and then ship it and test again. Always keep notes on what worked so you do not repeat the same mistake again.
How to compare carriers for a pie shipment
Comparing carriers for a pie shipment always starts first with the packed box weight. Then always weigh the box at home and write the number down so you. Then always check rates from at least two carriers for that exact weight and size. The cheapest carrier for a 2 pound box may not be cheapest for a 5 pound box.
Ask each carrier about flat rate boxes and see if they work for your pie. A flat rate box can save money if your pie is heavy or going far. But it may cost more if your pie is very light and going quite nearby. Then always run the numbers for your own pie before you decide and commit to.
How to set your shipping price per pie
Your shipping price per pie should always cover the box, padding, tape, and carrier cost. Add up those costs for one pie and divide by the number of pies in the box. If you ship multiple pies in one box, then the cost per pie goes down. That lower cost per pie can help you set a more fair and shipping price.
Keep a record of what you paid for each box, roll of tape, and bag of padding. That record then always helps you update your shipping price when costs and supplies change. Brevl lets you add shipping cost to each order, so you see your true profit per pie. Just one flat $20 a month, and no cut of your sales at all ever.
Worked example: cost per pie after ingredients, labor, and overhead
To see your true margin, write down your ingredient cost, labor cost, and overhead cost for one pie. Then add those three numbers together to get your total cost per pie and more. Then subtract that total cost from your own selling price to find your final margin. This margin is what you truly keep after all three costs are paid and covered.
For example, your ingredient cost is $A, your labor cost is $B, and your overhead cost is $C. Your total cost is A plus B plus C. If your selling price is $D, then your margin is D minus the total cost. You can replace A, B, C, and D with your own numbers. Never count a margin without subtracting overhead, because overhead is a real cost.
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Common questions
What size box do I need for a 9 inch pie?
Add one inch of padding on each side. A 9 inch pie needs an 11 inch box. Measure the height too. A deep dish pie needs a taller box. Always check the inside dimensions of the box before you buy.
Can I ship a pie in a regular cardboard box?
You can, but a regular box may not be strong enough. Look for a corrugated box. A regular box may crush under other packages. Test one before you ship a customer order.
How much padding do I need for a pie?
One inch on all sides is a good start. For a heavy pie, use two inches. The pie should not move when you shake the box gently. Fill empty space with bubble wrap or packing paper. Too much padding can press on the pie and crack the crust.
Where do I buy pie shipping boxes?
You can buy boxes from shipping supply stores, online retailers, or local box companies. Look for a box that is food safe. Order one box first to test the fit. Then buy a case if it works. Check the cost per box, including shipping to you.
How do I keep shipping costs down for pies?
Use the smallest box that fits your pie with padding. A smaller box weighs less. Weigh your packed box at home. Compare rates from different carriers. Ship from your home if you can. Avoid oversized boxes that add weight and cost.
Do I need to freeze a pie before shipping?
That depends on the pie. Some pies ship better frozen. Others ship fine at room temperature. Check with your local health department for rules in your state. Test one shipment to see how your pie arrives. Then decide what works for your pies.