What You'll Need
Gather these before you start packing. Don't improvise — fragrance bottles don't forgive a thin layer of newspaper.
Step-by-Step Packing
Don't skip steps. Each one serves a purpose.
Photograph Everything First
Before you touch the packing materials, photograph the bottle from multiple angles. Include the box, the fill level, any existing wear on the box or bottle, and the batch code if visible.
If a buyer claims the item was damaged or not as described, these photos are your protection. No photos = no evidence.
Secure the Cap & Nozzle
Caps come loose in transit. Wrap the cap in a layer of foam sheet or tissue paper and then secure it gently with a rubber band or tape that won't damage the finish. Never tape directly onto the bottle cap without protection.
If the bottle has a spray nozzle, consider a small piece of tape over it (not blocking the pump, just preventing accidental spraying that could leak inside the packaging).
Wrap in Bubble Wrap — Then Again
Lay the bottle on a sheet of bubble wrap (bubbles facing inward, toward the bottle). Roll it at least 2–3 full times. Fold the ends in and secure with tape.
Now do it again with a second layer. The bottle should feel like it has real padding on all sides — tap it and it shouldn't clink against anything.
Seal in a Zip-Lock Bag
Place the wrapped bottle in a large zip-lock bag and seal it. This is your liquid containment layer. If the bottle leaks or breaks, the bag contains the mess and prevents the fragrance from soaking through the box and destroying the label.
This step is especially important for spray bottles and any bottle that's been partially decanted.
Inner Box: Snug Fit
Place the bagged, wrapped bottle in an inner box that fits snugly. The bottle should not be able to move around inside. If there's any space, fill it with crumpled tissue paper or small pieces of foam.
Seal the inner box with packing tape on all seams — top, bottom, and all edges.
Outer Box: Pack It Solid
Place the inner box inside your outer shipping box. Now fill every single gap with packing peanuts, foam, or crumpled bubble wrap. Shake the box — nothing should move. If you hear or feel any movement, add more fill.
The goal is that if someone drops this box from 4 feet onto concrete, the bottle survives. That's the standard carriers use when they inevitably drop packages.
Seal & Reinforce
Seal the outer box with strong packing tape. Don't just tape the center seam — tape the full length of every edge. The H-tape method: tape the center seam, then tape both perpendicular seams on top and bottom.
Add FRAGILE stickers on all four sides and the top. Write "This Side Up" with an arrow if the bottle has a specific orientation.
Photograph the Sealed Package
Take clear photos of the fully packed and sealed box before you take it to the carrier. Include the label, the tape job, and the fragile stickers. Include a timestamp if you can.
These photos complete your documentation chain: bottle condition → packed state → sealed package → carrier drop-off receipt.
Which Carrier to Use
Fragrances contain alcohol, which classifies them as flammable liquids. This affects which shipping methods are available to you — especially for air transport.
Photos to Take Every Time
A complete photo record protects you from disputes, supports insurance claims, and builds buyer trust. Make this a habit on every trade.
Do's and Don'ts
✓ Always do this
- ✓ Double-box every fragrance shipment, without exception
- ✓ Use a zip-lock bag inside the packaging as a leak barrier
- ✓ Photograph before packing, during packing, and after sealing
- ✓ Purchase shipping insurance for any bottle valued over $50
- ✓ Use ground shipping only — no air services for fragrances
- ✓ Enter your tracking number in Sniffy as soon as you have it
- ✓ Keep your carrier receipt until the buyer confirms receipt
- ✓ Communicate shipping timelines with your buyer before dropping off
✕ Never do this
- ✕ Ship in a padded envelope — they offer almost no protection
- ✕ Use newspaper as the only padding material
- ✕ Ship via air (Priority Mail Express, FedEx Express, UPS Air) — fragrance is restricted
- ✕ Reuse a damaged or soggy box — it won't survive transit
- ✕ Skip the zip-lock bag — one cracked nozzle will destroy everything
- ✕ Leave any dead space in the box — movement = breakage
- ✕ Ship internationally without verifying restrictions — many countries ban fragrance imports
- ✕ Tape directly onto the bottle or box without foam protection
Shipping Internationally
International fragrance shipments are significantly more complicated. Many countries classify fragrance as a hazardous material and restrict or outright ban its import through postal services.
- ✓ Declare the correct value on customs forms — undervaluing is illegal and voids insurance
- ✓ Mark contents accurately: "Perfume / Eau de Toilette — Flammable Liquid"
- ✓ Use a courier (UPS, FedEx, DHL) rather than postal services for better compliance support
- ✓ Factor customs duties into your pricing — buyers are responsible for import fees
- ✓ Get written confirmation from your buyer that they accept international shipping risks
If Something Goes Wrong
Even with perfect packing, things occasionally happen. Here's how to handle it.
Item Arrives Damaged
The buyer should photograph the damage immediately upon opening — before discarding any packaging. Contact Sniffy support via Jenny (the chat widget) with your photos. File a carrier insurance claim within 24 hours of delivery — most carriers have a strict claims window.
Package Lost in Transit
If tracking stops updating for more than 5 business days, contact the carrier with your tracking number and receipt. Open a Sniffy dispute so our team is aware. Most lost packages are resolved within 2 weeks via the carrier's claims process.
Item Not as Described
Buyers have 48 hours after confirmed delivery to report an issue. Your pre-shipment photos are critical here. If your photos match your listing description and show the item in the condition you claimed, the dispute is typically resolved in your favor.