HOW I PROCESS, PACK AND SHIP ONLINE ORDERS / etsy, shopify

[@isabel-johnny6203]

OMG, thank you. This is a great start; I always have something related to do, but this is a real push, like "you can do it too." I'm going to push myself; thanks again!

[@heatherjones1307]

How do u add shipping with billing? Do you charge a flat rate or is it added into product cost?

[@kendraharer5753]

I just want to give a huge thank you. I am starting a soap business that is so different from my jewelry business over a decade ago. You have answered so many questions and given inspiration. Many blessings and success to your business.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You are so welcome!

[@zbcosmetics4912]

Thank y’all so much for this video. It is extremely informative. I myself am a business owner and find myself wondering which box would be best. You just helped so much

[@pamelagilmore7222]

How about a video on what you use for bookkeeping and taxes?

[@msv3459]

You give so much helpful info! May Ala bless you 10xs!

[@jacquiesallemi]

Thank you 🙏 for these videos. Common sense stuff shown in real time. You both are such a cool team. Great stuff.

[@pennydickinson3258]

The soap lair - I love it!! All your raw ingredients and finished products definitely can take over your house!! Thanks for this video:)

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You are so welcome!

[@tinaindina7032]

Just watched. I saved so much time packing when I got a tape holder for the packing tape (attached it to my table, so I can use it with one hand), and by having the roll of bubble wrap on a "stick" so it doesn't roll off the table. And I have just purchased a vintage holder / rack for holding my rolls of brown paper.

[@sarahlane8204]

I bought a gift set for my daughter and my sister . Im so happy for you! And I wanted to say thankyou for inspiring me to start making bath products and resin jewelry. Even If I can never sell them atleast I can make something nice as gifts and have enough soap for myself. MORE SPA DAY'S FOR ME! Bless you for all you do. I appreciate you and your video's. I'll remember to leave a review on your products after we see them ^_^ so excited #Much Love From New Mexico!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you so much for your order!! We can't wait for you to get it :)

[@karenannskreation2022]

Teamwork makes the dream easier to handle 💜

[@katieandersonzumba]

I think your shrink wrapping and clear labels have a beautiful, flawless look. What’s your reason for going this route vs a cigar band?

[@garrettpeters3438]

This was very practical. I really liked seeing your soap storage room; a real behind the scene glimpse into your business. 👍🏼

[@kimbowman1800]

Excellent information. I cannot begin to tell you how much your videos are helping me. Thank you!

[@lisaannmirabal6595]

You guys are my hero’s!

[@heathertaylor6315]

I love watching your teamwork

[@meriyemfathi8684]

Thank you so much for sharing these valuable informations with us, you guys are awesome. Could you please make a video about how to preserve bath bombs and for how long can we preserve them? and if we can put them on the fridge to dry, if so how many days? Thank you so much

[@felicialm]

Hey! Where do you get your jars from? I'm having a hard time sourcing right now :( --- also loving your videos!!! Thank u so much!

[@alyssa2861]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@debbiewiggins4873]

Thank you this was very helpful! I learnt so much. Please can you tell me do you have one showing how you wrap the soap with the plastic?

[@randomvideos6783]

You’re doing an amazing job. Thanks for encouraging me to keep going.

[@antonettepascual621]

You & Cale is such an inspiring couple. I am learning so much & thank you for sharing your road to Success. Your products, packaging, labelling & everything else is so nice. I am in the process of launching my products but need to know everything above first. Jerika do you mind sharing: 1.) where you buy your Jars hopefully wholesale. They are very pricy online. 2.) What kind of Laser printer machine do you use. Greatly Appreciated

[@cityfoodiefarm]

Thanks for all this info!!

[@violetcarson5532]

That is absolutely beautiful 🤗 I love seeing couples working as a team in their business. Thank you guys ☺️ so much for sharing this video. You have very beautiful products.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Our pleasure!

[@Rach333Rach]

loving your videos so inspiring, where do you buy you soap cutter?

[@LaurenKlumpp]

I love seeing you two work together as a team! Thanks for your videos and for sharing your journey. I’m flying solo on my biz but hubby does help me at markets.

[@Latherandloop]

Is there a video of you guys calculating shipping in your product prices?

[@alkemysoaps8433]

Your packaging is fantastic, and I personally LOVE your "soap lair". It's the perfect blend of functional and vaguely creepy (in a good way!). lol

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Oh thank you!

[@allenaw19]

Good information guy's 👍

[@LouboutinDoll]

I love your videos! They are informative, fun, and honest. Thank you for your content. I appreciate you!

[@sherryzimmerman9220]

Mema loved the attention to detail in this video.....the ‘Show must always go on’ when filming..... substitution is great.... never let them see You sweat..... Love discount codes.... we used it just yesterday when we were really satisfied with a product we purchased and were delighted how it worked out.... really appreciated the attention to Quality Control..... disappointing when Your purchases are confused or beat up in the mail....

[@tjadopt4077]

I really enjoy all the information in your videos. I will watch for the next one!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Glad you like them!

[@suemeyer7551]

Great video! Especially with the different options to ship from Canada. So to clarify, you put the staples boxes in another box to ship? Great tip about the electrical tape. You still haven’t gotten a packing tape gun. They are so much fun to use & you don’t have to worry about losing your end. I hope to start my business soon. Maybe I should set up a studio in my basement to help inspire & to nudge the Universe. Thanks again. Not only are your videos informative but you both seem to be genuinely kind people. Have a great weekend :)

[@simplynatural100]

I was wondering the same thing - you ship the box inside another? You used to ship the original

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Depends on the order. If it's just a few items, we'll stick the label right on the white box. But if there's extra items, we'll put that box in a bigger box. If people want to gift the package, we'll put the box in a polymailer.

[@tiffany7023]

Use stackable bread racks. You can ask a bread route owner, they usually have a hundred spares.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yep, it's where we bought ours!

[@lisaannmirabal6595]

I absolutely love you guys! Super helpful and inspiring!

[@papiadutta4428]

Love you both! Thank you for all the knowledge base... Getting ready to start my biz ❤️❤️

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You got this!

[@teaceremony2460]

I keep watching your videos and I finde misled watching from beginning to end... learning lots from them

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Glad you like them!

[@jeniferjohnson7827]

You two are adorable! I would always buy from you. Love your U tubes and your spirit. and encouragement. I just married a Man with two autistic daughters. They wanted to learn how to make soap and bath bombs. together we have three daughters. we are having so much fun together. Thank you for your generosity in sharing . keep shinning

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I love this comment! You will have lots of fun, I'm sure! Sending love from Canada!

[@catrionaaldridge654]

Thank you guy's. I'm currently researching as I'm starting a esty shop soon.your very good for sharing. Love all the way from Ireland ☘💚

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Best of luck!

[@T4HAS]

Wow! Your videos are so inspirational. Thank you!

[@brigidatruman6978]

thank you for making informative videos. i’m learning and I would like to try how to make soaps. I’m scared but you made me confident that I can make goods soaps.

[@ddrlbhski6438]

Great video as always. I'm older than you, but I still want to be like you when I grow up! Can you tell us where you buy the jars?

[@KimberlyNYC]

A thermal printer will save you tons of money since it doesn't use INK and saves your tape expenses, since it comes with 4x6 adhesive labels. SAVING money and looking professional is always the GOAL!

[@willowrose2291]

I have to say Kale is a great partner! I love the video! I’m going to share this video with my husband. I am hoping he can be my shipping guy!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Your life will be so much easier with the help :)

[@lorismithokon9028]

Thumbs up to Kale! He is a keeper!

[@kashiekamalcolm2180]

Thanks Jerika! This was very helpful for me

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I'm so glad!

[@RMtuition121]

Hi! Always enjoy watching your videos, I'm small scale atm and you keep me going. So thank you

[@younganimals2948]

Good morning I’m excited for this congrats on 13.1k 🥳🥳🥳🥳that’s incredible

[@carly3334]

Thank you so much for this informative video! It has been such a daunting journey to find out information like this with regards to shipping. As a Canadian, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge as it can be hard to find this kind of information. You both are such a lovely team, its exciting to watch your channel grow!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You are so welcome!

[@bashaerm8750]

Yaaay a new video is here, and congrats on reaching 13k subscribers 😍😍😍

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@Farenfran]

Love the details you put on your videos! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks for watching!

[@BrazynButterflySoaps]

For the jars, i have had a lot of success with shrink wrapping them. May be cheaper for you than bubble wrap ❣️

[@madamejb4057]

Jerika! You are teaching me so much! Thank you! What size box are you using at 11:39?

[@belensolano6133]

Me encantan, mi pareja favorita! ☺️

[@joellemcmurchy6604]

You guys are the best 🧡💪 Thank you for sharing this.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Our pleasure!

[@lorismithokon9028]

You two make a cute couple! I love to see you work together.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you!! 😊

[@JPGirl72]

You wrap your soaps, could you also wrap your jars? Would it be a huge difference in expense cost? It would secure the lid and look so much better. Just a thought.

[@pamelawalker8815]

This was good.

[@SteadfastTrailFarm]

Watching!!! Thank you!! Was JUST looking all this up!! ~jc

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Woohoo!! Hope this helped!

[@katiejean5879]

Do you take them to the post office or are they picked up?

[@heatherjones1307]

Do you have insurance? Also do you have any issues with the glass jars... customer complaints about glass in the shower? I love the look of glass but end up using plastic or acrylic due to this issue. I just don't like using plastic or acrylic because of the recycling issues.

[@gerrygold9273]

When curing soap do we need to keep the soap at a certain temperature for the soap to cure.? If it's a warm environment will the soap degrade or go soft ? Do the soaps need to stay temperature as cool as a fridge to cure? My sister lives in a hot climate.

[@azizascloset4448]

do you have a video on how you wrap your soaps?

[@MarciesWhimsySoaps]

Thank you so much!❤

[@theSKNsolution]

Love this video, where do you get your jars?

[@tracymorris840]

Hello, I just love your video's, I learn so much! I was wondering the whole shipping process when you get your orders. I was curious how you kept the 2 sites separate. What boxes to use is super helpful, going to be ordering boxes soon. Will save this video for future reference😃 Not going to lie, I am intimidated. It will just be me doing it all. I know it will be nerve racking at 1st. So glad you did this video, so very helpful! Can't wait for you next video😁

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks for this awesome comment!

[@jessewhite9444]

If you have a shop on Etsy, do they not calculate the shipping for you? Or is this a cheaper way?

[@heatherjones1307]

Its awesome that you do it together. Im just by myself. Kinda sucks. Would be nice if I could get my kids or husband to do one designated task.. like labeling or shipping.

[@brendagonzalez2908]

Hello, any suggestion on how to cure soaps in texas where is hot and Humid Be learning a lot from your videos 📹

[@brigidatruman6978]

packed with love.

[@tylercoupland912]

Loved this video! Thank you :)

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You're so welcome!

[@katstuart4243]

Have you considered using shrink bands for your jars? I don't know how that would compare cost wise to using electrical tape (which clearly does what you need it to do).

[@JerikaZimmerman]

This is a great idea! Will consider this!

[@MaBelle3]

You guys are amazing, beautiful Couple. So inspiring ♥️ kisses from Italy

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you so much!!

[@joyceoq4271]

I’m a little confused about the shipping cost. How much did the customer pay for shipping? Wasn’t shipping already paid when they purchased on Etsy?

[@vanislewestcoastlifestylet1146]

Hi Jerika & Kale. Could you tell me how/where you get your shipping labels printed? Thanks again for an awesome video! coming to you from wet and rainy Vancouver Island on the West Coast!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

We print them at home.

[@emiliedodd1015]

Hello! Love you guys! My question is, what size boxes do you use for just your soap bars? I've watched all of your videos and plan on opening my own business this summer making soaps shaped like yours. What size would you use to sell just 2 or 3 bars?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

we like the 9x5x3. Good luck with your new business!

[@jessicadygos8582]

How do you guys figure out what you charge for your orders? Do you weigh yours then depending on where you ship? Do you charge flat rate?

[@yourinnerartistwithjulie-j2075]

Recently found your channel and love it! Does the heat gun melt the bars at all?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Nope!

[@yourinnerartistwithjulie-j2075]

@@JerikaZimmerman Sweet!

[@designsbye3819]

Great video. Have you guys thought of using shrink wrap? I use it for my hair growth serum it’s really cost effective

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yeah, was just looking into this today! Will definitely want to start using this!

[@designsbye3819]

@@JerikaZimmerman awesome I’ll be waiting for the next video to see how it works for you. They have really good heat guns on Amazon I have a small pink one I used that works really well. Great job I love the video 💕

[@jeni_bean]

Thank you for this video keeps adding more insight and things to inquire before I launch my business. I struggle with the shipping...so how do you determine a shipping price to post on your website so the customers know what it costs when they are placing their orders?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

From 2 years of trial and error, we determined our average cost of shipping for the past month and set a flat rate based on that. If the customer adds to their order, the rate goes up a dollar per item added. If you are finding you're losing money on shipping, you can either bump up the flat rate a dollar or two, or raise the price of your items to absorb the cost.

[@mbsnyc23]

How do you figure out what size boxes to buy for your soap orders and how many different size boxes do you have on hand?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Honestly, trial and error. You use what you got and then when it runs out, try a different size. overtime you'll start to see exactly what sells and whats the most appropriate size. Shipping supply companies like Staples and Uline have a box for every type of shipment for this reason.

[@melanielaventure8571]

I was told that shrink wrapping shortens the expectancy of soap and the quality? Please help me on this!! Thanks

[@Sammyjo7001]

How is the humidity in your basement? Does it affect your curing?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I have a dehumidifier running constantly in my basement.

[@alexusmorgan8368]

Do you charge your customers shipping or offer free shipping?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I charge shipping.

[@adriannamcclair9433]

Where do you recommend getting cellophane?

[@rebeccaglenn3045]

Hi Jerika! This may be a dumb question but it looked like you guys put the staples box into another cardboard shipping box then put the shipping label on the outer box. Is that the case or do you put the shipping labels straight onto your 3x5x9 boxes? I know this is an older post so I may not get a response but my kiddos are napping so I'm binge watching while I can 😂 thank you for all your sharing!!!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

The package being put into a bigger box is for a shipment that had a gift set plus additional items. If it’s just a gift set, I will put the shipping label right on the white box.

[@rebeccaglenn3045]

@@JerikaZimmerman thank you!! 😊

[@gwenlejunie7868]

I see that the shipping cost isn't determined until its ready to ship but how do you determine what you charge the customer for shipping before they purchase the order?

[@oneacre7174]

Thanks for this video. May I suggest a tape gun to save a little time?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

We got one! ☺️

[@sallygeorge3342]

Hey jerika I was wondering where did you get your soap cutter from please love your videos really inspiring me ❤️

[@JerikaZimmerman]

It was a gift from my husband who doesn't remember where he bought it from :(

[@sallygeorge3342]

Ahh ok no worries I’m actually thinking of making one myself :)

[@sallygeorge3342]

Thanks for getting back to me 🥰

[@rebeccapayne5957]

With Shopify can you just do local sales on there. I am not really ready to ship worldwide yet. So I am trying to find a place online to ship just local and then when I am ready switch over to worldwide any input or suggestions.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You can't exactly control what people order from your site in terms of whether or not they're local. One option may be to keep your site password protected and only distribute the password to your local customers.

[@skyyeprincess]

The jars opening is probably due of the pressure differential in the airplane’s cargo bay. (Unless it’s strictly ground shipped that is!)

[@JerikaZimmerman]

That's probably it!

[@deannac9566]

How long does your soap take to cure before someone case use it?

[@waynegross2113]

Jerika, at least you have a dungeon to cure your soaps! Ibhadvto take my utility room and it's about 10x10 ft. My glorious carpenter husband built 8 ft tall to floor shelves in there. It holds my bombs, soap, and candles. Then my bedroom closet was taken for my skin care, shelving units! Goodbye to a lot of hanging clothes, hello hoodies, T-shirts and stretch pants! Don't feel bad, I have a spareroom closet I always find packing orders fascinating! I have yet to do online and I find there's tons of really great options. I love how you package your bombs! Are the bombs 3.15 or 2.65 in size for those boxes? I'm always curious what size most makers use when creating there's. Especially when you are shipping them. You are amazing! Is your husband's name spelled Cal or Kale ? Just in case I'm addressing him, lol!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

The bath bombs are about 5 oz in weight and measure about 2.5 inches in diameter. His name is spelled Cale :)

[@waynegross2113]

@@JerikaZimmerman Got it!

[@griceldelacruz2970]

Best team

[@younaibrahim7195]

Love your videos! Any tips for Etsy?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yep! kzbin.info/www/bejne/onO7e6p8acqIldk

[@younaibrahim7195]

@@JerikaZimmerman thank you!

[@CrystalCazassus]

Hey! What size box was used from staples? Would you happen to have a link? I think I found them but want to make sure. Thank you!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

It's the 9x5x3. The smaller one for bath bombs are 9x3x3

[@soapyacreshomestead2226]

Thanks! I have a soap dungeon too 😊

[@JerikaZimmerman]

The best kind of dungeon!

[@wendyduckett9391]

Who knew a soap dungeon was a thing!! I have one too

[@raina3282]

Do you charge your customers that shipping fee?

[@quiverfullmomma137]

Do you go to staples and buy or online?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I order online mostly.

[@kirstenvogelsang9099]

Hi Jerika, I’m interested in purchasing the National Shrinkwrap system and live in Ottawa Canada. I’m wondering if you experienced any additional fees or duties when ordering from their site? This is something they mention during checkout and I’ve been hit with fees from DHL in the past and they’re not fun. Can you share your experience? Thanks!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yep, you will have to pay duties AFTER you've put in your order. It sucks!

[@kirstenvogelsang9099]

@@JerikaZimmerman I hear you! It’s part of ordering internationally but I think there are a lot of benefits. If you don’t mind me asking, what did you end up paying additionally? Thanks again

[@gmsd4403]

Thanks for this video! I haven't been able to figure out the proper weight for the product on my website. For example, one time a customer bought a soap and a body cream from my website and the website charged them $5 and some change for shipping. But I couldn't find a way to ship the order for that price, so I ended up having to pay additional $2 from my pocket to ship it. I don't know if that makes sense... but also I feel like people abandon carts because of the shipping costs. What should I do? :(

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Keep going and try different things! Give it some time.

[@irisglenn8555]

You have a small label for soaps. Do you include the ingredients somewhere?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

They're in the back :)

[@irisglenn8555]

@@JerikaZimmerman oh ok :)