How to Ship Pottery: Tips on Packaging and Shipping Handmade Ceramics
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Time to read 9 min
Shipping handmade ceramics can feel a bit terrifying at first. You've spent hours (or days!) shaping, trimming, glazing, and firing… and now you're sending your work out into the world inside a cardboard box. Scary, right?
The good news is, how to ship pottery is something you can absolutely learn—and once you find a system that works for you, it becomes second nature. This blog isn’t a list of what I do—it's a roundup of all the different packaging and shipping materials you could use, so you can build a method that fits your studio, your work, and your values.
Table of Content
📦 1. Choose a Strong Outer Box
The box is the first layer of protection. If it’s too weak or too big, your pottery won’t be safe—no matter how well it’s wrapped inside.
Single-wall cardboard – Good for small, light pieces or local deliveries.
Double-wall cardboard – Sturdy and reliable; great for most pottery shapes and sizes.
Triple-wall or heavy-duty boxes – Ideal for heavy items or international shipments.
Custom-sized boxes – Reduce movement and waste inside the package.
Recycled or reused boxes – A sustainable choice if they’re still structurally sound.
Many potters also use double-boxing : your wrapped piece goes into one snug box, then that box goes into a slightly bigger one, padded on all sides. It’s a little extra work, but adds a layer of protection when needed. Personally, I only do this with larger pieces or when a customer orders multiple items in one box—when there's more weight or more risk involved, it really helps everything arrive safely.
🧻 2. Wrap Your Pottery Carefully
Wrapping your pieces is the next step in learning how to ship pottery safely. You want to create a soft, protective cushion around each item to absorb shock during transit.
Wrapping materials to choose from:
Bubble wrap – Still the most common option and very effective.
Paper bubble wrap – A more eco-friendly alternative made from recycled paper.
Honeycomb paper wrap – Plastic-free and flexible, good for lighter pieces.
Tissue or crepe paper – Great for delicate surfaces or adding a soft first layer.
Foam sheets – Thin but protective, often used for flat pieces like plates.
Corrugated cardboard strips – Add structure and can be used between items or along edges.
Each piece should be wrapped individually. If items are stacked (like bowls or plates), place soft layers between them to prevent rubbing or cracking.
🧺 3. Fill the Empty Space
Once your pieces are wrapped and in the box, you need to fill every gap so nothing moves during shipping. Movement = breakage.
Filler materials you can use:
Biodegradable packing peanuts – Soft, compostable, and lightweight.
Traditional plastic peanuts – Work well but are not eco-friendly. Reuse if you already have them.
Kraft paper (scrunched) – Recyclable and very effective at keeping items in place.
Wood wool (paper wool) – Natural and good-looking, often used for gift orders.
Sizzlepack – Crinkled paper filler that works well for small items.
Shredded paper – A low-cost option that’s easy to find.
A mix of materials – Totally fine! Just make sure there are no empty spaces.
Test it: gently shake the box when you’re done. If you hear anything moving, add more filler.
“Packing your pottery is part of the making process. It’s where your hands say goodbye, and the piece begins a new life in someone else’s home.”
✂️ 4. Seal the Box Securely
Once everything is in place, it’s time to seal the box—and this is a step you don’t want to rush. A well-sealed package is a crucial part of how to ship pottery safely and professionally.
Tape options:
Plastic packing tape – Strong and widely available.
Kraft paper tape – A recyclable option with a natural look.
Water-activated paper tape – Very secure and tamper-resistant, ideal for heavier parcels.
If you're still figuring out how to ship pottery in a way that minimizes the risk of damage, consider making your box stand out clearly as fragile. You can:
Add a “Fragile” sticker or use caution tape
Use a rubber stamp for a branded message (like “Handle with Care – Handmade Pottery”)
Or simply write “Fragile” or “Ceramics – Please Handle Gently” directly on the box with a permanent marker
Writing it by hand works just as well—and adds a thoughtful, personal touch. Some makers even draw a small cup or bowl as a kind of signature.
Finishing your parcel with a thank-you card , care instructions , or a small branded sticker is also part of how to ship pottery in a way that leaves a lasting impression on your customer.
“I don’t just pack pottery—I wrap it like a gift, hoping the person opening it feels the same joy I felt making it. That first moment matters.”
🚚 5. Pick a Shipping Service
Choosing how to ship your pottery depends on where it’s going and how fast it needs to get there.
Some options:
Local postal services – Affordable and reliable for smaller parcels.
Courier services (like DHL, UPS, FedEx) – Faster and easier to track, especially internationally.
💡 Always track your parcels and you could consider adding insurance for more expensive orders.
📦 How I Pack and Ship My Ceramics
I pack everything myself from my home studio. Over time, I’ve developed a method that’s both practical and personal—and most importantly, flexible. Because not every piece is the same.
I use a mix of single- and double-walled boxes , depending on what I’m shipping and where it’s going.
Each piece is first wrapped in recycled or crepe paper , followed by either paper bubble wrap or honeycomb paper , depending on the shape and fragility.
For extra fragile items like lampshades or teapots , I still use plastic bubble wrap , because honestly—I haven’t yet found a sustainable option that protects as well.
I add corrugated cardboard strips for extra support around rims and edges.
I fill the box with shredded paper , traditional packing peanuts , or scrunched kraft paper to keep everything secure.
I don’t currently use biodegradable peanuts. I’ve tried a few, but I haven’t found one that protects as reliably. I’m actively working on switching to more sustainable options, but I believe it’s more eco-friendly to get it right the first time —instead of something breaking and needing to be remade and shipped again.
Once packed, I wrap the inside in crepe paper for a calm, considered unboxing moment. That’s sealed with a paper sticker with my logo, and I always include a handwritten thank-you card , care guide , and a discount card for their next order.
I seal the box with kraft “fragile” tape and print my labels at home. It’s all done with care—and a little love—before the box heads out into the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pay for extra insurance when shipping pottery?
In most cases, I don’t. Ceramics are often listed as high-risk items, which means they’re not covered —even if you pay extra. Couriers may try to upsell it, but if something breaks, you’re usually not entitled to a refund. Instead of spending money on extra insurance, I focus on top-quality packaging to avoid damage in the first place.
What if something breaks during shipping?
It’s rare, but it can happen. I personally find insurance claims frustrating—they require lots of photos, documents, and back-and-forth that eats up time and often leaves the customer waiting. So I don’t make a claim—I just remake the item and send a new one. That’s part of running a small business, and I’d rather offer good service than get stuck in red tape. Most customers are incredibly understanding—and often come back to order again.
What should I write on customs forms?
eBook From Hobby to BusinessFor international orders, you’ll need a CN22 or CN23 customs form , depending on the value of the parcel. I keep the description simple—something like “Handmade ceramic cup” or “Stoneware tea bowl.” You’ll also need to include:
The item’s value
The material (ceramic or stoneware)
The country of origin (Netherlands, in my case)
And the HS code (Harmonised System code), which is used internationally to classify goods.
I go through this whole process step-by-step in my eBook From Hobby to Business —including screenshots and real examples to make it easier.
Do I need to include an invoice inside the box?
Yes—especially for international orders outside the EU. It helps customs and avoids delays. I usually include one inside the parcel, with the item name, material, price, and my business details.
💬 Final Thoughts
Every piece of pottery is different—so the way you pack it should be too. A matcha bowl needs something different than a tall vase or a stack of plates. There’s no one-size-fits-all method, and that’s okay. Over time, you’ll figure out what works for your pieces, your materials, and your customers.
I ship everything myself from my home studio, and honestly—it took a bit of trial and error to get it right. But now, packing orders is one of those quiet, satisfying parts of the process. It’s where the piece leaves my hands and begins its next chapter.
Remember: the delivery and the packaging are part of the service . A well-wrapped parcel that arrives safely and feels considered says just as much about your work as the piece inside. It’s all part of the experience—and customers feel that.
So take your time. Pack with care. And trust that it’s worth it.
If you want to go deeper into how I ship pottery internationally —like how I set up my home packing station, how I manage customs forms, and how I keep shipping costs under control—I go into all of that (and more) in my eBook, From Hobby to Business. It’s a clear, no-fluff guide for potters who want to start selling with confidence— from any country —especially if you're figuring it all out from home, like I did.
I also share how I handle the legal and practical side of shipping, including:
How to fill in customs declarations for non-EU countries
What needs to be on your shipping label and invoice (like item value, material, and country of origin)
When to apply a CN22 or CN23 form depending on the parcel’s value
What information customs might need and how to avoid delays
And how I personally package each order, which products I use, and where I get my supplies
All explained step by step, in plain language—based on real experience from running a small pottery business from home.
Choose a sturdy box – Double-wall cardboard is a great all-round option. Use double-boxing only for large or multiple-item orders.
Wrap each piece carefully – Use bubble wrap, paper bubble wrap, or honeycomb paper. Add cardboard strips for extra support.
Fill all empty spaces – Use kraft paper, paper wool, sizzlepack, or peanuts to stop movement inside the box.
Seal everything securely – Use strong tape, and mark the box as fragile—stickers, stamps, or simply writing by hand works well.
Use a reliable shipping method – I personally use PostNL, and I always include tracking. For international orders, fill in a customs form and keep it simple and clear.
Add a personal touch – A thank-you note, care card, or even a hand-drawn heart shows your customer that their order mattered.
Daisy Pepping
I’m Daisy, and I’m the quieter half of IKKAI Ceramics. I’m not the one throwing the bowls, but I’m always nearby—helping pack orders, shaping our voice, and keeping things running behind the scenes. What started as just lending a hand has grown into something I truly care about. This little business has become part of our family rhythm, and I feel lucky to be building it together with Abel.
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