How to Ship on Faire Wholesale in 2026: Seller's Guide

Faire has become the go-to wholesale marketplace connecting independent brands with retail buyers. Unlike consumer marketplaces where you ship single items, Faire orders are typically larger, heavier, and going to businesses. This requires a different shipping approach.

How Faire Shipping Works

The Faire Model

Retailer places wholesale order (minimum order values apply)

You receive the order in your Faire dashboard

You pack and ship using your preferred carrier

Upload tracking to Faire

Faire handles payment (net 60 terms for retailers, you get paid on shipment)

Faire's Shipping Options

• Faire-calculated shipping: Faire estimates shipping based on your products' weights/dimensions
• Flat-rate shipping: You set a fixed shipping price
• Free shipping: You absorb shipping cost (often above a minimum order value)
• Custom quotes: For oversized or unusual orders

Rate Comparison for Wholesale Orders

Small Wholesale Order (10 lbs, 18" x 14" x 12")

Medium Wholesale Order (30 lbs, 24" x 18" x 16")

Large Wholesale Order (60 lbs, 30" x 24" x 20")

Multi-Box Order (3 boxes, 20 lbs each)

Packing for Wholesale Orders

Key Differences from Consumer Shipping

Wholesale Packing Best Practices

Group by SKU: Pack all units of the same product together

Include a packing slip: List all items with quantities

Use inner packaging: Wrap fragile items individually, even in bulk

Fill all voids: Wholesale boxes are heavy — shifting products cause damage

Label boxes: For multi-box orders, label "Box 1 of 3" etc.

Include business card or catalog: Wholesale relationships benefit from marketing materials

For Fragile Wholesale Products

• Use cell dividers for bottles, jars, and glass items
• Wrap each unit in bubble wrap or foam sleeves
• Place heaviest items at the bottom
• Use double-wall boxes for orders over 30 lbs
• Add corner protectors for rigid products

Setting Up Shipping on Faire

Shipping Profiles

Go to Shop Settings > Shipping

Set up shipping rates by order weight or value

Create zones (domestic, international) with different rates

Set handling time (1-5 business days typical for wholesale)

Recommended Rate Structure

Handling Time

• Standard: 3-5 business days (acceptable for wholesale)
• Fast: 1-2 business days (differentiator for reorders)
• Made-to-order: 7-14 business days (acceptable with clear communication)

Managing Wholesale Shipping Costs

Cost-Saving Strategies

Compare rates with atoship — save up to 89% across USPS, UPS, and FedEx

Negotiate carrier rates — wholesale volume justifies carrier negotiations

Use Ground shipping — retailers plan inventory, so speed is less critical

Optimize box sizes — fewer boxes per order = lower total shipping cost

Offer free shipping thresholds — encourages larger orders that amortize shipping

When Shipping Eats Your Margins

If shipping cost is more than 8-10% of order value:

• Raise minimum order values
• Adjust wholesale pricing to include partial shipping cost
• Offer tiered shipping discounts based on order size
• Consider regional pricing (closer retailers = lower shipping)

International Wholesale on Faire

Faire supports international wholesale. Key considerations:

• Customs duties are the retailer's responsibility (DDP or DDU terms)
• Use DHL or FedEx International for reliable customs brokerage
• Include commercial invoices with HS codes for every product
• Palletize large international orders for freight shipping

FAQ

Does Faire provide shipping labels?

Faire does not provide prepaid shipping labels. You purchase and print your own labels using your preferred carrier or shipping software.

How quickly do I need to ship on Faire?

Ship within your stated handling time (visible to retailers). Most Faire sellers ship within 3-5 business days. Faster shipping improves your Faire ranking.

Should I offer free shipping on Faire?

Free shipping on orders over $300-500 is a strong competitive advantage on Faire. Retailers often filter by free shipping, and it encourages larger initial orders.

What's the best carrier for wholesale orders?

UPS Ground and FedEx Ground are best for wholesale — they handle heavy packages well and have reliable business delivery. USPS is better for smaller, lighter wholesale orders.

How do I handle Faire returns?

Faire offers retailers free returns within 60 days of the first order. As a seller, you receive the returned merchandise. Build a small return buffer into your wholesale pricing.