Do you want to start your own candle business? It’s a great idea – candles are always in demand, and the market is only getting bigger. Candle-making can be a fun and profitable hobby, but it can also be a great business venture. If you’re interested in starting your own candle business, there are a few things to keep in mind.
In this guide, we will teach you the basics of how to make candles that sell. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right ingredients to packaging and marketing your products. So whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking for some new tips, read on for our guide to making money with candles!
What supplies do you need to make candles?
To get started, you’ll need some basic supplies. For wax, you can use either paraffin or soy – each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s up to you to decide which is best for your needs.
Paraffin is cheaper and easier to find, but soy candles are growing in popularity due to their environmental friendliness. Whichever type of wax you choose, make sure to get a high-quality product – the better the wax, the better your candles will be.
As for wicks, there are many different types available on the market. The most important thing is to choose a wick that is the right size for your candle – if it’s too small, it will burn out quickly; if it’s too large, it will be difficult to light.
As you research the candle market, you’ll notice that wick materials differ quite a bit. While there is the traditional cotton wick, there are also wooden wicks, which are becoming more popular. Once again, it’s up to you to decide which type of wick is best for your needs.
What are the different types of candles you can make?
In terms of fragrance, you can either use essential oils or synthetic fragrances. Essential oils are natural and have many benefits, but they can be expensive. Synthetic fragrances are cheaper, but some people prefer the natural option. It’s really up to you to decide which route you want to go.
Once you’ve chosen your wax and wicks, you’ll also need some essential oils for scent, as well as jars or molds for your candles. Candle jars are as varied as candles themselves. Candle jar options include mason jars, tea light holders, and even wine glasses. You can even upcycle vintage items to use for candles; virtually anything with a receptacle will work for a candle design; think about your brand and what fits with your brand and target customer.
As for molds, you can use anything from silicone to metal – it all depends on your preference. Silicone molds are easy to use and allow for intricate designs, but they can be more expensive. Metal molds are cheaper but require a bit more work; you’ll need to line them with wax before pouring in your candle mixture.
Now that you know the basics of what you need to make candles, let’s move on to the fun part: actually making them!
How do you make a candle wax blend that sells well?
Once you’ve gathered all of your supplies, you’re ready to start making candles! The first step is to melt your wax. You can do this in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe container. If you’re using paraffin wax, be sure to melt it slowly so that it doesn’t get too hot – otherwise, it will discolor your candles.
Once your wax is melted, it’s time to add the fragrance. For each pound of wax, you’ll want to add between .25 and .50 ounces of fragrance. If you’re using essential oils, you’ll need to use a little more – about .75 to one ounce per pound of wax.
Once your wax is fully fragranced, it’s time to start pouring it into your molds or jars. If you’re using molds, you’ll want to pour slowly so that the wax doesn’t splash. You can use a funnel to help with this process.
If you’re making jar candles, you’ll need to place your wicks before pouring in the wax. To do this, put a small amount of wax on the bottom of your candle jar, then place the wick in the center. Hold it in place with a wick bar or a chopstick, then continue pouring your wax.
As your candles cool, you may notice that they start to sink in the middle. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. Once they’re completely cooled, you can trim your wicks and enjoy your beautiful new candles!
Now that you know how to make candles to sell, it’s time to get started on your business! candle making can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it’s a great way to earn some extra money. With a little practice, you’ll be churning out high-quality candles in no time.
The key to making great candles is to create a wax blend that is just the right consistency. If your wax is too soft, your candles will be difficult to light and will drip all over the place. If it’s too hard, the candles will be difficult to extinguish and will produce a lot of soot. The perfect candle wax should be soft enough to melt easily, but hard enough to hold its shape.
To achieve this consistency, you’ll need to experiment with different ratios of wax to oil. A good starting point is a ratio of two parts wax to one part oil, but you may need to adjust this depending on the type of wax and oil you’re using. Once you’ve found the perfect ratio, it’s time to start making some candles!
What kind of scents sell best in candles?
This is a difficult question to answer because it varies so much from person to person. Some people prefer candles with strong, bold scents while others prefer more subtle scents.
The most popular candle scents tend to be citrusy, floral, or woodsy. However, there are endless possibilities when it comes to scenting your candles.
You can even create custom blends of essential oils to create a unique fragrance that is perfect for your target customer. Custom scents will differentiate your brand from a crowded market but at the same time, avoid being too eclectic to the point where the scent is not easily understood. You want your customer to resonate positively when they first savor the aroma; you don’t want anyone confused or unsure of what it is, nor how they feel about it.
The best scents evoke an emotion of nostalgia, happiness, joy, even love or fond memories of family events, holiday gatherings and so on. A candle is a luxury item so playing to people’s emotions is a key strategy of a successful business.
The best way to figure out what type of scent sells best is to experiment with different fragrances and see what your customers like the most. You can also ask your customers directly what type of scent they prefer. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to figure out which scents sell best for your candles.
How do you make a beautiful candle that will stand out on store shelves?
Think of each candle as a miniature sales tool. It needs to be well-presented in order to catch the eye of potential customers and make them want to buy it.
The first step is to choose the right type of container. In most cases, a clear container is recommended so that the customer can see the color and texture of the wax. We have seen some metal containers that work well so if it fits with your overall brand strategy, go with metal.
The container should also be sturdy enough to withstand being shipped and handled multiple times. You don’t want your candles to arrive at the store damaged because that will reflect poorly on your brand.
Once you’ve chosen the right container, it’s time to start thinking about decoration. This is where you can really get creative and make your candles stand out from the competition. A well considered label can make a big difference in how well a candle sells.
Candle labels recommendations
We have made the candles and the final detail is to label each one. Your label is your brand and a sales tool so it’s wise to put some thought into this.
One popular method is to use labels to decorate the outside of the container. You can use clear labels so that they don’t obscure the view of the candle, or you can use opaque labels to create a more rustic look.
Another popular method is to use ribbons or twine to decorate the outside of the container. This is a great way to add a bit of color and texture to your candles.
The most important thing to remember is that your label should be legible and easy to read. You want potential customers to be able to see the name of your brand and the fragrance of the candle at a glance.
Selling Candles Online
If you’re selling candles online, it’s also important to include a list of ingredients. Some candle companies place this on the label but we recommend adding it to a sticker on the bottom of the candle. In either case, a list of ingredients is for two reasons: first, to let the customer know what they’re buying, and second, to comply with labeling regulations.
Finally, don’t forget to include your contact information on the label. This way, if a customer has any questions or problems with your candles, they’ll be able to reach you easily.
How do you market your new candle business?
Making the candles is the easy part – it’s the packaging and marketing that will take some time and effort. If you have researched the most popular scents and cater to your audience for the type of candle they want to buy (soy, parafin, etc.), then you will be in a stronger position to market your candle business.
During the research phase of your candle making business, you defined your ideal customer and what it is they like. Use this information to create a marketing strategy that will reach them where they are.
For example, if your ideal customer is someone who likes to buy natural products, then you’ll want to market your candles at farmers markets or health food stores. If your ideal customer is someone who likes scented candles, then you’ll want to market your candles at home decor stores or gift shops.
The bottom line is that you need to put your candles in front of the people who are most likely to buy them.
One final tip: don’t forget that social media is a great way to reach potential customers and create word-of-mouth buzz for your business. Be sure to set up accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and post regularly about your candles. Use attractive photos and engaging captions to get people interested in your products.