As more consumers seek to buy locally made products, the opportunities for entrepreneurs in the candle business are growing. Candle-making offers a lucrative, flexible work-from-home option for many people and can provide both income and creative joy for years to come. The most successful candle-makers create products that stand out from the competition by focusing on unique scents, designs, or packaging and creating a niche market for their candles.
To start a candle business, you’ll need to purchase supplies such as wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and dyes. These items can be purchased at wholesale suppliers and distributors, which offer discounts for bulk orders. You’ll also need equipment such as a melting pot, thermometer, and scales for accurate measurements. You may also want to invest in a few different types of containers, such as glass jars and metal tins.
You’ll also need to register your business and obtain any required permits or licenses to manufacture and sell your candles. Once your startup costs have been covered, you can determine how much to charge for each candle. It’s important to know what your per-unit costs are so you can set a price that is both competitive and profitable.
Create digital catalogs that showcase your candles, highlighting key features and benefits of each product. Include high-quality photos, a detailed description, and any necessary safety or usage warnings. Make it easy for potential customers to discover your products and place an order by including multiple digital payment methods, like credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Affirm, or other popular options.