Are you considering opening a candle making business? Although the thought may seem intimidating, it is a worthwhile endeavor. The most successful businesses are those that are the result of someone who is passionate about something and wants to share it with others.
Selling homemade candles could be a good business idea for you if you're an entrepreneur eager to put in long hours on a new business venture.
Therefore, let's look at how you can make money online with this popular product if you're interested in learning how to make homemade candles and launch a candle business.
In this guide, we'll outline the procedures for starting a candle-making business and assist you in determining whether it's the right venture for you.
Outline
- Why You Should Start A Candle Business Making
- Different types of homemade candles
- Candle business making: step by step guide
- Conduct market research
- Create your own brand
- Make a candle company name
- Make a business plan
- Create candles to sell
- Create your online store
- Make a marketing strategy
- Find your USP
- Extra tips on how to start a candle business
- Conclusion
Why You Should Start A Candle Business Making
Use this guide as a road map for the initial steps if you've been considering starting a candle-making business. If you're still unsure about starting a candle business, take into account some of the following reasons why candle business owners absolutely love being self-employed:
Some of the world's smallest businesses are expanding the fastest right now. The National Candle Association estimates that over $3 billion is spent annually in the United States on candle sales. More justifications for why candles make a great business opportunity include the following:
- Set your own daily activities and schedule: Owning your time means you are your own boss. Owning your own business is probably something you'd enjoy if you're sick of having your work schedule dictate how you spend your time.
- Show your creativeness and interests: Candle makers are artists, but it can be challenging to find a platform for their work. By starting a candle-making business, you'll have the chance to showcase and profit from your creativity through the production of candles, wax melts, marketing, and content creation.
- Has high demand: Some of the most popular home décor products on the market and well-liked presents are candles with distinctive branding.
- Create a business from home: Simple supplies, tools, and a workspace are all you need to get started. You don't need a lot of space or equipment. Most candle business owners begin in their own kitchens!
- A profitable investment: You could sell something that cost you $5 for $20 or more. You can sell candles in gift shops, craft centers, farmers markets, online at places like Etsy, or directly from your own website.
- Free resources: When you start a candle business, you become a part of a network of creatives and business people with whom you can trade information and resources. Although we hope to be a go-to source for aspiring candle makers, there are a ton of other free resources out there if we don't meet your needs.
- Easy to sell candles anywhere: Want to sell your home décor goods at local markets and craft fairs? You can sell homemade candles both online and offline because they travel well.
Learning how to make candles is a skill that can be turned into a viable source of income from the perspective of a do-it-yourself business. But first, let's look at some of the popular candle types that are attracting interest from consumers before we discuss how to make your own homemade candles.
Read more: Best Jewelry Dropshipper For Your Dropshipping Business In 2023
Different Types of Homemade Candles
Making candles for your candle business has a number of benefits, not the least of which is the variety—any potential customer is likely to find a candle they like.
Uncertain of where to begin? The best types of homemade candles to consider when developing your candle business opportunities are listed below.
Soy candles
Soy candles are made from a soy wax base and are one of the most popular candle types available today. Since this wax is made from soybeans, it is a vegetable product (opposed to regular oil- or paraffin-based candles). According to Grand View Research, the soy wax market is predicted to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% between 2019 and 2025.
New York City soy candle by homesick
Soy candles not only come from a renewable resource but also burn more efficiently and for a longer period of time. In this manner, customers can purchase a longer-lasting candle for a lower price.
Scented or aromatherapy candles
One of the most popular types of candles is this one. Customers looking to fill their homes with enticing scents can choose from a variety of scents in scented or aromatherapy candles.
KUSH scented candle by Boy Smells
The manufacturers of aromatherapy candles promote their goods as having particular advantages related to particular scents. These candles typically call for the use of essential oils that are intended to improve one's physical or mental wellbeing. For instance, the scent of lavender is frequently thought to promote relaxation.
Vegan candles
A growing number of consumers are interested in knowing what ingredients, if any, come from animals when purchasing goods. Basic candles frequently include animal by products like beeswax, which some customers find objectionable.
Vegan candle by Brooklyn Candle Studio
However, vegan candles are here to the rescue! Soy wax, plant-based waxes, fragrance oils, and natural fragrances are used in vegan candles' modified formulas.
Decorative candles
Decorative candles frequently have complex shapes, come with accessories, and have intricate designs.
Decorative Candle by Amara
Candle Business Making: Step By Step Guide
Regardless of the size of your company, developing a business plan is crucial. It supports your ability to plan for the future, lay the groundwork for your brand, and create a framework for achievement. We'll highlight 8 steps to creating a workable and practical plan in this section.
Do not worry about getting all the details together perfectly; keep it brief and straightforward. The hardest part may be starting, but you can always return to it. Your goals and business structure will probably evolve over time, especially in the first few months.
Spend some time getting acquainted with these steps before you start a candle business.
Conduct market research
The people you want to reach with your marketing efforts are your target market. These are the consumers who are most likely to be interested in your goods and become clients. The three types of target markets in the candle industry are as follows:
- Prestige. Prestige. A recent and rapidly expanding market segment for luxury candles is the luxury candle market. Prices could change. Prestige candles typically cost between $30 and $80, but some, like the Louis Vuitton perfumed scented candle, can cost as much as $185. The high quality of their packaging, fragrances, and emphasis on brand storytelling are hallmarks of prestige candles.
- Mid-market. These mid-range candles are very popular. They're probably available at stores like Target. Mid-market candles typically cost around $10 per candle and feature distinctive scenes like rose water, grapefruit, or basil.
- Mass market. The least expensive candles on the market are these ones. The majority of this market is dominated by companies like Yankee Candle and Bed Bath and Beyond. Standard scents like vanilla or ocean breeze are available and range in price from $5 to $8 per candle.
Choose the market you want to target for your candle making industry. Do you want to enter department stores like Macy's or Nordstrom? Then going mid-market might be your best bet. Do you want to restrict your sales to your website and other online shops? You might be suited to make prestige candles.
From sourcing materials to creating your brand and packaging, choosing your market will help. After choosing a segment, you should choose the kinds of candles you'll make.
Take note of the types of candles that people are purchasing as you conduct your research. Do vegan, environmentally friendly candles work best for your market? Or do prospective customers approve of paraffin wax candles despite their negative environmental effects.
The kind of brand you develop will depend on the candles you decide to sell.
Create your own candle-making brand
Building a brand is the second step in starting a candle-making company. Your marketing strategies will be influenced by your brand, which also makes it simpler to produce better products for your customers.
Particularly for candle businesses, having a strong brand is essential. Over the past ten years, the industry has experienced such rapid growth that breaking into it can sometimes seem impossible.
Let's examine three strategies for standing out in the crowded candle market.
Unique and interesting fragrance blends
The most crucial deciding factor for consumers today is fragrance. Three-fourths of candle buyers say it is "extremely important" or "very important" in their choice of a candle, according to research by the National Candle Association.
Using unique scented candles is one way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Making a novel blend gives you instant market recognition. Choose more complex and sophisticated scents that customers can't find anywhere else, such as those that evoke memories or feelings of mystery and intrigue, rather than the more common floral and woodsy scents.
Brand story
The quickest way to engage customers is through a brand story. It's a story that people can use to understand and relate to your brand. Your mission, message, and voice are built upon this foundation.
Brand stories, particularly those in the candle industry, are captivating, relatable, and genuine. People should be moved to action by it, whether that action is a sign up, purchase, donation, or something else entirely.
Consider theOtherland's secret to selling scented candles online: evocative storytelling. Abigail Cook Stone, the creator of a well-known direct-to-consumer scented candle company, uses imaginative branding and storytelling to engage customers' senses. Frequently, her customers purchase her candles without ever actually smelling them.
Source:Otherland
Another great example is Damselfly. Since encouraging sustainable design and promoting positive change are at the heart of the Damselfly brand, each candle is painstakingly designed in-house and produced nearby. Because Damselfly values their customers' well-being and believes in investing in reducing their environmental impact, their products have natural scents, non-toxic coconut-soy wax, and are completely vegan. bold, strong, and blatantly badass.
To find your story, ask yourself:
- Why am I making candles?
- Who am I making candles for?
- What impact do I want to have on them?
- What impact do I want to make on the world?
Visual identity
The most effective method of influencing how people perceive your candle business is through your visual identity, which includes your logo, photography, website, social media, and packaging.
You need to pay close attention to the aesthetics of your products when it comes to your candle business. Customers will use your candles as a decorative addition to their homes and for their personal odor preferences, so you should design your products with them in mind.
For instance, theVintage Vegan Candle Co brand is all about promoting environmental sustainability where their products are fully recyclable, sustainable, and sourced from materials.
Make a Candle Business Name
Your candle business is currently taking shape well. It's time to choose one of the potential business names you've thought of over the years.
Keep your suggestions for candle company names simple and clear. That will make it memorable and simple for customers to say. You will lose out on free word-of-mouth advertising if your name is too challenging to remember.
Utilize PageFly’s business name generator if you're still having difficulty coming up with a name for your company. Simply enter a keyword, click Generate Names, and then browse thousands of automatically generated name suggestions for your business.
Make a Business Plan for your Candle Business
When starting a candle business, your entire operation is guided by a business plan. It assists in defining your strategy, identifying obstacles, determining the resources you require, and evaluating your business idea prior to launch.
Ask yourself: What is the ultimate objective for my candle making brand, you might ask? Whom do I directly compete against in the candle making industry? Will I allow myself to be sold in stores like Target or Nordstrom? Or do I want to open an online store and sell to my customers directly?
As you develop your candle-making brand, identify your business objectives and keep them in mind.
Create Candles To Sell
There are many different kinds of candles you can make in your kitchen, as we've shown. We'll demonstrate how to make a simple soy candle with this candle making process below. You can use the same fundamental ingredients, make a few minor adjustments, and produce your own unique recipe.
Gather your materials
Source:diyideacenter.com
For this homemade soy candle recipe, you’ll need:
- Soy wax
- Wicks (preferably cotton)
- Super glue
- Essential oil of your choice
- Spatula
- Double boiler
- Thermometer
- Mason jar
- Pen or pencil
If your candle business needs jars or other glass containers, you can search AliExpress for a variety of bulk purchasing options or check its neighborhood dollar store or thrift shop for cheap jars.
You can buy essential oils at your local craft store, on Etsy, or on Amazon.com. Nearly every grocery store will have the remaining ingredients.
Create Your Online Store
Where should you promote your own candle business now that they are prepared for sale? Your own online store is a fantastic place to start.
Compared to listing your candles on online shopping sites like Amazon, creating an online store seems like a daunting task. However, these markets severely reduce your profits and prevent you from freely expressing your brand. Long-term profitability aside, your online store serves as a digital headquarters for your brand.
Shopify is the most streamlined place to start when it comes to creating an online store and having your own website. Without extensive resources or knowledge of coding, you can create an online store for your candle business.
Make a Marketing Strategy
You've got the winning formula—now figure out how to sell your soy candles (or other homemade candles).
Online
One of the most profitable mediums for selling candles, like many business-to-consumer retailers, is online. To reach potential customers all over the world, you can use a variety of digital platforms, such as social media and your own ecommerce site.
Although the following list does not cover every channel merchants can explore for their new business, these are some solid options for marketing your own business online.
- Snapchat
- Giveaways and contests
- Email Marketing
Offline
Although selling online is a viable option for merchants, don't be afraid to sell in person as well.
Homemade candles are small and portable, making them ideal for selling on the go. Your fragrant home decor items are ideal for displaying at craft shows and pop-up shops, where merchants can get direct feedback from potential customers.
- Obtaining immediate feedback
- Look for wholesale opportunities
- Increase your online presence and email subscribers
- Inspiration and networking
Although physical sales require different skills than sitting at a desk, a little knowledge and the right tools can help you make sales on the go. Set up your shop or booth at your next flea market, farmer's market, craft fair, and/or maker fair with a mobile point-of-sale system like Shopify POS, and keep transactions quick and simple.
Find your USP
Now that you know where your candles fit in the market, it's time to identify your brand's unique "niche"—what makes your candles stand out from the crowd. Here are a few examples of how candle makers have found their perfect niche:
- Scent combinations that are one-of-a-kind
- Unique packaging
- Candle names that are clever, humorous, or charming
- Charitable contributions to a worthy cause
Finally, your goal should be to sell candles that are so distinct and one-of-a-kind that customers can't find them anywhere else.
Here are some case studies for your inspiration:
This candle business brand offers more than just candles.
“We retail a 'vibe' to our customers. Our candles are not just plain jane showpieces; they are a reflection of what our customer feels or relates to in their life. So, we actually offer good humor along with a well-thought palette of fragrances through all-natural soy wax candles,” the founder says.
The two signature collections include Truth Bombs, which aim to kick off a riot of laughter, awkward revelations, a series of I-know-rights, and explosively honest confessions, and F.L.Y. - First Love Yourself, which offers an unusual and unapologetic take on radical self-love.
The Philotree is an offshoot of Teal Tree India, which aims to promote holistic and healthy living. Scented candles were created as a Diwali special offering.
“We decided to create a 100 percent vegan candle brand with unique blends. “Most of our candles use fragrance to create an experience, for example, being in the mountains or sipping a cocktail at the beach as opposed to plain vanilla aromas,” the founder says.
Extra Tips On How To Start a Candle Business
Keep these candle business tips in mind whether you're starting a side hustle or going full-time:
Take Fantastic Product Photos
Great product photography is essential for persuading people to buy your candles. Check that you can see the shape and label of your candles clearly. Are you up for a challenge? Display an image of the candle in use in your home so that customers can imagine it in theirs. You can either hire a professional photographer or take high-quality photos with your smartphone.
Source: Umbr Tree
Increase Your Sales Opportunities
It is more profitable to have recurring customers than to constantly find new ones. To increase revenue from existing customers, try out different cross-sell and upsell opportunities. You could also provide subscription boxes, similar to Frostbeard Studio. Customers can join the Candle of the Month Club, which provides them with a brand new candle every month for a set price.
Boost Your Product Offering
Paddywax candles are made with nostalgia in mind. Each candle is made by hand from carefully chosen materials like soy wax and an essential oil blend and is intended to fill the home with memories. The wicks are hand-stitched after the wax has been poured into seeded glass containers. When lit, Paddywax candles emit a jewel-like glow that draws out the material's distinct aura from its surroundings.
Enhance Holiday Sales
According to the National Candle Association, approximately 35% of candle sales occur during the Christmas holiday season, with 76% of buyers viewing candles as an appropriate holiday gift. Prepare for the holiday season by developing holiday campaigns with special promotions and advertisements aimed at potential buyers.
Keep Up with Consumer Trends
Keep up with what's going on in your industry. To understand customer pain points and track breakout trends, use tools like Facebook IQ, Think with Google, and Nielsen. You can use this knowledge to develop new product concepts, fragrances, and marketing campaigns to promote your brand.
Read more: Best Small Business Ideas For Teenagers And How To Start One
Conclusion
You've made it this far, which means you know exactly how to get started with your own homemade candle business. With the tools and knowledge listed above to assist you in making and selling your homemade candles, you can progress to creating your own income stream through your DIY skills.
Do you have any suggestions for how to make candles for inexperienced DIYers? Please leave your suggestions and advice to our email at happytohelp@pagefly.io.
