How To Sell Candles From Home (For Candle Companies & Homemade Candles)

Starting a business from the comfort of your home can seem like a daunting project.

With proper guidance, this seemingly monstrous task becomes highly manageable.

The worst thing anyone can do is rush in headlong without adequate knowledge.

According to an Allied Market Research report, the home decor industry – which includes the candle industry – generated $616.6 billion in 2019.

If you’re looking for a place to start, the candle industry is trending upward at the moment.

As the numbers show, consumers cannot get enough of these scented treats.

Just about everyone is looking to add an array of scents to their homes.

What’s more, this hot item is relatively inexpensive, making it an easy purchase for shoppers.

Few products boast the same variety as candles.

When factoring in shape, size, scent, and wax, the combinations are endless.

With room to experiment, you’ll be able to discern the optimal candles for your home business.

Candle Types

Identifying what form of candle you’d like to sell is the first step.

Here are a few of the most popular types.

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are perhaps the most unique of the bunch.

They stand on their own, free of a container.

Due to their thick nature, they can burn for long periods.

If you’re looking to sell pillar candles, you may want to consider selling candle accessories.

Although these candles are made to stand alone, some may prefer to purchase glass containers separately for extra security.

Container Candles

Container candles are quickly becoming the most popular.

These sit inside containers made of glass or metal, which presents a beautiful opportunity for decoration.

The candle’s scent will decorate your home, while the container’s look also adds some flavor.

What’s great about these candles is that there are no restrictions when it comes to wax type.

Feel free to use a variety of waxes.

Taper Candles

These candles are the most narrow in existence.

Since they are made to sit in candlesticks, they have an exquisite appearance.

They are usually quite tall with a thin circumference.

Selling candlesticks alongside these candles can be a great idea.

Wax Types

Before we get into the different candle selling methods, there is one more candle specific detail we must discuss.

Choosing a candle type that dictates its size and shape is not the only factor when selling candles.

The wax type must not be overlooked. Here are some of the most famous wax types.

Paraffin Wax

The most commonly used wax is, without a doubt, paraffin wax.

If you enter a store and buy a candle, chances are it is made with paraffin wax.

This wax is highly compatible with the most popular candle types, including container candles, pillar candles, and votive candles.

Environmentally conscious businesses may want to be wary of using paraffin.

The method used to produce paraffin wax has come under heavy fire recently.

An oil refinement process is required to produce paraffin.

For this reason, many environmentally friendly individuals are opting for greener wax types.

Soy Wax

Enter soy wax.

Soy wax is indeed an environmentally conscious alternative to paraffin wax.

In today’s day and age, consumers demand natural products.

Not only will opting to sell natural products save the planet, but these products will also sell well thanks to conscientious consumers.

You may have to expect higher production costs; however, you’ll see the payoff in your sales.

This newer type of wax is most commonly found in container candles.

The term soy wax comes from the soybean oil ingredient that these candles are made of.

It is common to see a variety of oils used in these eco-friendly candles.

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the first wax types used to create candles, and the method involved used to create it is complicated and expensive.

Still, beeswax is often regarded as the best type of wax.

The natural process has several steps, which end up giving the wax a scent heavily influenced by the flowers the bees visited.

Once extracted from the beehive, the wax is melted several times over.

Purchasing beeswax is perhaps the most expensive option.

However, if you’re looking to sell luxury candles, this is the way to go.

Candle Selling Methods

Depending on your capital and the time you’re willing to invest, there are two candle selling options to choose from.

The first entails buying candles from a distributor and selling them yourself on the platform of your choice.

The other method consists of selling homemade candles.

Each option has its benefits; it is up to you to decide what suits you best.

Selling from a distributor may cost more.

However, there is no doubt you’ll save a ton of time by not having to make homemade candles.

This time can be invested in developing your marketing strategy and increasing sales.

On the flip side, selling candles bought from a distributor gives you less control over the products.

Picking from a list of available candles eliminates the personal touch of creating your product line.

Although creating your product line sounds like a breeze, individuals must be prepared to tackle the candle making process.

We’ll touch on the relatively simple process later on.

Despite the method you choose, now is the right time to sell candles.

Google Trends ranks candles as a frequently searched product.

Consumer interest in candles is relatively high.

There is a lot of data available that could benefit a candle selling business, and there is certainly no shortage of customers.

Why You Should Sell Candles

If you’re not convinced, here are a few reasons to step into the candle industry.

The low cost of making or purchasing candles is hugely appealing to potential business owners.

There are a few exceptions, such as beeswax, but the majority of ingredients are affordable.

You definitely won’t need to put large amounts of cash upfront to get your business going.

We spoke about how candles are a trending product.

What you may not have known is that candles are hot products both online and locally.

Selling candles from your home is ideal for new business owners.

However, having the option to sell at local markets down the line is a beautiful thing.

Keeping doors open is essential for new businesses.

As we know, candles offer a ton of variety.

This variety can be seen in the numerous sizes, shapes, and wax types available, not to mention the wide variety of scents.

With such extensive customization options, creating a brand identity is a simple task.

Contrary to popular belief, the candle making process is straightforward.

There are very few variations when it comes to the guidelines for making candles.

This accessibility is incredibly welcoming to “do it yourself” business owners.

Crafting candles from your home is as easy as following an online tutorial.

Each of these qualities makes it so selling candles from your home is the perfect DIY business.

How To Find A Candle Supplier

There aren’t many differences to discuss when comparing selling candles from a distributor and selling homemade candles.

Perhaps the largest hurdle of selling from a distributor is finding a reputable one.

Utilizing online business directories is an excellent way to start, as you’ll be able to find a ton of information on candle manufacturers around the world.

However, keep in mind that it is best to search for a local supplier to save on shipping costs.

Ensure that the supplier has a selection of candle types that you’re looking to sell.

It might occur that the supplier you found only sells taper candles when you’re looking to purchase container candles.

Once you find a few potential suppliers, ask for a quote.

Comparing prices between suppliers will cut down on your expenses.

What You Need To Make Homemade Candles

If you want to create candles on your own, the process is fairly simple.

Before we get into the steps, here is a list of items you’ll need:

• Wax
• Candle wicks
• Fragrance oil
• Double boiler
• Glass or heatproof container
• Thermometer
• Spatula

How To Make Homemade Candles

Once you have plenty of wax, containers, and wicks, it’s time to start creating!

Step 1

The first thing that must be done is sizing up the wax.

You can buy wax in blocks that need to be cut up.

You can also purchase pre-cut candle making wax.

Measuring how much wax you’ll need is a little tricky.

A great rule to follow is doubling the amount of non boiled wax that would fit in the container.

Step 2

The next thing to do is boil the wax in your double boiler.

You want the wax to melt for 10 minutes.

Don’t forget to keep stirring with your spatula.

Once the wax is melted, you may realize you have leftover wax.

This is fine, and some trial and error will be expected during the first few attempts before you grasp how much solid wax is needed to fill a container.

Do not let the wax surpass a temperature of 165 degrees.

Step 3

Now comes the fun part. You’ll get to add the fragrance oil and give this candle a personality.

Once the wax is melted, add the oil by following the recommended quantity on the packaging.

Don’t forget to stir once the oil is placed.

The amount of oil will determine the candle’s aroma strength.

Keep mixing for 30 seconds.

Step 4

Take your wick and place it at the bottom of your container.

Most wicks will come with a sticker at the base.

That makes it easier for the wick to remain firmly in place at the container’s bottom before the wax is poured.

Superglue is also a great alternative.

In the meantime, let the melted wax sit for five minutes.

Test the temperature of your wax. If it rests between 130 and 140 degrees, it is time to pour.

Step 5

Pouring the wax into the container is widely regarded as the most satisfying step.

Don’t forget to pour slowly.

Pouring heavy-handed all at once can lead to a disaster.

Make sure the wick stays in place through the pouring process.

You’re going to want to keep a small amount of wax to top off the candle later.

Step 6

The most crucial part of the whole process is securing the wick.

This is where most beginners will make a mistake.

A poorly aligned wick will result in a candle that struggles to burn.

A nice trick is to place two pencils across the top of the container to keep the wick contained.

This way, the wick won’t sway in the melted wax.

Step 7

Once the wax sets for two to four hours, it is time to top up the candle.

This extra layer of wax will smooth out cracks that appeared during the first pour.

Reheat the wax you saved and pour a small quantity over the container.

This will result in a smooth finish.

Lastly, you’re going to want to cut the wick.

Aim for a wick that is less than a half-inch long.

There you have it! Your homemade candle is complete.

How and Where to Sell Your Candles

The next task to tackle is determining a selling platform.

Whether you just finished making your homemade candles or purchased from a distributor, marketing is the key to a successful home business.

You’ve successfully determined your target audience and your selling price points, and now you’re ready to sell.

Luckily, many platforms can be utilized for this specific purpose.

Entrepreneurs have a ton of options to choose from. Here are just a few.

1. Etsy

Etsy is currently the number one marketplace for startup businesses.

If you’re looking to reach a ton of consumers as quickly as possible, selling on Etsy is a fantastic option.

The immediate client base’s tradeoff is a $0.20 listing fee and a 3.5% commission fee.

That may not be ideal for everyone.

Some business owners will refuse to pay these middlemen fees.

However, there’s no doubt Etsy provides a world-class global market.

2. Instagram and Facebook

Nowadays, these social media giants have their own marketplaces.

Instagram and Facebook used to be regarded as marketing platforms.

Businesses could purchase advertisements on Facebook and Instagram that would take users from these social media platforms to their websites.

However, these platforms can now be used to sell directly to clients without leaving their webpage.

In addition, these platforms retain their usefulness as marketing tools.

If you’re also looking to invest in marketing, these platforms are a one-stop-shop.

3. Your Own Dedicated Website

Creating a website may sound like a grueling task for tech newcomers.

However, with tools such as Squarespace and Shopify, creating a website has never been easier.

With your online store, you’ll have full control over your profits.

Designing the site is also a ton of fun and not as hard as you would think, thanks to user-friendly templates.

The downside of selling exclusively on your website is that you’ll have to generate a client base on your own.

Unlike Etsy, you are not introduced to a purchase ready consumer base.

If you create your website via Shopify or Squarespace, be prepared to invest in marketing that drives traffic to your website.

Sell Candles from Home Today

With endless possibilities in candle customization and selling power, you owe it to yourself to start your business from home today.

image: Deposit Photos