Starting a Profitable Candle Making Business From Home – 8 Essential Steps

Ever made DIY candles with such great results that you had the little thought that maybe just maybe you ought to consider doing it as a small business? When we made the candles I’ve shared here, my husband immediately said “let’s go into business!” I’ll admit I have way too many projects happening to consider a candle making business right now, but that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in learning how I could make it work. So I’ve gathered some tips that might be helpful, not just when considering starting a candle making business, but any creative side gig that done right may just become a full time endeavor!

If you are looking for ways to make your candle making business profitable, take a look at these eight essential steps I have for you, and take it from there! Start with a good marketing strategy to insure that your candle making can be successful money wise, as a part-time income source, or even something more. And the good news is that it doesn’t cost much to make candles, and it’s widely known that the profit margin is also considered to be better than many other consumer products. A smart and small budget is all you need to initiate your candle-making business for starters. Candles, while a mainstay in Scandinavian countries like Sweden, have become popular worldwide, as decorative accents, and as a simple way to add scent to any room. 

Ready to learn the essential tips to help you kick start your super successful candle making business? Let’s get started, shall we………?

The 8 Important Steps To Consider

Master the Art of Candle Making
it’s fairly easy to make candles, but what folks don’t know is that there is a lot to learn about making the perfect candle, so make sure to learn the many ways candles can be made, and become an expert. You can find plenty of books, tutorial videos, and online classes written and hosted by experts about how to make the perfect candle. Keep yourself informed in order to insure your product is the best it can be. The most important key that sets quality candles apart from the rest, is to make sure your candles burn evenly and without leaving any residue on the sides. And secondly, make sure to have really professional labels that promote your brand! Check out the candle labels here to get some inspiration.

2. Getting the Required Permits or Licenses
As with any kind of business, you will need to have legitimate business documentation. Depending on where your candle making business is based requirements vary, so talk to accountants and lawyers to determine what kind of permits you’ll need to get started. After you’ve received all the necessary documents, it’s smart to open up a bank account as well. If you may have employees in the future, take the time to talk to insurance companies and buy a package that best suits your needs.

3. Figuring Out Your Candle Niche
For a business to succeed, it helps to find a niche and focus on just that. That’s no exception when it comes to the candle making business. Candles can cater to both a variety of purposes and styles So first, figure out the purpose of your candles and then see which candle types fit that purpose. You can choose from many types of candles such as pillar, wick-less, hurricane, tea lights, soy, votive, novelty, scented candles, or jars. Another question to ask is will they be standard candles or something unique and creative? Regardless of the product you decide to make, you’ll have to do plenty of marketing research before you jump into the business. Make sure there is an audience for your product!

4. Developing A Solid Business Plan
To start off, gather information about your niche, marketing, your target audience, and public relations plans. Make sure to include a thorough analysis of at least three years’ expense budget with realistic profit projections of your business. However, if you’re thinking about starting a candle making business on a small scale or from home, all you have to do is research some fundamental aspects such as startup and recurring costs, selecting the right name for your business, and doing a financial analysis of when you’ll be able to break even.

5. Devising An Appropriate Setup
To have the right setup, you’ll need a work area of your own to make the candles, to store them and to ship them. You’ll need a computer to manage all your orders and take the time to create a logo for your business. It also helps to have printed materials like business cards, catalogs, brochures, or letterheads for your candle business. Make sure that each of your candles has clear warning labels, on the bottom of a jar, for example, and you can choose to give written instructions on proper candle use and care. Keep in mind that even a home-based candle-making business requires organization skills, time management, and discipline. Finalize the price of your candles very carefully and competitively so that it ensures you make a profit and are able to market your product to a larger audience.

6. Gathering Your Raw Materials
Find reliable and well priced raw materials vendors such as color, fragrance, craft supplies, and wax for your candle making business. Keep in mind that scented candles are popular, and candles in general can play a significant role during seasonal festivities. Experiment with artistic details and colors on your candles to make them stand out in the crowd of other scented candles.

To get started, here is a list of supplies you’ll need to make candles:

• Soy, beeswax, paraffin, gel, or other form of wax
• Fragrance oils
• Coloring dyes
• Wicks
• Jars and tins
• Packaging supplies

7. Building A Platform to Sell Your Beautiful Candles
To find a platform for your beautiful candles, why not start by getting in touch with nearby retailers and wholesalers and introduce them to your product. Make the most out of craft fairs, gift stores, home decor stores, and even grocery stores to look for potential customers. You can also take your business online and create a shop where you can exhibit your range of product in one place. Take advantage of renowned online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon, where you can register as a seller and start selling!

8. Bookkeeping Is Crucial
As the heading suggests, bookkeeping is indeed very crucial when it comes to running any kind of business. If you are serious about your candle business, this small step will save you in the future. It’s important to record of all your financial transactions daily, so choose appropriate accounting software and take a few minutes to sit down and record everything at the end of each day. This will help you immensely in analyzing the financial status of your candle making business, and help avoid costly mistakes.

To sum it up, the candle making business can be an excellent choice for devoted entrepreneurs, or even a retiree looking for a way to earn extra income and enjoy doing it. The steps I’ve provided can really make a difference, and don’t forget to stay up to date with the market, trends, and customer feedback. Get those creative gears turning and be sure to take the time to experiment, and remember to practice and keep on practicing until your product is perfect!

Your hard work and determination will go a long way, and that’s all you need! Go for it!