Your Guide on How to Start a Candle Business
Looking to start fresh in a new candle venture? You’ve come to the right spot. Here’s everything you need on how to start a candle business.
Posted last year
Written by
Mackenzie TaylorPosted last year
If there’s one thing that is going to get me to spend money to feel nice and cozy during the long winter months, it’s candles. Lots and lots of candles.
And I am not the only one who feels that way. The global candle market is projected to reach a value of $13.1 billion by 2026, so starting your own candle company could be an incredible business plan.
Whether you’re looking to start fresh in a new candle venture or trying to sell all those homemade candles your friends love so much, you’ve come to the right spot. Here’s everything you need on how to start a candle business.
Jump to a section ✨
- What are the legal requirements or regulations for starting a candle business?
- Where can I source high-quality candle-making materials and supplies?
- How can I calculate the costs and pricing for my candles?
- What marketing strategies are most effective for promoting a candle business?
- How do I create unique candle scents that stand out in the market?
- What are some common challenges or pitfalls to avoid when starting a candle business?
- How can I expand my candle business beyond local markets and reach a wider audience?
- What trends are shaping the candle industry, and how can I adapt my business accordingly?
Why start a candle business?
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to start a candle business? Yes, I can hear some people shouting, “Me!” but let’s pretend that I didn’t. There are so many reasons why a candle business is the way to go if you’re just starting out as an entrepreneur:
Startup costs are low
Starting a company can be very expensive. However, startup costs to make candles are relatively low. You don’t need a lot of supplies or equipment to get started. The average startup cost for a candle company is around $2,000 while costs for other businesses can be around $60,000! See? Low startup.
Easy to learn
If this is a new skill you’re learning, candle-making is relatively easy to learn on the fly. There are a lot of free resources online, tutorials to follow, and even people on TikTok that will break down candle-making for you in straightforward steps.
Flexible work schedule
One of the best perks of creating your candle business is that you can work from home and set your own hours. If you’re looking for a job where you can set your own schedule or be your own boss, starting your own candle-making business could be just the thing.
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Different types of candles you can make
There are a variety of different types of candles you can make for your candle business. To help you get started on figuring out which candles are best for you and your biz, here are the most popular types to get you started:
Soy candles
This is definitely the most popular type of candle that you can make at the moment. Soy candles are made from soy wax (duh!) and burn cleanly and last much longer than other candles.
Scented candles
This is something that most customers are looking for when they are purchasing candles. A scented or aromatherapy candle is a staple in a lot of people’s homes, which means it’s the perfect type of candle to look into making. Start by looking up the most popular scents on the market and experiment with creating your own!
Vegan candles
Consumers are more conscious of the purchases they make being better for the environment. Vegan candles mean not creating candles from typical wax that comes from bees, but rather soy, plant-based, or others to create a candle.
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How to create a candle business
Now that you know the what and the why, it’s time to get into the how. Here are the step-by-step ways to create your own candle business:
Research and planning
That’s why you’re here, right? You’re doing research! You also need to research who your target demographic is. Who are the people you want to sell to? What type of candles are they likely to buy? Are they more interested in pricey candles (ex: Earl of East candles)? Or is their price range lower (ex: Yankee Candle)? It’s important to nail down your audience before you begin anything else with your biz.
Write a business plan
Putting together an overall business plan will help you figure out your exact to-dos when starting your biz and help set you up for success in the long run. Write down an overall summary of your business, the company name, the products you’re selling and why, your financial plan, how you’re going to market, etc. Writing out every aspect of your business and how you will move forward will help you set clear and attainable goals within your biz. If writing a business plan seems like a dreadful task, hire a business plan consultant to get your professional business plan ready.
Think legally
Once you’ve started the research and planning process, think about the name of your company. After choosing a name, be sure to Google the name to ensure that no one else out there has the name trademarked. You don’t want to get into any legal issues! From there, register your company name and obtain any necessary permits or licenses you might need.
Flick’s Tip: We recommend you check with an attorney to make sure that you have all of your bases covered and have registered everything correctly before moving forward.
Choose where you’ll sell
Now that you’ve gotten an idea of who your audience is, think about how you’re going to sell to them. Are you going to sell exclusively online? Are you joining local markets and selling IRL? Will you try and get your candles into local retailers? Figuring out where you’re selling will help you nail down what your product is going to look like and how you’ll stand out among the crowd.
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Build your brand
It’s time to start thinking about your brand. Building a brand is essential if you want your business to do well—especially in the candle business as it can sometimes feel impossible to break into. Think of what types of candles you want to make. Describe who your audience is. What do you want your packaging to look like? Design a logo, choose the best packaging materials, and create visually appealing candle labels. Your branding should reflect your unique brand and will be a major selling point of your candles. Additionally, create custom boxes that align with your brand’s aesthetic to make your products stand out and leave a lasting impression on customers.
Sourcing suppliers
When it comes to your candles, you want to make sure you’re getting the best possible items for your candles. Find reliable suppliers for your candle materials like wax, wicks, fragrances, and packaging. Be sure to establish strong relationships with them to ensure that you’re always getting a consistent product at a competitive price.
Pricing
This can be the hard part for a lot of people. How do you price your candles at an appropriate price? Determine the price by considering production costs, overhead expenses, and how much you personally want to profit. Go through a full cost analysis and look at your competition to make sure your pricing is competitive but also profitable and affordable to your ideal customer.
Marketing and promotion
It’s time to get your candles out there! Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest to show off what you’ve created! Be sure to put together a detailed content plan so you’re being consistent and really engaging the audience you want. Create content that is going to suck in your audience, collaborate with content creators, and run ads so you can increase your brand awareness and drive sales to your content.
Flick’s Tip: Be consistent online by using a scheduling tool and get all of your content scheduled in advance. Start a free trial with Flick to get access to our Scheduler, plus our AI Assistant, which will help you create on-brand social media content and captions in seconds.
What are some potential challenges you may face when starting a candle business?
One of the biggest challenges beginners face is finding the right suppliers for their materials. It can be difficult to identify reliable suppliers who offer high-quality wax, fragrance oils, wicks, and other essential ingredients. You might struggle with comparing prices and determining the best options for your budget and product quality. Researching and building relationships with trustworthy suppliers is crucial to ensure the success and consistency of the candle-making process.
Another challenge is understanding and mastering the art of candle-making. The beginning stages of putting together fragrances, colors, textures and more take time and patience! Experimenting is key to overcoming the beginning stages of candle-making and improving the quality of the candles.
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Marketing and promoting the candle company is also a significant challenge for beginners. With the rise of social media, it has become essential to establish a strong online presence to reach potential customers. However, at the start, you may struggle with creating engaging content, building a brand identity, and effectively utilizing social media platforms. Understanding the target audience, developing a marketing strategy, and learning how to use social media tools and analytics are crucial for successful marketing in the candle-making industry.
How to promote your candle business
Flick
To help promote your small business, you need the right tools in your back pocket! Using a tool like Flick to help you with content planning, writing, scheduling, and analyzing will streamline your workflow when it comes to marketing your business!
With Flick’s AI Social Media Marketing Assistant, you’ll be able to brainstorm engaging and on-brand content and captions in seconds to help grow your social media accounts.
With Flick’s AI Assistant, you will:
- Get access to unlimited ideas for your content in seconds
- Save time (and energy!) by getting on-brand ideas, captions, images, and more in seconds
- Get highly personal and on-brand captions with a click of a button
- Have access to Brand Info where the AI Assistant will write content tailored to you
- Get auto-generated hashtags based off of your caption
- Be able to schedule out your content at the Best Time to Post for your content
- Get access to our FREE AI Caption Generator at all times
- Be able to get AI images generated from your caption
Pricing: Free 7-day trial with pricing starting at £11/month
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal requirements or regulations for starting a candle business?
Before diving into your candle-making venture, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the legal landscape. Depending on your location, you may need permits, licenses, or compliance with safety standards and labeling regulations. Ensure your candles meet safety requirements, label them accurately, and research local business regulations to operate legally and confidently.
Where can I source high-quality candle-making materials and supplies?
Sourcing top-notch materials is key to crafting exceptional candles. Look for reputable suppliers offering quality wax, wicks, fragrances, and containers. Online marketplaces, specialized stores, and trade shows are excellent places to find reliable suppliers. Remember, investing in quality materials sets the foundation for creating candles that delight customers and build your brand reputation.
How can I calculate the costs and pricing for my candles?
Pricing your candles effectively requires careful consideration of production costs, overhead expenses, and desired profit margins. Calculate the cost per candle by factoring in materials, labor, packaging, and overhead. Then, determine a competitive yet profitable pricing strategy that reflects the value of your products. Regularly review and adjust prices to stay competitive in the market.
What marketing strategies are most effective for promoting a candle business?
Marketing plays a pivotal role in growing your candle business and reaching your target audience. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your candles, engage with followers, and build a loyal community. Collaborate with influencers and bloggers in the home decor or lifestyle niche to expand your reach. Additionally, consider hosting candle-making workshops or participating in local events to connect with potential customers face-to-face.
How do I create unique candle scents that stand out in the market?
Crafting distinctive fragrance blends sets your candles apart and captivates customers’ senses. Experiment with different essential oils, fragrance oils, and botanicals to create unique scent profiles that resonate with your target audience. Conduct market research to identify trending scents and consumer preferences, and don’t hesitate to test and refine your formulations until you find the perfect balance.
What are some common challenges or pitfalls to avoid when starting a candle business?
While embarking on your candle-making journey, be mindful of common pitfalls that can hinder your success. Avoid underestimating startup costs by conducting thorough financial planning. Prioritize market research to understand your target audience and competition. Ensure compliance with safety regulations to uphold product quality and customer trust. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can navigate potential challenges and steer your business toward growth and sustainability.
How can I expand my candle business beyond local markets and reach a wider audience?
To broaden your reach and scale your candle business, consider leveraging online channels and strategic partnerships. Launch an e-commerce website using a free AI e-commerce website builder or sell through established platforms like Etsy and Amazon to reach customers worldwide. Explore wholesale opportunities with retailers, boutiques, and gift shops to expand your distribution network. Additionally, cultivate brand ambassadors and engage in influencer marketing to amplify your brand’s visibility and attract new customers.
What trends are shaping the candle industry, and how can I adapt my business accordingly?
Staying attuned to industry trends enables you to innovate and stay ahead of the curve in the competitive candle market. Keep an eye on emerging trends such as eco-friendly packaging, sustainable sourcing, and experiential candle offerings. Embrace sustainability and transparency in your practices to align with eco-conscious consumer preferences. By continuously evolving and adapting your business to reflect market trends, you can position your candle brand for long-term success and relevance.
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