It can be really tough trying decide how to run a successful candle making business, especially if you have never started your own business before. The first thing you need to do is to ask yourself some questions, as well as create a business plan. While it might not seem really all that important or necessary, it can really help you think the whole thing out.
If you really want to know the secrets to running a successful business and marketing candles, you should really give the ebook Secrets to Successful Candle Making a read…it’s so straight forward and tells you everything you need to go to hit the ground running making candles and selling them for a profit. Best of all, it’s an ebook, so no waiting for shipping – you’ll be able to read it right away! Sarah does an awesome job of making it easy to know how to market your business the right way, whether you decide to sell online through sites like eBay or go to craft fairs.
But, if you don’t want the book for some great ideas and pointers (Did I mention it also comes with 300 candle recipes? Haha, I’m sorry, it’s just such a good guide for anybody who makes candles!) then the best place to start off is with a good business plan.
Here are some things you’ll want to consider when starting your own business for making candles:
How Much Time Can You Spend on the Business?
The more time you put into the business, the more you will likely see results. I know some people who work at little as 12 hours a week and do well – but imagine if they worked 20 or 30 hours? You have to make the most of your time, and the more time you can put into it, the more candles and sales you will make.
What Will Your Start Up Costs Be?
A lot of people are worried about having to make an investment to start a business. Honestly, I think a $37 ebook with everything you need to know is worth the investment (you can also write it off on your taxes depending on where you live), because in the end it will save you money. Generally, you will need enough supplies to make at least 20-30 candles to sell, possibly more if you plan on selling them at craft fairs and shows. But if you don’t have the start up money, then you can just make a few candles and then try to get pre-orders, where people pay you first and then you buy the materials and deliver the product.
How Much Profit Will You Make?
Let’s be realistic, even if you’d make candles for free, you still need to think about profit in order to turn it into a successful business. A good rule of thumb is to price your products competitively, but I also know people who do well charging more than what everyone else charges because they give a greater perceived value. People will pay more if they think the product is better than everything else. Trust me, people are fed up with candles that don’t deliver or smell awesome or burn out too quickly – if you can give them an awesome candle then you’re all set.
How Will You Market Your Candles?
If you can market your product, you will succeed. This is the key to success, so you need to know how to let people know about your business. Having a story to tell them is great – they’re much more likely to buy from you knowing that you hand dip your own or how you learned how to make them after so many mistakes and now have the perfect candle.
Getting onto the online market may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite easy. Many people can set up free websites at numerous different places to talk about their candles, and you can also turn to giant online superstores like eBay to sell them, too.
Other people I know really like to go to craft fairs and trade shows with their candles. They love the people, they love talking to others, and they are really good at convincing people to take orders.
What other marketing avenues exist out there? Could you try perhaps selling them as a fundraiser product? Set up a shop? There are thousands of great ways to promote yourself, and when you have a good list of what you will do and then you actually implement that strategy, the results are usually exactly what you wanted to achieve.
Learning how to run a successful candle making business doesn’t have to like hitting your head against the wall a zillion times. If you’d like, pick up Secrets to Successful Candle Making ebook and check it out – you will be on your way in no time!
