Are you an artist? Well, if yes, what is your specialty? Whether you are great at painting or making candles, you can start your artistic business in no time. Candle-making is a great opportunity if you are willing to start your entrepreneurial journey.
But before we share the basic steps to start the candle-making business, let us look at some of the prominent questions revolving around it.
Why make and sell homemade candles?
Homemade candles have become a popular addition to any home’s décor. According to MarketWatch, the sector is predicted to reach $5 billion by 2026.
The commercial usage of candles has increased dramatically in recent years, with scented candles being used in spas and massages for relaxing effects and restaurants providing pleasant settings for consumers.
Learning how to create candles is a talent that you may turn into a potential income stream in the context of a DIY enterprise. Aside from the popularity of this hot product, candles provide a variety of other advantages to company owners, which includes:
- It is a business with a low-cost entry investment.
- It has multiple uses and can be sold over multiple market segments.
- Even if you are a beginner, this is a scalable craft to learn.
- It is very easy to customize and so earning competitive leverage is easy.
- It can be started as a side hustle as well if you are employed.
What types of candles are in demand right now?
Even if you have the very basic idea of making candles, you can still start and run a successful candle-making business. The most common types of candles that are high in demand are as follows:
- Basic simple candles
Simple, elegant, and one that you can use for lighting the room or decorating, these candles are quite basic. Available in different shapes of the star, circle, or just casual cylinder, these are available in varied colors for a classy look.
- Scented or aromatherapy candles
This is one of the most popular candle types. Customers wishing to fill their homes with pleasant odors can choose from various scented or aromatherapy candles. Aromatherapy candle manufacturers promote their goods as having distinct health advantages.
Essential oils that are claimed to improve physical or mental well-being are commonly used in the recipes for these candles. Like lavender fragrances are generally connected with relaxation, while rose scents are associated with romantic experiences.
- Vegan candles
An increasing number of customers are worried about the resources companies use to create their products, particularly if they contain any animal substances. Vegan candles are made using soy wax, plant-based waxes, aroma oils, and natural scents in modified formulae.
- Decorative candles
Some candles are created just for ornamental purposes and are neither scented or made with specific substances. They just bring something special to a room in your house. Decorative candles are frequently available in complex forms, with accessories and intricate decorations.
- Exotic candles
Candles in a jar or glasses with some flowers, shells, or any other item with the scent are known as exotic candles. They add a unique charm to your house and are a great gifting option too. With the option of customization, these candles are a perfect selection for all.
What products are needed to make candles?
The most common products that are required to be accumulated to design or create candles at home for the business are as follows:
- Paraffin, gel, soy, beeswax, or other wax
- Wicks
- Jars, tins, glasses, or any other containers
- Essential oils for fragrance
- Coloring agents
- Packaging supplies
- Decorative supplies
Once done with the products and raw material, you will be required to collaborate with the shipping provider and an online store like Shopify to list your products and sell them online.
How much can you charge customers per candle?
Now the candle prices will depend upon the nature of the candle that you are planning to sell on your platform. The price bands for the candles are in three broad segments that include the following:
- The mass-market includes candles between $3-8 per candle.
- Mid-market, which includes candles between $10-20 per candle.
- The prestige includes luxury candles between $30-50 per candle. Sometimes, these can go up to $200 per candle as well based on aesthetics and quality.
What are the steps to follow to start a candle-making business?
Now once you know the basic aspects of the candle-making business, it is time to look at the broad steps to be followed to start one. So, here are the top ones:
1. Develop the business plan
Well, when you start researching the market and the various types of candles you can sell, half the planning is already done. Now you just need to point down your plan of action, your budgeting needs, and various other aspects of the business. A broad plan with the criteria properly listed will help you move ahead with the other aspects of the candle-making business smoothly.
While you plan the business, you should also define the brand and its aim at this point. This will make it easier for the rest of the process to take up smoothly.
2. Organize the business resources
Now when we talk about organizing the resources, then different areas are required to be tapped. Right from checking the financial to legal needs, all are considered under organizing the resources. The steps in organizing that are to be followed for the candle making business are as follows:
- Decide the business name
Select a name that is unique and catchy. Also, make sure that the name connects with the customers as such names are easier to remember and quickly market themselves.
To check the availability of the name, you can check the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Add a tagline to the business name that is catchy and elegant enough to promote your creative and aromatic candles.
- Select the entity type
The decision to form the correct company organization is critical and should not be taken lightly. Sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation are examples of common business entities.
If you’re having trouble deciding what form of business structure to use, a business attorney or tax specialist can assist you.
After you’ve decided on your business structure, you’ll need to register your candle company with the appropriate federal and state agencies.
- Design the logo
The next step is to design a classic and beautiful logo for your business that is creative and attractive. It should match the business name and the product. Keep it simple and try to incorporate the initials of the business anime into the logo for a more personal and unique touch.
- Check the licensing needs.
When you establish a business, you’ll need to be sure you have all of the licenses, permits, and insurance that your local and federal governments demand.
These criteria will differ depending on your area, type of business, and business structure. You’ll almost certainly need various state, federal, and municipal business permits.
Check on the U.S. Small Business Administration website for accurate needs and get the EIN for taxation purposes.
- Ensure the financial needs
Once done with the licensing and other needs, it is time to ensure that its financial needs are addressed. Opening the business account is crucial for taxation purposes.
At the same time, there will be funding needs that you will be required to address. Check the loan and credit available in the market and select the most feasible and low-interest option as this will help save on the cost.
- Take proper insurance
Insurance is required for your business to operate safely and legally, just for licenses and permits. In the case of a covered loss, business insurance safeguards your company’s financial health.
Because general liability insurance is the most frequent coverage required by small businesses, it’s a good place to start.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance is a well-known insurance product that many businesses require.
- Define the packages, products, and listings
Lastly, start with the listing of products and packages. The most common questions that you will be required to answer at this stage will include:
- What kinds of scent-based items do you want to sell?
- How much are you going to charge for them?
- Where are you going to get your candle supplies?
- How much would these materials set you back?
- What will the cost of production be?
Once you define this, you will be better able to sort down the raw materials required for the business. This will ensure you have proper cost maintenance and reduce wastage, much needed for the profitable business.
3. Start executing by marketing
When you are ready with the resources, it’s time to take your business to the next level by properly taking the marketing steps. Offline and word-of-mouth marketing are sure to happen but for a greater reach, you need an online presence. The broad steps that you need to take at this stage are as follows:
- Create a website
The first thing to do to create an online presence is to create a website. Keep it simple and basic but ensure to list down all the products that you are offering. This will allow you to reach a greater base of customers and improve your sales.
- Collaborate with online retail platforms
Never forget to collaborate with online retail platforms like Amazon and Etsy. This will offer you a global reach and allow you to sell online at a great and higher pace. Though this will lead to sharing some of your profits, ultimately, it’s a great deal to make.
- Go on social media platforms.
Starting with social networking is free, enjoyable, and simple. You should figure out which channels are appropriate for your company and start building a presence there. Email marketing is also a cost-effective solution to think about. The nicest thing about social media and email marketing is that your consumers opt-in to receive your messages. Take advantage of the fact that you’ve got a captive audience.
- Design mobile application, if needed
Next and last, create a mobile application in addition to the Facebook and Instagram page. This will offer a handy reach and access of all your listed products to the customers. The mobile application will be a great addition to the business.
4. Analyse and interpret for continuous growth
The candle-making business is a competitive one. You will be required to analyze and interpret the business progress for better results continuously. Make changes in the products, business listings, and design for leveraging the competition based on season and other factors.
A continuous evaluation is all you need at the end of the day for business success.
Conclusion
So, if you are ready to let your creative ideas let loose and develop a business that is one of the best and most profitable, then start with the basic steps. Take small steps, and the success of the candle-making business will be quick and easy.