candle making business plan uk

Setting up a Candle Business

All you need to know about starting and running your business.

In this article

What is a Candle business?

Consumers in the UK spend nearly £1.9 billion a year on candles. The popularity of candles has exploded in recent years and is at an all-time high, with the average person buying approximately six candles per year. Candle popularity also seems to be on a steady upward trajectory, making this a great time to start a candle business.

Candles have become a must-have item in homes and businesses. There are many reasons why people purchase candles, such as:

• To act as decorative items around their homes.
• For fragrance purposes, e.g. to make their homes smell better.
• To make their homes feel cosier.
• To create ambience and atmosphere, e.g. for mood lighting and romantic settings.
• For events and celebrations, such as weddings and anniversaries.
• For ceremonial use in religious events, such as Hanukkah, Passover and Advent.
• For spiritual purposes, such as during meditation or prayer.
• For self-care purposes, such as to relax after work.
• For remembrance purposes, e.g. to remember a loved one or for baby loss awareness.
• As a gift, such as for Christmas or a birthday.

There are several different types of candles. These candles often retail at different prices, may be made with different materials and often appeal to different target audiences. When setting up your business, you will need to decide what type of candles you want to sell.

Candles can be made from different materials, specifically using different types of wax. The most common candle waxes are:

• Paraffin: This is the most common material for candles and is generally used in mass-produced candles. Paraffin is the cheapest material to use and often results in the strongest smelling, most vibrantly coloured candles. However, paraffin candles contain more toxic chemicals and often release harmful substances when burnt. They are also less environmentally friendly and can stain walls, ceilings and furniture.
• Beeswax: Beeswax candles are environmentally friendly, biodegradable and 100% natural. They are hypoallergenic and are recommended for people who experience asthma or allergies. Beeswax candles can help to remove dust and mould from your home and burn longer than other types of candles. However, beeswax is the most expensive type of candle, and you usually cannot add other fragrances, making them less appealing to people who want to buy different scented candles.
• Soy wax: Soy wax is made using soybean oil and is a more sustainable resource. Soy wax candles are biodegradable and contain significantly fewer toxins. Soy candles also last longer and don’t stain your home. However, the majority of soy candles contain some paraffin, and the soy needs to be chemically treated before use. Soy candles are also usually more expensive to produce and purchase.
• Palm wax: Palm wax candles are made using palm oil and burn efficiently, without releasing soot or toxins. Palm wax combines well with fragrances and essential oils and retains colours easily. However, palm oil is widely linked to deforestation and many consumers refuse to buy palm oil products for this reason.

When you are setting up a candle business, you also need to decide what size, shape and design of candles you want to sell.

Some of your options include:

• Tealights: These are small, circular candles that are usually placed into speciality tealight holders. They have a very short wick and a short burn time (usually 3-4 hours).
• Taper candles: These are the tall candles that are frequently used in candlesticks. They are long (usually 6-18 inches tall) and thin and are narrower at the top than at the bottom.
• Pillar candles: These are thick candles that can be a variety of shapes, sizes and heights, although they are most often shaped as columns, squares or rectangles. They are made from rigid wax so that they can stand alone, without a container.
• Votive candles: These are usually shorter and wider than other candles. They are often placed in glass containers to burn. Their burn time varies depending on the wax weight and wick size but usually averages 10-20 hours.
• Container candles: This is a candle that is poured into a container, usually glass or another heat and flame-safe material.
• Novelty candles: These are shaped, sculpted or carved into different shapes and designs.
• Flameless candles: These are made from real wax and look exactly like regular candles. They can be scented or unscented and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, they don’t use a real flame and instead use LED, battery or electricity. They have an adjustable light and flicker rate and are long-lasting and remove the risk of fire.
• Scented candles: Scented candles emit a large amount of fragrance when burning, and also emit aromas even if they are unlit. They can be scented with natural or synthetic fragrances, such as essential oils or aroma chemicals. You can choose from a huge range of fragrances.
• Fragrance-free candles: These candles do not contain fragrance and no fragrance materials or masking agents are used. They emit light and warmth without giving off a fragrance.
• Unscented candles: These often contain a product or chemicals that are designed to neutralise or mask the odour of the candle or the ingredients that were used to make the candle. The fragrances are masked so you cannot smell them.

Starting up a candle business can be extremely lucrative, particularly because they are usually a low-investment enterprise. There are very few equipment requirements, and you may even be able to use some equipment you already have in your home.

Someone who runs a candle business will likely make the candles themselves and sell them to consumers.

There are many different tasks and responsibilities involved with running a candle business, including:

• Preparing, mixing, heating and cooling the ingredients to make the candle wax.
• Choosing, mixing and adding the scents.
• Cutting and preparing the wicks.
• Choosing containers.
• Packaging your products.
• Ensuring your candles comply with all safety regulations and are not a fire risk.
• Marketing and advertising.
• Keeping up to date with new designs and fragrance trends.
• Preparing quotes, taking orders and handling payments and invoices.
• Selling the candles and arranging deliveries.
• Handling customer payments.

There are several different ways you can run a candle business and choose how to sell your candles, for example:

• Open a candle shop.
• Sell your candles through already existing shops and businesses.
• Set up a website and sell your candles online.
• Advertise and sell your candles on social media.
• Sell your candles through an existing website, such as ‘Etsy’ or ‘Not on the High Street’.
• Sell your candles at local events, such as craft fairs, market stalls and Christmas events.

There are certain skills and qualities that will make your candle business more likely to succeed. For example, a passion for candles, creativity, patience, knowledge or the willingness to learn about materials and scents and good marketing and advertising skills.

Types of Customers

In many cases, the typical customers who purchase candles from independent candle businesses are those who don’t want mass-produced items, those who are looking for more individual designs or scents and (depending on the materials and ingredients you use) those who are looking for a more environmentally friendly product that contains fewer toxins.

The candles you sell are likely to be listed at a higher price point compared to candles that can be bought in supermarkets or are mass-produced. This is because your materials and production costs are likely to be higher and you likely won’t be able to save money through mass production. However, your customers are likely to appreciate the time, effort, skill and high-quality materials that go into your candles.

The types of customers you are likely to attract can depend on multiple factors, such as:

• The materials you use (e.g. paraffin, soy wax or beeswax).
• The types of candles you make.
• Your price points.
• How and where you sell your candles.
• Your branding.
• Your advertising and marketing strategies.

Equipment You Will Need

Equipment is an essential purchase for a candle business. Your equipment needs can vary based on multiple factors, such as:

• The types of candles you are going to make.
• Whether you are going to add scents to your candles.
• How many candles you plan to make per day/week.
• Whether you are making container or non-container candles.

You may already have some of the equipment required to make your candles. However, if you are using your existing equipment, is important to make sure it is in good working condition.

Some of the equipment typically required for a candle-making business includes:

• A double boiler (a bain-marie): This is used to melt your wax without burning it.
• A heatproof container: If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a heatproof container over a large saucepan to melt the wax. A heatproof jug or pot is mostly recommended.
• A glue gun: To attach the wicks to the bottom of your containers.
• A measuring cup: To measure the amount of wax and fragrance oils you are using.
• A thermometer: To measure the temperature of your wax at different times and check your wax is heating and cooling correctly.
• Stirrers: Spatulas and wooden spoons are both effective stirrers. As you will be using your stirrers in high-temperature wax, ensure they are heatproof and won’t overheat or melt.
• Candle moulds: If you are making candles in different shapes and designs.
• A jug or pouring pot: To pour your wax into the moulds or containers.
• Wick holders or wick centring tools: These keep your wicks in place while you pour the wax and are waiting for it to cool and harden.
• A weighing scale: To ensure each candle contains the correct amount of each ingredient/ material.
• A wicking needle: To thread your wick through moulds.
• A candlewick trimmer: Once your wax has set and hardened, you may need to trim the wicks to ensure they are the optimum length for burning. Wick trimmers look like scissors, but with slanted, circular blades.
• A heat gun: This can be used to remove any irregularities on the surface of your candles, pre-heat containers and clean wax from your equipment.
• A wax scoop: To help you weigh and transfer your wax more efficiently.
• A pipette: For measuring and transferring fragrance oils.
• Wax flakes or pellets: Choose wax flakes or pellets in your chosen material (e.g. paraffin, soy wax or beeswax).
• Essential oils for fragrance: Essential oils fall into three different categories, known as notes. These are top notes, middle notes and base notes. To get the strongest scents that last the longest, it is best to choose scents from each note and mix them together. 100% pure essential oils result in the strongest scents.
• Containers: If you are making container candles, you will need to choose containers that match your branding and your business aesthetic. This makes your candles easily recognisable to your customers. Many people use candles as decorative items, so ensure your containers are attractive. Glass jars, mason jars and clay holders are the most common candle containers.
• Wicks: You can choose cotton wicks or wooden wicks. You could also choose wicks that crackle, to give the illusion of a real fire.
• Resin powder: To add colour to your wax.

Packaging and Delivery

If you sell your candles online or offer a delivery option, you will need to ensure they are packaged correctly to make sure the candles aren’t damaged during transit. Even if you sell your candles in a shop or another in-person location, they will likely still need to be packaged correctly, as candles and candle containers can be fragile. Ensure your packaging is sustainable and environmentally friendly and it is designed to match the aesthetic of your business.

• Custom boxes: These will be shaped and sized to match your candles and reduce any movement during transit. The boxes can be adorned with your business logo and any decoration that matches your branding.
• Packaging tissue paper, packing peanuts, Styrofoam inserts or paper bubble wrap: These items keep the contents of the packages securely in place and reduce the likelihood of any damage occurring. Most consumers of small businesses prefer eco-friendly packaging so keep this in mind when planning your packaging. For example, paper bubble wrap is similar to traditional bubble wrap but is more environmentally friendly, as it is made from recyclable paper.
• Twine or ribbon: Twine or ribbon can be used to tie around your boxes or packaging to keep them more secure and make them more aesthetically pleasing.
• Labels: Your labels should contain your business name and logo and information about your product (e.g. product name and fragrance). The label should also contain any safety information and allergen information.
• Pallets: These can be used for bulk orders, e.g. if you sell a large number of candles to a business or a wedding venue.
• Packaging tape: To secure your packaging and prevent any items from falling out or being tampered with.
• Cards and delivery notes: Small business consumers appreciate personal touches such as a card or delivery note. These could also feature your business logo and information and a discount code to encourage repeat business.

Other Equipment

• A website: A website is useful for advertising your business. It should contain your contact information, photos of your candles, product descriptions, the areas and locations you offer delivery to and your customer reviews. Your website will likely feature an option to order online and may have other information about your business, e.g. if you will be selling your candles at a local craft fair. Design your website to include your business logo and to reflect your branding.
• A CCTV system: This can protect your business from potential break-ins and theft. A CCTV system can cost between £300 and £5,000 depending on the specification of the equipment, how many cameras you require, and the installation costs.
• A till and Point of Sale (POS) system: This will be necessary if you do any in-person sales of your candles, e.g. in a shop or at a market.
• Business cards: Business cards can be used for advertisement purposes and handed out to customers and potential customers. The business cards should include your business name, logo and contact information.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This could include latex gloves, aprons and hairnets to protect your clothing and skin from the hot wax.
• A fully stocked first aid kit: Even if you don’t hire any staff, a first aid kit is a necessity, as you will be working with hot wax and other potentially dangerous equipment.
• Display shelves: These are used for storing your candles. You can build shelves on the wall or choose a free-standing shelving unit.
• A computer or laptop: To advertise your business, keep track of your orders and manage your business website.
• A printer: For printing out customer receipts, invoices and customer addresses for delivery purposes.

Typical Costs

When starting up a candle business, one of the first (and most important) considerations you will need to make are your start-up costs and running costs. This can help you to determine your initial investment requirements, your price points and how many candles you will need to sell before you begin turning a profit.

There are many different costs associated with setting up and running a candle business. Some of these costs will be one-off initial costs that you will need to pay when you are setting up your business. Other costs will be ongoing costs you will need to pay regularly, usually weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.

The typical costs associated with a candle business are:

Your equipment is an important purchase, as without it you will not be able to run your business. You can keep your start-up costs relatively low by purchasing less equipment initially and expanding your equipment as your business grows. The more candles you make and the more detail or decoration you add, the more equipment you will require. You can expect to spend between £100 and £1,000 on equipment for your candle business.

Materials and stock

These will be ongoing costs associated with your candle business. Materials and stock include the things you will use to make your candles, such as wax, essential oils, wicks, containers and packaging. The amount of materials you require (and the associated costs) depends on how many candles you are making per month, the types of candles you are making and the materials you use (e.g. paraffin candles are the cheapest to make and beeswax candles are the most expensive). Try and keep your materials costs as low as possible to maximise your profits, e.g. by buying in bulk and shopping around. To maximise your profits, your material costs should be no more than 30%-40% of the cost of your candles. For example, if you sell each candle for £10, no more than £3-£4 (per candle) should be spent on materials.

Maintaining, repairing and replacing equipment

Repairs, maintenance and replacements are ongoing costs you will need to factor into your budget. Cleaning and maintaining equipment (particularly if hot wax drips onto it) and ensuring your equipment is used correctly can extend its life, but repairs and replacements are still inevitable, as using unsafe equipment could be dangerous, particularly as you will be handling hot materials.

As you will be selling a potentially high-risk product (candles are frequently connected to burns and house fires), there are several licences you will need to apply for and regularly renew when setting up and running your business. Expect to pay between £100 and £300 per year for licensing.

Your business website

A business website is an essential advertising tool (particularly if you run an online business) as it allows potential customers to find your candles online and view pictures, descriptions and additional information. You should ensure your website is attractive to customers and use search engine optimisation (SEO) so that your website ranks highly on search engines, such as Google. Your website will need regular monitoring, updating and upgrading. You also need to make sure your website is secure, particularly if you will be collecting any customer information or banking details. You may choose to set up and run your website yourself or hire someone to do this for you. You can expect to pay between £20 and £100 for someone to set up your website.

Advertising and marketing

To ensure your candle business attracts customers and generates an income, you will need to spend money on branding, advertising and marketing. It is recommended that you spend between 1%-3% of your annual turnover on marketing. For example, if your annual turnover is £50,000, it is recommended you spend between £500 and £1,500 per year on marketing. You may need to invest more money in advertising and marketing when you initially set up your business, in order to attract customers. You could also advertise on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.

When creating your brand identity, consider how you want your business to be perceived by potential customers. Consider the types of candles you are selling and your typical customer base when creating your brand. Branding includes creating your business’s visual identity, your business name and logo, your candle design and aesthetic, your packaging and your website. You could hire a professional to help you with branding or do some or all of the work yourself. Branding can cost between £500 and £10,000.

Running costs

These are the day-to-day costs associated with running a candle business. Some running costs are paid monthly, and others are paid quarterly or annually. Even if you run your business from your home, you will likely still have running costs, as you may see an increase in your utility bills (such as electricity). Delivery (for online orders) and the set-up costs associated with selling at events can also be included in your running costs. Keep your running costs as low as possible to help maximise your profits.

Platform costs

Platform costs are the costs associated with selling your candles on an online platform, e.g. ‘Etsy’ or ‘Not on the High Street’.

You may be charged:

• Listing fees.
• Transaction fees.
• Advertising and promotional fees.
• Payment processing fees.
• Regulatory operating fees.
• Currency conversion fees.

Business insurance

There are several types of insurance you may require for a candle business. There are also some additional insurance options you may choose to give your business extra protection. The cost of your insurance can vary depending on your insurance provider and the level of coverage you choose.

The most popular coverage options for a candle business are:

• Public Liability Insurance.
• Product Liability Insurance.
• Contents Insurance.
• Goods In Transit Insurance.
• Business Equipment Cover.

Typical Pricing for Customers

Once you have calculated the typical costs associated with setting up and running your candle business, particularly the ongoing costs of the materials, you can determine your pricing.

Your pricing policy will usually be determined by several factors such as:

• Your target market.
• The type of wax you use.
• The design of your candles.
• The size and shape of your candles (larger candles will be more expensive).
• The fragrances you use.
• Your selling platform.
• Your running costs and overhead costs.
• Whether you operate in a niche (e.g. individualised scents or unusual shapes or designs).
• Whether you are selling to individual customers, businesses or wholesale.
• Any postage costs.
• The perceived value of your products.

To calculate your pricing, a general rule that many businesses follow is to ensure you have at least a 30% markup percentage for your candles, based on your costs (including the costs of your time). However, if you are selling mid-market or high-end products, your target market will usually pay higher prices. In this situation, you can likely charge 3-4 times your total costs for each candle. For example, if the total cost of making one candle is £5, you will likely charge between £15 and £20.

Safely Running a Candle Business

Implementing safety practices in your candle business is an important responsibility. Candles are a potentially dangerous, high-liability product. Safety practices help to protect the health, safety and well-being of you and your customers.

Some ways you can safely run your candle business are:

Ensure all chemicals are stored safely

All chemicals should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. They should be kept upright to prevent spillages and be protected from contamination.

Craft insurance

Regardless of where you sell your candles, craft insurance can help to protect you and your business. If a customer becomes injured or an incident, such as a fire, occurs, business insurance can help protect you and your business from being held liable and from heavy fines.

Properly maintain and set up equipment

Ensuring equipment is properly maintained, correctly set up and stable and safe to use can help to protect you from accident or injury, particularly as you will be handling hot wax and chemicals. You should also perform regular equipment inspections to ensure your equipment’s safety and help extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Because you will be handling chemicals and hot substances, PPE can help to protect you from exposure to harmful substances and potential burns. Recommended PPE includes gloves, arm protectors, protective eyewear, a face mask and a hair covering.

Comply with fire regulations

Even if you run your business out of your home and have no employees, you should still comply with fire safety regulations. This can help to ensure the safety of you, your home and your neighbours.

Some regulations you can implement include:

• Perform a fire risk assessment.
• Comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 .
• Implement any necessary fire safety measures.
• Install fire alarms and smoke alarms.

Conduct risk assessments

Although risk assessments are only a legal requirement for businesses with more than five employees, they can help to ensure the safety of you and your customers. Risk assessments can help you to identify any potential hazards and risks in your business and how these can be reduced or eliminated.

As part of your risk assessment, you should:

• Identify hazards.
• Determine who could be at risk.
• Evaluate any potential risks.
• Implement relevant safety measures.
• Record the results of the risk assessment.
• Review the risk assessment regularly.

Keep clear and accurate records

If your business receives an inspection, up-to-date records of your business’s cleaning schedules, risk assessments, health and safety policies, allergen information and hazards will likely be requested. Keeping such records not only helps to protect your business and improve the likelihood of you receiving a higher score, but it also ensures procedures are followed at all times.

Legal Requirements

Complying with all legal requirements is essential when setting up and running your candle business. Some legal guidelines you should be aware of are:

Comply with the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) 2005

The GPSR ensures the safety of consumer goods and lays down a framework for assessing product safety. As part of these regulations, you should undertake and document a risk assessment that assesses the risks and risk categories associated with the candles you sell.

Comply with the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulations

These regulations standardise the warnings that need to be on products such as candles. Your labels should include:

• Your product name.
• A list of ingredients and allergen information.
• Hazard pictograms.
• Signal words (e.g. warning).
• Hazard and precautionary statements.
• Company address and phone number.

Comply with the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals Regulations

If your candles contain any chemicals, you must correctly label them to tell your customers which chemicals may be potentially hazardous, how they could harm them and how to store and handle them safely.

Implement Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

If you create custom blends and create your own fragrances, you must ensure that each fragrance has its own SDS, which can then be used to create a CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) label.

Comply with e-Commerce Regulations

If you have a website advertising your candle business or selling your candles, you must comply with the Electronic Commerce Regulations . These regulations state how you communicate with your website users. Under these regulations, you must clearly display your terms and conditions, display clear pricing information and delivery charges and identify who sends any business communications. You must also ensure email privacy and comply with laws on distance selling.

Comply with other website regulations

On your website, you must state your name, geographical address, email address, VAT number and your British Candlemakers Federation (BCG) membership information (if applicable). If you sell your candles online, you are entering into a legal contract with your customers and must offer a 14-day return period.

Regulations on food imitation candles

If any of your candles could be considered as food imitation items, for example, they are shaped like food or contain food scents, such as birthday cake or Christmas cookie, these are heavily regulated to limit the risk of people confusing them with food and eating them. If a candle can be confused with food, it is prohibited under the Food Imitations (Safety) Regulations 1989 . Ensure you add features to your candles that make them less similar to real food and contact Trading Standards for more information or to clarify whether a particular candle is acceptable to sell.

Regulations for insect-repellent candles

These types of candles have become increasingly popular, particularly during the Summer, and may contain products such as citronella. If you market your candle as an insect repellent, you must register with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Comply with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988)

Any original designs are given copyright in line with this Act. This means you cannot use other people’s designs on your candles. If you create your own designs, you should also protect them by registering your designs with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

Comply with retail legislation

There are several pieces of legislation you need to follow when selling goods to consumers. You must ensure your products are described correctly and that pricing is displayed visibly. You must also ensure your products are of good quality and are fit for the intended purpose.

Dispose of waste appropriately

Some of your business’s waste, such as wax, essential oils and chemicals, will be classed as hazardous waste. This waste must be disposed of by a registered, authorised waste carrier. Contact your local environmental health department for more details.

Comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA)

You must comply with both pieces of legislation when storing or sharing personal information, such as your customers’ personal information, contact details and banking information. You must also apply for a Notification to Process Personal Data Licence. If you process or store personal information such as personal details and banking information, you will need to apply for a licence with the Information Commissioner’s Office and renew your registration every year.

Comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

RIDDOR states that you must report all injuries, diseases and dangerous events that occur in your business. Reports must be made to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) using an appropriate recording document. These regulations apply to any incidents that involve you or that your customers report to you.

Register your business

You must register your business with HMRC before you begin operating. You can register as a sole trader or as a limited company. You will need to register your business name and any other relevant information.

Register for self-assessment tax

This allows you to calculate and pay your own taxes each year. You will need to track your finances every month and submit any expenses as part of your tax assessment.

Positives of Owning a Candle Business

There are some great positives to starting up a candle business. For example :

Low start-up costs

Although some candle-making materials are more expensive than others, a candle-making business is generally an extremely low-investment enterprise. You can initially use equipment that you already have in your home and buy more equipment and materials as your business grows. You will likely not need to rent premises or hire any employees which can reduce your start-up costs. Low initial investment requirements will mean you won’t require any outside investment and can begin turning a profit earlier.

You can choose how and where to sell

A candle business has many options for marketing and selling and you can choose the sales process that most appeals to you. You could set up your own website, sell through a third-party website, sell at craft fairs and other events or set up your own shop – the options are endless. You will have the option to sell online or in person and can even change your sales process as your business or personal life changes.

Minimal skills or experience required

Candle making is an easy skill to learn and even if you have no experience, you can learn how to make candles quickly and easily. Candle making is an accessible industry that requires no training or qualifications, meaning that anyone can set up a candle business.

Work from home

You can set up and run your business and make all your candles from home. Many people now aspire to work from home and if you own a candle business, you will have the flexibility to order your stock, create your products, advertise, manage your orders and handle deliveries, all from the comfort of your own home.

You can be creative

As the business owner, you will have the freedom to be as creative as you choose. You can personalise your candles, create your own scents and shape and design your candles in any way you want, which can set your business apart from your competitors. Candle making is great for artistic people who enjoy being creative.

Choose your own schedule and workload

As a business owner, you can choose the hours you work and how many orders you want to accept each week and month. You can run your business around your family life, e.g. by working when it is convenient for you and your family. You can close your orders if you want to take time off and, if your workload becomes too much, you can hire additional staff to reduce your working hours.

It can be rewarding

Doing something you love and are passionate about can be extremely rewarding. If you love candle making or being creative and have fun when making candles, it is less likely to feel like work. Doing what you love for a profit is extremely rewarding.

Easily gain exposure

The rise of social media makes it easier than ever for you to gain exposure, particularly if you are able to take good photographs and videos or are tech-savvy. Gaining exposure online is an easy and effective way to grow your business and increase your profits.

It can be lucrative

As your business grows and you complete more orders, you will see your profits grow. As your business becomes more popular, you can increase your pricing and even hire more staff to help you complete more orders. Candle making has a high income potential and your profit margins are likely to be high. You can also expand your business by opening a shop or selling more products online, giving you unlimited income potential.

Customer loyalty

If your customers like your products, they are likely to order from you again. This means you could get a lot of repeat business and customer recommendations. If your candles are well branded and are displayed in your customers’ homes or other places, this can also encourage custom from new consumers, particularly if your candles look attractive or smell appealing.

Increased business at certain times of the year

People often buy candles at certain times of the year, such as Autumn as the weather changes and they want to make their homes feel cosier, or in the lead up to special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas, when they are frequently given as presents. You are likely to see increased business at these times of the year, which can be extremely beneficial for your annual profits.

Be your own boss

You can make all key decisions yourself and steer your business in whichever direction you choose. You can choose how involved you want to be, the type of creations you want to make, and whether you hire employees. You can make the best decisions for you and your business.

Design your dream business

As the business owner, you can create your dream business, from the type of candles you want to make, the materials you want to work with, your business’s brand and aesthetic and your selling avenue. Creating your dream business can be very rewarding.

High demand

The candle industry in the UK continues to be highly successful and is constantly growing. This means there are plenty of opportunities for new businesses, particularly because more and more people are choosing to buy from small businesses rather than buying mass-produced products. There are different industries and niches, different design options and constant demand. This should make it relatively easy to get your business off the ground and to maintain or grow your business.

Negatives of Owning a Candle Business

Although owning a candle business can be rewarding in many ways, there are some negative aspects of this type of business that you should be aware of. These can include:

Business can be inconsistent

It can be difficult to plan your finances, predict your profits and order the correct amount of materials and stock when you cannot predict the number of sales you will make. There could be certain times of the year when you have few or no orders, which can have a significant impact on your overall profits.

Bad reviews

Although the majority of customers leave honest reviews, some customers are difficult to please and will leave a negative review because of the smallest complaint (even if it is something outside of your control), e.g. if there was a delay in the postage. Sometimes a fake customer also leaves a fake review, which can be extremely difficult to disprove and remove. Negative reviews can be extremely damaging to your business, particularly if your business is new or you’ve had relatively few orders.

It can be competitive

Not only are you competing with other small candle businesses, but you are also competing with supermarket products and mass-produced candles. Having lots of competition can make it more difficult for your business to succeed.

Physical strain

You may think making candles is easy and isn’t physically demanding; however, you shouldn’t underestimate the physical strain on your fingers, hands and wrists. Candle making involves a lot of repetitive movements such as stirring, and can involve holding heavy equipment. If you are doing this daily, you may begin to experience pain or strain.

It can be stressful

Not only is there a lot of pressure to create the perfect product every time, but as the business owner, you will face the additional pressure of being responsible for your business’s success. You will have a lot of important responsibilities, such as ensuring health and safety.

High risk of your business failing

Starting up your own business can be risky. Many new businesses fail which could result in you losing money or getting into debt. Your business could fail for several reasons, such as high local competition, an ineffective business plan or if the UK encounters another recession or a period of financial difficulty.

No benefits

As you are self-employed, you won’t receive benefits such as pension contributions. You will also be responsible for doing your own taxes and organising your National Insurance contributions. You will also have a lack of job security.

Perfecting your products can be time-consuming

Before you begin selling your candles, you will need to ensure your products are perfected, particularly if you will be mixing and adding your own fragrances. This can be time-consuming and can include a lot of practice and failed attempts. Not only can this take a lot of time, but it can also include a lot of wasted products.

High liability

A candle business has potential risks which you could be liable for. If there is an issue with your product that results in a customer being burnt, a fire starting or property being damaged, this could result in prosecution and your business suffering as a result. The possibility of this can be extremely stressful.

Planning Your Candle Business

If you are thinking of starting up a candle business, an effective and well-designed business plan is essential. A business plan can help you to focus on the specific steps that will help your business succeed, plan your short-term and long-term goals, determine your financial needs and help your business to grow.

Ensure your business plan contains information such as:

• Your company information.
• Your business description.
• The services you will provide.
• Your branding, marketing and advertising plan.
• The structure of your business.
• The operational plan for your business.
• The financial plan for your business.

Some of the factors you should consider when creating your business plan are:

Decide the types of candles you will make

This is one of the most important decisions you will need to make when setting up your business.

Some of the decisions you need to make include:

• What type of wax will you use?
• What scents will you offer and how will you create those scents?
• Will your candles be in containers?
• What shapes and sizes will your candles be?
• Will you add colour to your candles?
• How will your candles be designed?
• What types of wicks will you choose?
• What will the aesthetic of your candles be?

Ensure you research your target audience before making any decisions and experiment to create the perfect candles that match your brand.

Determine how and where you plan to sell your candles

This is a key consideration and can have a significant impact on the types of customers you attract and the success of your business. Will you sell your candles online or in person? Will you sell through third-party websites or shops? Will you attend craft fairs and other events? Whichever option you choose requires forward thinking, particularly before you begin branding and advertising. You can even use a combination of different selling approaches in order to increase your sales.

Create a brand

Designing your brand is a great way to help you stand out from your competition. Your brand helps you to build an audience, focus your marketing and advertising and create better products. Some ways you can create your brand are by focusing on the design elements of your candles, creating attractive fragrances, focusing on your business’s visual identity and creating a brand story. Your business name and logo are also part of your branding so ensure you focus on this when creating your business plan.

Analyse your competition

Your competition can include other small candle businesses, mass-produced candle businesses (such as Yankee Candle) and brands that sell candles alongside other products, such as The White Company. You may also be competing with supermarkets and other shops that sell a variety of candle brands. When you analyse your competition, look at what they do well and what you think they could improve. You could also consider if there are any candle niches that could be profitable.

Determine your marketing and advertising strategy

Your marketing and advertising plan should detail what your brand is, how you plan to promote your business and your business’s unique selling points (USPs). As part of your marketing strategy, consider the most effective way to reach your target audience and attract potential customers. Create an advertising plan that is specific to how and where you plan to sell your candles, for example, advertise with flyers in your local area and on local Facebook groups before you attend a craft fair.

Calculate your start-up costs and running costs

Consult the list above to calculate your approximate start-up costs and running costs. Determining your approximate costs enables you to calculate your initial investment and what your monthly or annual running costs will be. Creating a budget is a key part of your business plan. You should calculate how much each candle will cost to make and determine any ways you can decrease your costs. Once you have determined your approximate costs, you can then calculate your pricing policy and determine your profit forecast.

Determine your pricing policy and sales strategy

How much will you charge for each candle? What will your profit margins be? Will you offer any discounts to repeat customers or to customers who are buying multiple candles? You should also create a sales strategy to help you maximise your sales and target your customers successfully.

Determine your sales forecast

How many candles can you realistically make each week and month? What are your weekly, monthly and annual sales forecasts? You can also analyse the sales forecasts of other candle businesses and look at how sales vary throughout the year to estimate the demand for your product. As your business grows, your sales forecast may change.

Create a strategy for growth

This is your business’s plan for overcoming any future challenges and realising your sales goals and your goals for expansion. For example:

• Develop your candles and introduce new products.
• Penetrate the market to increase your market share.
• Target a new audience.

Identify your business goals

Determining your business goals is an essential part of creating your business plan. Your business objectives highlight the targets and goals of your candle business and help you to create a one-year, three-year, and five-year business plan.

Your business objectives should be SMART:

• S = Specific
• M = Measurable
• A = Achievable
• R = Realistic
• T = Time-bound

Check you have complied with all legal requirements

Consult the list of legal requirements above to check you have complied with all requirements and regulations and that all your paperwork is accurate. Failure to comply with legal requirements could have a detrimental effect on your business or could result in a fine, the forced closure of your business or, in serious cases, prosecution.

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How To Start A Candle Business & Scale It In The UK

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If you love making candles in your spare time for yourself or your friends, it may pay to look at your candle making as a side hustle that generates some extra income .

The industry is ripe for it, as UK consumers have spent £418m on scented candles in 2020, with larger brands reporting year-over-year increases of up to 12%.

In fact, the global candle market was worth US$ 3.45 billion in 2018 and is projected to touch US$ 6.06 billion by 2025.

They're not small numbers.

The UK is also a large importer of candles , which is a sign that there isn't enough domestic supply to keep up with demand. So if you're looking at selling your candles and starting your own business around them, the data looks good .

But it's never quick or easy to get a business up and running - you need to ensure your business complies with local laws, especially since you're selling a potentially dangerous product .

Here's the basics of selling candles from home:

• Explore market potential.
• Choose an e-commerce model.
• Comply with legal requirements.
• Obtain insurance.
• Allocate funds for supplies and marketing.
• Make your candles.
• Initiate sales on chosen platforms.
• Enhance eco-friendly practices.

This article will expand on those points and answer many questions you need to know to start selling candles online.

Explore Packhelp's range of candle packaging

Business opportunities:

Candles are popular home decoration, and many people enjoy the ambience that scented candles can provide.

Brits buy an average of 6 candles a year and spend almost £8 on each of them. COVID lockdowns have also turned our homes into a place we spend more time, and the candle industry has played a massive role in making that place more 'homey', especially for millennials .

Crafts such as candle making have also been linked to stress relief .

So it's easy to see how this can be a profitable business venture, and there are several reasons why business owners might choose to make and sell as opposed to being a reseller.

First , as the candle maker, you have complete control over what you produce.

You can experiment with different scents, colours, and designs to find a unique product that appeals to your customers.

Second , by making candles at home, you can keep your overhead costs low and maximize your profits, compared to outsourcing the making and simply being a white-label reseller.

Finally , you can start a small candle business as a way to support yourself or your family while doing something you love.

See what it's like to operate a small candle business

Consider using different types of e-commerce models to take your candle brand to the world.

For example, a D2C candle brand eliminates the middleman by making the brand's website the only sales channel.

This means that the brand owns 100% of the sales and has complete control of the context that the brand is marketing. 

Another alternative is the subscription box model . Customers buy a subscription to your business, and after a set period of time, they receive a new box full of candles.

See Packhelp's range of custom packaging for subscription box businesses

This is a great option if you'd prefer to curate products and then sell that forward. The recurring revenue monetisation method is known to be one of the best to scale, providing many opportunities for many different businesses.

Legal requirements for candle selling

On the legal side of things, yes, it is legal to sell melts and candles made at home, provided you meet the relevant legal requirements.

In the UK, you will need to register your candle-making business with the local authority and comply with health and safety regulations.

If you are selling candles as a side hustle, you may also need to obtain a license from your local authority.

There are legal requirements for some types of fragrances and ingredients, and you can see the full list here .

You'll also need your candles to abide by UK law on labelling.

Register as self-employed with HMRC

You need to register as a sole trader at least 28 days before you start operating , even if you have another job.

Completing this step informs HMRC that you work for yourself, so they are aware that you will pay taxes through their Self Assessment system .

To register as self-employed:

• Register for a  GOV.UK Verify account
• Provide the basic details about yourself and your business
• Specify your business name
• Use your Verify account to access HMRC’s Self Assessment portal

It’s from here that you can file your  self-assessment tax return online .

Laws associated with candle-making

Candles made at home are not subject to the same stringent regulations as those made commercially or if you were starting a cake business from home , but you should still take care to ensure they are made safely and do not pose a fire risk .

At the end of the day, you're creating and/or selling a product that can burn a house down and potentially kill someone.

You should always have small business insurance.

Do I need insurance to sell candles?

No, you do not need insurance to sell candles.

However, insurance can help protect your business in the unfortunate event of your candles hurting someone or damaging property .

For a low premium, you can get public and product liability insurance for your candles.

How much does candle insurance cost?

Like all businesses, insurance varies greatly depending on your product, where and how it's made and a host of other things.

Get a quote for small business insurance and you'll get an accurate idea of the cost of covering your business.

Remember: you're starting a business

If you're looking to start your own candle-making business, there are a few things you'll need to take into account.

For starters, you'll need to decide precisely what you want to make .

There are plenty of different options for candles out there, from l uxury candles to more simple and affordable options .

This is where it's important to do your competitor research and see what your potential customers are already buying, and how those brands speak to their target market.

The type of product you sell will also define your brand's persona.

If you're selling luxury , elegant candles, you'll need a branding strategy that complements that.

If you're selling a wider range of candles, then you need an image that can appeal to a wider range of customers.

If you're selling wax melts, here's a guide for you. Read now

Simply put, the relationship between your product's image and your brand's image needs to be in sync.

Your branding represents your business and your product.

Once you've decided on what you want to make and your image, it's time to start creating a business plan .

This plan should include everything from your budget to a marketing strategy and selling your candles.

This business plan template should be comprehensive and cover cash flow, inventory management , sales channels, a pricing strategy, website management and just about every other aspect of running a business.

How much does it cost to start a candle business?

Starting a candle business can be a great way to get your feet wet in the world of entrepreneurship. But, like any business, there are some costs associated with starting a business.

Expect to invest around £1000 into starting a candle business in the UK.

These upfront costs can include equipment like pots and waxes, packaging supplies, and the cost of building and launching an ecommerce store.

While the cost of starting a business can vary depending on the size and scope of your operation, it is important to keep in mind that even a small business requires some start-up capital.

See how Biotika lowered the cost of their candle packaging

Types of homemade candles to base your business on

There are many types of candles that can be made at home. The most common are made of beeswax, paraffin wax, soy wax, and gel wax.

• Wax melts are the easiest to make and require the least amount of equipment. Smaller and flatter, they can be made with any wax and come in a variety of colours and scents. More often than not, they're made of excess wax from candle production.
• Beeswax candles are made from the wax of bees and have a natural honey scent. They are more expensive than other waxes, but they burn longer and are cleaner.
• Paraffin wax is the most common type. It is easy to find and relatively inexpensive. However, it can produce soot when burned and isn't the healthiest option.
• Soy wax is made from soybeans and is a renewable resource. It burns cleanly and slowly but can be more difficult to find than others.
• Gel wax is made from a combination of mineral oil and polymer resins. It burns slowly and evenly but can be more difficult to work with than other types of wax.

Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to experiment and find what works for you.

What type of candles sell the best?

There is no definitive answer to this question as people's preferences can vary greatly.

However, scented candles are often a popular choice as they can provide a pleasant ambience to a room.

For this reason, candles are often marketed as a 'luxury' product.

Compared to other luxury forms of interior decoration, they're quite inexpensive and can really change the mood and vibe of a room.

Therefore many candle businesses have a 'luxury' element to them.

This is also combined with the fact that candles are given as gifts and consumers are willing to pay a premium for high-quality candles with pleasant scents.

Where can I sell homemade candles?

There are many marketing channels you can use to take your brand to your target market. One option is to create a stand-alone ecommerce store using a platform like WooCommerce or Shopify.

Another option is to sell through marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon Handmade.

Additionally, you can sell through Facebook and other social networks , or offline at events like craft markets or fairs.

Once your brand's name is established, you can also work with retail store owners who will sell your candles in their stores.

This may be a franchised homewares store or a small 'ma and pa' type shop that has a great reputation in the local community.

Can I sell candles on Etsy?

Yes, you can. However, with so many people selling similar products on Etsy, it can be difficult to stand out from the competition .

And, in a flooded marketplace like Etsy, it's important to do whatever you can to make your products stand out from that crowd.

One way to help your candles stand out is to use effective marketing techniques , such as Etsy SEO and using high-quality imagery.

This will help your candles appear higher in search results, making it more likely that potential customers will see and therefore buy your products.

Do I need insurance or a license to sell them on Etsy?

If you plan to sell on Etsy and have registered with HMRC as a small business, then you'll need to provide your tax information which includes your sales and revenue on Etsy.

Etsy isn't responsible for any damage caused by your products, so it's really important that you cover yourself , should a problem eventuate.

Can I buy candles to resell them instead of manufacturing them?

If you don't have the capital or resources to invest in making those candles, consider becoming a reseller of candles.

There is a wide range of affiliate programs out there where you can sell white-label products, like candles, under your own side and be paid a cut of any sales you make.

Is candle making eco-friendly and sustainable?

Candles themselves are based on the process of burning something.

Whatever that 'something' may be, and however small the flame is, there's still burning happening, which releases elements into the surrounding environments.

It's important that you ensure that whatever is created from the burning of your candles isn't harmful .

Similarly, making candles involves heating up wax and forming it into a specific shape.

Generating enough heat to melt the wax and make it malleable is an energy-intense process.

If you're selling your candles in glass jars, make sure that those glass jars come from recycled glass, rather than virgin glass.

It also pays to invest in sustainable packaging and sustainable containers for your candles, as many consumers will now change their shopping preferences based on the type of packaging.

Conclusion: Candle business opportunities

Starting a candle-making business is a great way to monetise a passion, but it's important to make sure that you don't sacrifice the 'business' side of things.

You'll be selling a product you love, but you'll also be operating a business.

With that comes cash flow, marketing, sales, and all the regulations and laws surrounding the selling of candles.

You're a business starting to take steps into the wider world, so plan accordingly!

Aleksandra Owczarek

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How to start a candle business in the UK

Table of Contents

Cover your legal bases

General product safety regulation, companies act 2006, protect yourself with insurance, choose your business name, find your niche, create a business plan and budget, choose the right supplies, start marketing your business, set up a website, use social media, join an online marketplace, use your existing network, how to make and send an invoice to customers, step 1: make it clear and professional, step 2: add a unique identification number, step 3: include your client’s information, step 4: specify your payment terms, step 5: describe the goods or services you provided, step 6: additional notes, step 7: send the invoice, give your business the best start with a simple app.

Starting a candle business could be an excellent way to make money for a craft you enjoy. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to set up a candle business in the UK.

We’ll cover the following:

• Steps and tasks you need to complete to set up your company
• How to market your business
• How to invoice customers for your products
• How Countingup can help you manage your finances

When starting a candle-making business, the first thing you need to do is make sure your products are safe. Here are some laws to consider:

While there are no specific legal requirements for selling candles in the UK, you still need to ensure your business complies with the General Product Safety Regulation 2005 . The law isn’t specific about candles but includes standards and recommendations on candle safety you need to be aware of. 

Another legislation you need to consider is the Companies Act 2006 . Under law, customers need to be made aware of who they’re buying from. This means you’re legally obligated to provide the following:

• Business name
• Legal ownership name (who owns the business)
• Business address

You must include this information on all your business documents, including invoices and email correspondence. Having this information provides protection for your customers.

Additionally, you should also include the following information on your website (we’ll get into your website in more details later):

• Your business’ geographical address
• Your British Candlemakers Federation membership
• Email address

It’s important to make sure your business is protected in case something happens. Whether you run a craft stall, a small shop, or sell your products on Etsy, Amazon or eBay, customers expect your candles to be safe.

In case the worst should happen, and a fire happens that a customer claims was caused by your candles, insurance can save your business from losing lots of money.

You can select from a range of covers, such as:

• Public liability insurance – in case a member of the public gets injured, for example, by tripping in your shop.
• Product liability insurance – in case your candles cause injury or financial loss, for example, if they accidentally contain hazardous ingredients. 
• Stock insurance – this insurance protects the products you store in case they break, for example, if someone knocks them off a shelf.

When starting a business, you need to give it a name that helps people find and recognise your brand. Choosing a name can be daunting, but the most important thing is to find one that represents your business and your craft. It’s best to avoid complicated, hard to spell words. Instead, go for something simple and clear.

You can use the Companies House name availability checker and trademark portal to make sure the name you’ve chosen isn’t taken. Once you’ve chosen your name, you need to register it with Companies House via either the online portal or postal application . If you run your business as a freelancer, you don’t have to register your name.

To find a way to set your business apart from your competitors, choose a specialism (also called a niche) to focus your candle-making efforts on and who your ideal customer is.

For example, do you want to sell luxury candles using only the best materials or aromatherapy candles to help with stress? Perhaps you want to make eco-friendly candles to help the environment? Think about who would buy these products and how you can get their attention.

It’s also a good idea to research your competitors to see what they’re doing and if there are any gaps in the market your business can fill. 

You can think of a business plan as the roadmap or GPS to your business venture: you can start without one but will likely get lost along the way. Creating a clear business plan will help you understand where you want to go and how you’re going to get there. You can learn more about how to create a business plan and why you need one in this guide .

One important part of any business plan is a budget for how you’ll manage different costs you’ll incur when starting your candle company. When working out your budget, consider aspects like:

• Set-up costs (including equipment and supplies)
• How much time it takes to make your candles
• Mow much each candle costs you to make
• Whether you’ll sell them from a shop, a craft stand, or online

Setting up a candle business doesn’t have to be expensive. If you sell your products online, you may only need to pay something like £50 for materials and tools. 

A crucial part of any candle-making business is to find the right supplies to make your products. You’ll probably need the following supplies and equipment to make your candles:

• Candle wax – you could either use soy wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, coconut wax, or perhaps a combination?
• Candle wicks – these are usually made with braided cotton or paper
• Scents – you can choose from a mix of organic and synthetic fragrances
• Dyes – there are liquid or powdered dyes that you can add to your melted wax
• Moulds – you might need these to create different candle shapes. These come in all shapes and sizes, or you can make your own.
• Candle glasses – you can use these instead of moulds if you prefer
• Thermometer – you need this to make sure your wax doesn’t heat above 80°C
• Saucepan and heat proof bowl – for melting your wax
• Packaging – you’ll need to think about how you’ll package your candles and get branded labels and gift boxes.

Next, you need to find customers to sell your candles to. Creating a marketing strategy will allow you to determine how you’ll find and attract your ideal customers. Here are a few methods you can use:

Create and maintain a professional website where customers can browse your product range and buy your candles. Website builders like WordPress , Wix , or Squarespace have templates you can use to set it up for free or at a reasonable price. Make the site easy to use and include your contact information in case customers have questions.

Social media is great for finding customers. You can use social media platforms to look for jobs, join groups, connect with potential customers, and share pictures of your candles to promote your skills. You can also share video snippets of how you make your candles to spark peoples’ interest.

You can sell your products online through marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy . With marketplaces increasing in popularity , most platforms will go to great lengths to make it as easy as possible to buy and sell products. You can also pay to market your products on these platforms to get in front of prospective buyers. 

You’ll also want to spread the word to your existing network of friends, family, former colleagues, schoolmates, and so on. These people will have their own networks of people they could recommend you to. Reach out and ask if they know of any opportunities.

If you sign up to Amazon, Etsy, or another marketplace, these platforms will have embedded systems for sending and receiving payments. But most businesses will need to send out invoices at some point. That’s why we’ve listed the steps you need to follow to create professional invoices.

The first step is to make your invoice look professional and ensure it clearly lists your business information. Include your business name (even if it’s just your own name), address, company phone number, and email address.

A great way to give your invoices a professional touch is to include your logo (if you have one) in the header and design it using your company’s colour scheme. If you don’t have a colour scheme, pick colours that you feel represent your brand and use those for future invoices.

You should also make sure it’s clear that the document is an invoice. Simply adding the word ‘invoice’ at the top of your document is usually enough.

You need to assign each invoice a unique identification number (UIN) to keep track of them and make sure you don’t create any duplicates. A UIN is a requirement from HMRC on self-employed invoicing, so you must keep a record for tax purposes .

How you choose to number your invoices is up to you. For example, you can use numbers to keep invoices apart and add letters to separate your different customers. So if you’re sending your seventh invoice to a client named John Smith, the UIN could be ‘JS07’ or ‘JS-07’.

Choose a numbering system that works for you, and stay consistent to avoid confusion. 

Next, you need to make sure you’ve listed your customer’s information. Include their:

• Phone number

Specifying how you want to get paid is one of the most important steps when creating invoices. It’s common for freelancers and small businesses to use a 30-day billing cycle, meaning the customer has 30 days from the day of purchase to pay for the candles.

Make sure you include payment methods you accept, such as debit or credit card, PayPal, Klarna, bank transfer, and so on. If you choose to charge late fees, make it clear when and how you will charge your customers.

Make your invoice as clear as possible by including a detailed list of the candle products you sold, organised by item type. The descriptions don’t have to be long but make them detailed enough for your customers to know what they’re paying for.

The easiest way to organise the items could be in a table that includes:

• Services provided and products sold
• Quantity or hours
• Rate or price
• Total amount
• If applicable, include the VAT amount too.

Note that VAT invoices need more information, including: 

• Your VAT registration number
• The tax point (when you sold the product or carried out the service) if it’s different from the invoice date
• VAT rate and total VAT charged
• If different items have different VAT rates, show this for each one

While this final step is not necessary, including a short thank you note at the end of your invoice adds a personal and friendly touch. It could help you stand out from other plain invoices your customer might receive.

The quickest and easiest way to send your invoices is by email, attaching the invoice as a PDF (uneditable to prevent fraud). Write a brief description of your business and invoice in the subject line and email text.

Keep in mind that different customers might have varying procedures for processing invoices. It’s good practice to check with them and decide on a method they prefer. 

After you’ve sent an invoice, you could give your customer a phone call to see if they received it and nudge them if they delay the payment. Countingup has an embedded feature that notifies you about unpaid invoices, so you never miss a payment.

When you’re starting your own business, it’s important to keep your personal and business finances separate from day one – to save yourself from time-consuming admin headaches further down the line. 

That’s why thousands of business owners across the UK are using the Countingup app to keep on top of their financial admin. It’s the business current account and accounting software in one app. And it automates time-consuming bookkeeping admin for self-employed people across the UK.

With instant invoicing tools, automatic expense categorisation, receipt capture tools and cash flow insights, you can confidently keep on top of your business finances and save yourself hours of accounting admin, so you can focus on doing what you do best. Find out more here .

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How to Start a Successful Candle Business in the UK

Are you passionate about candles and want to start your own business in the UK? This comprehensive guide will show you how to start a successful candle business, from finding your niche to marketing your products.

Starting a Candle Business in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

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1. Find Your Niche in the Candle Market

Before diving into the candle business, it's essential to find your niche. What makes your candles unique? Are you focusing on scented candles, decorative candles, or eco-friendly candles? Research the market, identify trends, and find a gap that you can fill with your products.

2. Create a Business Plan

Every successful business starts with a solid business plan. Outline your goals, target market, pricing strategy, and marketing plan. A well-thought-out business plan will guide you throughout your journey and give you a clear direction.

3. Register Your Business

Registering your candle business is an important step to establish it as a legal entity. Choose a business name and register it with Companies House. Consider consulting with a company incorporation service like Osome to ensure a smooth and hassle-free registration process.

4. Source High-Quality Materials

The quality of your candles will determine customer satisfaction and repeat business. Invest in high-quality wax, fragrance oils, wicks, and containers. Look for suppliers that provide sustainable and ethically sourced materials to align with the growing demand for eco-friendly products.

5. Develop Unique Candle Designs

Stand out from the competition by creating unique candle designs. Experiment with different shapes, colors, and patterns. Consider incorporating custom labels or packaging to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your products.

6. Set Up a Production Space

Allocate a dedicated space for candle production. Ensure that it's well-ventilated and equipped with the necessary tools and equipment. Organize your production area efficiently to streamline the manufacturing process and maximize productivity.

7. Establish a Strong Online Presence

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any business. Create a professional website showcasing your candle products, and optimize it for search engines using relevant keywords like "handmade candles" or "scented candles in the UK." Leverage social media platforms to engage with your target audience and promote your products.

8. Price Your Candles Competitively

Research the pricing of similar candles in the market to determine a competitive yet profitable price for your products. Consider factors like material costs, production time, and overhead expenses. Offering value for money will attract customers and help build a loyal customer base.

9. Develop a Marketing Strategy

Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of your candle business. Utilize various marketing channels, such as social media advertising, influencer collaborations, and email marketing, to reach your target audience. Highlight the unique features of your candles and emphasize the benefits they provide.

10. Build Relationships with Retailers

Expand your distribution channels by building relationships with local retailers. Approach boutique shops, gift stores, and home decor stores that align with your brand. Offer samples, provide wholesale pricing options, and showcase the profitability of stocking your candles.

11. Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Customer satisfaction is key to building a successful candle business. Provide exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries, addressing concerns, and going the extra mile to exceed customer expectations. Word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly impact the growth of your business.

12. Analyze and Adapt

Continuously analyze your business performance, customer feedback, and market trends. Adapt your strategies accordingly to stay ahead of the competition. Monitor your website analytics, track social media engagement, and gather customer feedback through surveys to make informed business decisions.

13. Scale Your Business

Once your candle business gains traction, explore opportunities for growth and scalability. Consider expanding your product line, exploring new markets, or even franchising your business. Continuously innovate and stay ahead of market demands to ensure long-term success.

14. Stay Informed About Regulations

As a business owner, it's crucial to stay informed about regulations and compliance requirements. Stay updated on safety standards for candle production and labeling regulations to avoid any legal issues. Consider consulting with professionals or joining industry associations to stay informed.

15. Consider Outsourcing Administrative Tasks

As your business grows, administrative tasks can become time-consuming. Consider outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping, tax filing, and company secretarial services to save time and ensure compliance. Osome offers efficient and reliable company incorporation services in the UK, allowing you to focus on growing your candle business.

Starting a candle business in the UK requires careful planning, creativity, and a passion for candles. By finding your niche, creating unique designs, and establishing a strong online presence, you can build a successful candle business. Remember to prioritize customer satisfaction, continuously adapt your strategies, and stay informed about regulations. Consider outsourcing administrative tasks to reliable services like Osome, allowing you to focus on what you do best - creating beautiful candles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal requirements for starting a candle business in the uk.

To start a candle business in the UK, you need to register your business with Companies House and comply with safety and labeling regulations for candle production.

How much does it cost to start a candle business?

The cost of starting a candle business can vary depending on factors such as the scale of production, sourcing high-quality materials, and marketing expenses. It's important to create a detailed business plan and budget accordingly.

What are some popular candle scents in the UK?

Popular candle scents in the UK include lavender, vanilla, citrus, and floral fragrances. However, it's important to stay updated on current trends and offer a variety of scents to cater to different customer preferences.

How can I market my candle business effectively?

Effective marketing strategies for a candle business include creating a professional website, utilizing social media platforms, collaborating with influencers, and leveraging email marketing to reach your target audience.

What are the benefits of using a company incorporation service like Osome?

Using a company incorporation service like Osome can save you time and ensure a smooth registration process. They offer expert advice, handle all the paperwork, and provide ongoing support for your business compliance needs.

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How To Start a Candle Business

Many of us dream of starting our own business so we can become our own boss and make money doing the things we’re passionate about. With the rise of online selling – also known as ecommerce – it has never been easier to start a business or a side hustle from home: whether you’re planning to make and sell your own clothes , get into dropshipping , or cash in on your professional expertise by starting a consulting business .

And if you’re a creative or artistic person who has been waxing lyrical about your love of candles, then perhaps you can smell profit in the large – and growing – candle industry. 

But how do you start a candle business? How do you decide what to sell and where to sell it? How do you go about registering your business and finding your first customers?

Thankfully, this guide is on hand to answer all your burning questions about starting your own candle business. Read on to get a handle on all things candles. 

Why start a candle business?

It takes a lot of work to get any kind of business up and running, and a candle business is no exception. 

But if you’re going to be working hard and burning the midnight oil (or wax) to turn your dreams into reality, then you want to know that it will be worth the effort. 

The good news is that there are many reasons why a candle business could work for you:

• A growing market: Candles are hot right now, with the global candle market forecast to be worth over £8.5bn by 2032. And in the UK alone, the candle sector was worth over £235m to date in 2024, with demand surging for high-quality, artisanal candles to create a cosy atmosphere in the home.
• Love your work: If you’re a creative person and you like the idea of crafting your way to business success, then making and selling your own candles could be a great way to turn your passion into a business or side hustle.
• Be your own boss: Setting up your own candle business means you’ll be working for yourself. Being your own boss can be extremely empowering, and you’ll end up with total control over all aspects of your candle business.
• Low start-up costs: You don’t have to break the bank to set up your own candle business. While you will need some capital to get started, you may be able to start your own candle business for as little as £1,000. 
• Work from home…: If you plan on making your own candles, you’ll be able to run the manufacturing part of your candle business from home. And if you hope to sell your candles online, you may be able to run your entire candle business without leaving the house. 
• … and sell anywhere : Since you’re going to be the boss, you’ll be able to choose where you want to sell your candles. You may decide that the internet is the perfect marketplace for your candle business, or you may choose to take your wares to markets, craft fairs, or brick-and-mortar stores. Ultimately, it will be up to you.

Start a candle business in 5 steps

1. research and choose your market.

Market research is an essential step when starting any business. If you want to get your own candle business up and running, you’ll need to spend some time investigating the candle industry and working out where to position yourself.

The objective of your market research is to find out more about your potential customer base and competitors, a process which will leave you better prepared to set up your candle business. You’ll also need to decide what kind of candles you want to make – as well as working out where to sell them.

You can manage your market research in several ways. You can read about the candle industry online, as well as talk to customers and competitors – and maybe browse or even buy your competitors’ products.

When conducting market research, your two most important questions are:

• Will there be demand for my candles?
• Who is my target market, and how will I market my candles to them?

Once you have armed yourself with some market knowledge, you’ll need to decide on the specifics of your candle business. This means thinking about the size and style of your candles, as well as deciding on what kind of wax to use. If you want to make and sell scented candles, then consider which aromas would work for your candles. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to candle making, and there are many products which your candle businesses might focus on. These might include:

• scented candles
• decorative candles

You’re also going to need to work out what type of wax to use. There are many different options, ranging from the most commonly used paraffin wax to soy wax and beeswax. As part of your market research, you may decide to order a few different wax samples to test them out.

During the market research stage, you may also need to source a supplier for the various parts which make up a candle. This is more than just the wax and includes wicks, receptacles, labels, and packaging. Your wax supplier may be able to point you in the direction of dyes, scents, and wicks which go with your wax of choice.

Another thing to think about is what market you’ll be going after. Candles can fall into the following categories:

• Mass-market candles are the cheapest on the market, and they may have more basic scents and lower production quality as a result. These kinds of candles are generally cheaper to make and typically sell for a few pounds per unit. 
• Mid-market candles are made with higher quality materials but still maintain a broad appeal. They may have slightly more adventurous scents than mass-market candles. One of these candles may cost around £8. 
• Luxury candles are premium products designed for a premium market. They make use of more luxurious scents and premium packaging, and these products generally tell a sophisticated brand story. Prices may rise to the £100 mark and above for the most expensive luxury candles. Other popular luxury candles are priced at around £60 to £80. 

The final thing to think about is where you’re going to sell your candles. 

Of course, many brick-and-mortar shops stock candles, including many independent stores. But candle businesses are also well suited to an ecommerce business model. You may decide to sell your candles on your own ecommerce website, or you may use an existing platform like Amazon as your online storefront. Your research should help you figure out how you can reach your target market.

You may also consider using a subscription service to reach your customers. With this business model, your customers will pay a recurring fee and in return they’ll receive a delivery of candles at set intervals. 

2. Create a budget for your candle business

Creating a business plan and budget will help give you a better idea of exactly how much money you’re going to need to get your candle business up and running. 

Writing out a business plan will also help you work out if your ideas can realistically be turned into a business. A business plan will normally also be required if you apply for a start-up loan or business loan.

For a detailed guide read our article on how to write a business plan .

It may be possible to start a candle business for as little as £1,000. When starting your own candle business, the following costs will need to be considered:

• Equipment and materials. Think about everything you’ll need to make your own candles, ranging from wax and moulds to boilers, stirrers, oils, and wicks. These materials are all up-front costs and need to be factored into your candle business budget. 
• Overheads. If you’re going to run your candle business from home, this should keep your overheads down. But if you need a studio to make the candles or plan on opening your own shop to sell them in, your overheads are likely to be much higher.
• Website costs. If you plan to sell your candles online, you’ll need some sort of ecommerce store where customers can browse your wares and place their orders. While prices will be much higher if you hire a professional web designer, the cost of setting up and running your own ecommerce website could be as little as £260 per year. 
• Marketing costs. While traditional adverts may be a bit too expensive for a start up or side hustle, social media advertising may be a cheaper way to get eyes on your candle business. Facebook ads, for example, cost £0.78 per click on average in the UK. You may also consider paying influencers to promote your candles to their followers: a practice known as influencer marketing. This may cost as little as £125 per post for an influencer with fewer than 10,000 followers. Just bear in mind that many large companies have dedicated social media managers to handle this side of the business, so be wary of diving in without a solid plan. 
• Insurance. Assuming you have no employees, it is not a legal requirement to take out insurance for your candle business. However, it is generally still advisable to insure (and therefore protect) your business. Insurers offer specific protection for candlemakers, and while prices will vary depending on your circumstances, you can expect to pay between £50 and £100 per year to cover your candle business. 

For a more detailed guide, explore our five-step guide to creating a small business budget .

3. Register your candle business

One of the first official steps in your business journey is going to be choosing a business structure and then registering your candle business. You should take your time and research which business structure best suits your needs:

• Sole trader: A sole trader is the exclusive owner of their business and keeps all post-tax profits. There is no separation between a sole trader and their business – meaning you will be personally responsible for any losses your business makes if you decide to operate your candle business as a sole trader. If you become a sole trader, you will also need to register for self-assessment so you can pay your taxes to HMRC. 
• Partnership: A business partnership is when two or more partners share the responsibilities, risks, profits and losses of a business. The three main types of partnerships are general partnerships (also known as business partnerships), limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships. The ‘nominated partner’ – the person responsible for sending the partnership tax return – must also register with HMRC . All partners will also need to complete their own tax returns.
• Limited company: If you choose to incorporate your candle business as a limited company, you will be legally and financially distinct from your business. As a limited company, you will have shares and shareholders and can keep any post-tax profits.  You can register as a limited company at Gov.uk . If you’ll be running your business as a limited or limited liability partnership, you will also need to register your business at Companies House.

» MORE: Should I register as a sole trader or limited company?

Now is also a good time to think about licences, insurance, and the laws around running a candle business. 

Generally, you do not need a specific licence to sell candles in the UK. The exception is if you 

plan to sell your candles at a market stall – in which case you will need a market stall licence. Visit Gov.uk for more information and to apply. 

You will need to be aware of the strict laws around the safety and labelling of your candles. There are various warnings and documentation which you must put on your labels. For more information about classification, labelling, and packaging regulations (known as CLP regulation), visit the website of the Health and Safety Executive . 

The British Candlemakers Federation has also published specific guidance for anyone who wants to make and sell their own candles. Be sure to read, understand, and follow any laws or guidelines around product safety and labelling. 

Your candles will also be subject to the General Product Safety Regulations (2005). Among other things, these laws oblige you to make sure your products are safe before you place them on the market. Visit the Government website for more information. Your local Trading Standards office may also be able to help you understand the laws around candlemaking. 

As if that isn’t enough, you also need to bear in mind that your candles will be subject to the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This law obliges sellers to make sure their products are fit for purpose, accurately described to customers and of satisfactory quality. The Consumer Rights Act entitles customers to return any faulty or defective product for a full refund up to 30 days after purchase or delivery. Between 30 days and six months, you have the option of offering to replace or repair the faulty goods before needing to offer a refund.

Although it’s not a legal requirement for a business with no employees, it’s a good idea to take out insurance for your candle business. 

Public liability insurance can protect you in your dealings with clients and members of the public. Specialised candlemaker insurance is also a good idea, given the various risks and requirements inherent to the candle industry. 

4. Fund your candle business

Of course, you’re going to need some money to get your candle business going. Once you have created a budget and registered your candle business, you are ready to seek funding. You may need to combine the various funding options below in order to get your business off the ground.

• Personal savings: Using personal savings to start your business will allow you to retain full ownership, but be careful not to endanger your own financial health in the process.
• Friends and family: Borrowing money from friends and family can be tricky, so it is best to draw up a written agreement in advance. This way, you can avoid any disagreements about who owes what down the line.
• Small business grants: There are a range of non-repayable and partially repayable start up business grants across the UK, as well as those for businesses based in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
• Government business loans: Different government business loans may be available to your organisation depending on where you are in the UK.
• Business loans: A traditional small business loan from a bank might be difficult to secure in your case. Lenders can be wary of giving loans to start-up businesses with no trading history, but consider all your options for getting your candle business up and running.
• Angel investors: Angel investors tend to be wealthy individuals looking to invest in new businesses in exchange for equity or convertible debt.
• Crowdfunding: This involves securing funding from more than one source in exchange for things like equity or early access to products. Crowdfunding often takes place through an online campaign. 

You will also need somewhere to put the funding for your candle business, like a business bank account . 

Remember that while sole traders can continue to use their personal bank account for business transactions (assuming the bank in question allows it), limited companies and partnerships are legally required to keep their personal and business finances separate. In this case, opening a business bank account is a must. 

Even if you are running your candle business as a sole trader, you may find it easier to keep business funds and transactions in their own separate account.

5. Find your first candle business customers

Now’s the time to connect your candles with your customers and, hopefully, make your first sale. 

If you plan to set up your own storefront on an existing ecommerce platform – like Amazon or Etsy – then make sure your profile showcases your candle business in the best possible light. List your products and write accurate descriptions so your customers know what to expect. 

If you have set up a dedicated website for your candle business, use photos and customer testimonials to showcase your products. Share links to this website on social media, and consider setting up dedicated social media accounts for your candle business. 

You can promote your business on social media through influencer marketing, paid advertising, or simply by posting about your products.

Selling your candles across multiple channels – including your own website, online shopping platforms, and directly on social media – will increase exposure for your business. This, in turn, may lead to more sales down the line. 

Meanwhile, if you plan on selling your candles in physical shops, invest some energy into cultivating good relationships with local stores which may end up stocking your products. 

How much do candle businesses charge?

Since there are so many different kinds of candles out there, there’s no one figure to answer the question of how much a candle should cost. Also bear in mind that mass-market, mid-range, and luxury candles are all priced differently.

Mass market candles may be priced under £1 each, while luxury candles at the top end of the market commonly sell for £100 or more. Expect the price of a mid-range candle to fall somewhere between the two extremes. 

As a general rule when setting prices for your candle business, try to aim for a 25% to 50% profit margin on every candle you sell. 

Image source: Getty Images

About the Author

George Harrison is a lead writer at NerdWallet. A graduate of the London School of Economics, George has worked as a professional writer for almost a decade, with articles appearing…

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About Candle Making

"Crafting candles, igniting passions."

Starting a Candle Making Business in the UK

So, you’ve always had a passion for candles and now you’re thinking about turning that passion into a profitable business. Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we will guide you through the process of starting your very own candle making business in the UK. From finding the perfect suppliers for high-quality materials to marketing your unique creations, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Type of Candle Making Business

Examining Different Candle Making Business Models

When starting a candle making business, it’s important to consider the different business models available. You can choose to open a physical store where customers can walk in and purchase your candles directly. This model allows for face-to-face customer interactions, but requires a suitable location and additional costs for rent and utilities. Another option is to sell your candles online through platforms like your own website or popular e-commerce websites. This model provides the opportunity to reach a wider audience and eliminates the need for a physical storefront.

Identifying Your Niche in the Candle Making Market

To stand out in the competitive candle making market, it’s crucial to identify your niche. This involves finding your unique selling proposition – what sets your candles apart from others? Consider factors like the type of candles you want to create, such as scented, decorative, or natural candles. You can also focus on a specific target market, like organic candle enthusiasts or eco-conscious consumers. By identifying your niche, you can better cater to the needs and preferences of your target customers.

Considering the Pros and Cons of Different Candle Making Techniques

There are various candle making techniques to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. The most common techniques include container candle making, pillar candle making, and taper candle making. Container candle making involves pouring melted wax into containers and is relatively easy for beginners. Pillar candle making involves creating wax pillars that stand alone, while taper candle making focuses on creating long, slender candles that require a special mold. Consider the level of complexity, time commitment, and cost associated with each technique before making your final decision.

Understanding Legal Requirements and Regulations

Registering your candle making business.

Before diving into your candle making venture, it’s essential to register your business. This will ensure that it is legally recognized and that you can operate in compliance with local laws and regulations. Depending on your location, you may need to register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). Research the requirements specific to your area and complete the necessary paperwork to register your business properly.

Obtaining Necessary Permits and Licenses

In addition to registering your business, you may also need to obtain permits and licenses to operate your candle making business legally. The requirements can vary depending on your location and the specific products you plan to sell. Some common permits and licenses to consider include a general business license, a sales tax permit, and a permit for handling and storing flammable materials. Consult with your local regulatory agencies to determine the exact permits and licenses you need.

Ensuring Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations

As a candle maker, it’s crucial to prioritize health and safety in your operations. You will be working with potentially flammable substances, so it’s important to take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of yourself and your customers. Familiarize yourself with health and safety regulations regarding candle making, such as proper ventilation, fire safety measures, and handling of fragrance oils and dyes. By staying compliant with these regulations, you can create a safe working environment and provide peace of mind to your customers.

Creating a Business Plan

Defining your target market and competition.

To create a successful candle making business, you need to have a clear understanding of your target market and competition. Research the demographics, preferences, and buying habits of your potential customers. Understand what they look for in candles and how you can fulfill their needs. Additionally, analyze your competition to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you differentiate your business and find unique selling points that set you apart.

Setting Clear Business Goals and Objectives

A business plan is incomplete without clear and actionable goals and objectives. Determine what you want to achieve with your candle making business, whether it’s financial targets, market expansion, or brand recognition. Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that will guide your business decisions and keep you focused on your vision. Regularly review and adjust your goals as your business grows and adapts to changing market trends.

Developing a Marketing Strategy

A well-defined marketing strategy is essential for promoting your candles and attracting customers. Identify the most effective channels to reach your target market, such as social media platforms, online advertising, or collaborations with influencers. Consider utilizing email marketing campaigns and creating engaging content to build brand awareness and customer loyalty. Your marketing strategy should align with your business goals and reflect the unique aspects of your candle making business.

Determining Your Pricing Structure

Determining the right pricing structure for your candles is crucial for profitability and competitiveness. Consider factors such as the cost of materials, labor, packaging, and overhead expenses. Conduct market research to understand the average pricing in your industry and ensure your pricing is competitive without undervaluing your products. Additionally, consider offering different price points to cater to different customer segments and create pricing tiers that appeal to a variety of budgets.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

To ensure the financial stability and success of your candle making business, it’s crucial to create a budget and engage in financial planning. Estimate your startup costs, including equipment, supplies, marketing expenses, and operational costs. Develop a cash flow projection to understand your revenue and expenses over a specific period. This will help you make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and stay on track with your financial goals.

Setting Up Your Workshop and Equipment

Choosing the right location for your workshop.

Choosing the right location for your candle making workshop is essential for productivity and success. Consider factors such as space requirements, accessibility for suppliers and customers, and local zoning regulations. If you plan to have a physical store, select a location with good foot traffic and visibility. Alternatively, if you choose to operate solely online, focus on finding a dedicated workspace with adequate ventilation and storage space for your equipment and supplies.

Sourcing High-Quality Candle Making Equipment and Supplies

Investing in high-quality candle making equipment and supplies is crucial for producing top-notch candles. Research reputable suppliers and manufacturers to ensure you have access to materials that meet your standards. Consider the type of candles you plan to make and choose equipment suitable for your chosen techniques. This may include wax melters, thermometers, molds, pour pots, wicks, and fragrance oils. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient stock of raw materials to sustain your production.

Organizing Your Workspace for Efficiency and Safety

Efficient and safe workspace organization is vital for maximizing productivity and minimizing accidents. Designate specific areas for different stages of the candle making process, such as a pouring area, a cooling and curing area, and a packaging area. Set up workstations with easy access to equipment and supplies, ensuring they are properly labeled and stored. Implement proper safety protocols, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and appropriate storage for flammable materials.

Sourcing Materials and Ingredients

Exploring different wax options.

Choosing the right wax is crucial for the quality and performance of your candles. There are several types of wax available, including paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, and palm wax. Each type has its own characteristics and benefits, so it’s important to explore the options and select the type that aligns with your desired candle properties and target market preferences. Consider factors such as burn time, fragrance retention, and eco-friendliness when making your decision.

Selecting Fragrances and Essential Oils

One of the most exciting aspects of candle making is selecting fragrances and essential oils for your candles. Consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create with your candles and choose scents that align with your brand and target market preferences. Research the properties and safety guidelines of different fragrances and essential oils to ensure they are suitable for candle making. Experiment with various combinations to create unique and appealing scent profiles.

Choosing the Right Wick and Wax Additives

The choice of wick and wax additives can significantly impact the performance of your candles. Select wicks that are appropriate for the size and type of candles you are making, considering factors like burn rate and self-trimming capabilities. Wax additives, such as stearic acid or vybar, can enhance fragrance throw, improve burn quality, and aid in color dispersion. Experiment with different combinations and ratios to find the optimal wick and wax additive choices for your candles.

Learning and Mastering Candle Making Techniques

Attending candle making courses and workshops.

To enhance your candle making skills and knowledge, consider attending courses and workshops offered by experienced candle makers or industry professionals. These educational opportunities can provide valuable insights, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities. Learn different techniques, troubleshooting tips, and best practices from experts in the field. Continuously investing in your learning will help you refine your craft and stay up to date with emerging trends in the candle making industry.

Experimenting with Different Candle Making Techniques

Candle making is a creative process that allows for experimentation and exploration. Don’t be afraid to try different techniques and variations to create unique and visually appealing candles. Experiment with different types of molds, wax colors, layering techniques, and embellishments. By embracing experimentation, you can discover innovative designs and techniques that set your candles apart from the competition. Keep a record of your experiments and their outcomes for future reference.

Practicing Safety Precautions when Handling Hot Wax

Working with hot wax requires caution and adherence to safety precautions. Always wear protective gear, such as heat-resistant gloves and goggles, when handling hot wax. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated to minimize the inhalation of fumes. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources and have a fire extinguisher readily accessible. Familiarize yourself with proper melting temperatures and heating methods to prevent accidents and maintain a safe working environment.

Creating Unique and Marketable Candle Designs

Understanding different candle shapes and molds.

Candle shapes and molds play a significant role in the visual appeal of your candles. Familiarize yourself with different mold types, such as pillar molds, votive molds, and novelty molds. Experiment with various shapes and sizes, including classic cylindrical pillars, intricate figurines, or elegant tapered candles. Consider the aesthetic preferences of your target market when selecting molds. Incorporating unique and visually striking candle designs will make your products stand out and attract customers.

Exploring Various Coloring Techniques

Coloring is another aspect that contributes to the overall attractiveness of your candles. Explore different coloring techniques like liquid dyes, powdered dyes, and color blocks. Begin with small batches and experiment with various color combinations to achieve the desired effect. Consider market trends, customer preferences, and your brand identity when choosing candle colors. Remember that the color of the wax can affect the appearance of the fragrance throw, so select colors that enhance the overall candle experience.

Incorporating Decorative Elements and Accessories

To add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to your candles, consider incorporating decorative elements and accessories. This can include adding dried flowers, herbs, or decorative wax embeds to your candles. Think about tying ribbons or attaching personalized labels to enhance the aesthetic appeal and brand recognition. The possibilities are endless, and using decorative elements can elevate your candles to a whole new level, making them truly stand out in the market.

Testing and Quality Control

Conducting burn tests for candle performance.

Before selling your candles to customers, it’s important to conduct burn tests to ensure optimal performance. Burn testing involves lighting your candles and observing factors like burn time, flame height, and the presence of soot or smoke. Document these observations and make any necessary adjustments to ensure consistent quality across your product line. Proper burn testing will help you determine the ideal wick size, wax type, and fragrance load to achieve the best performance.

Ensuring Consistent Quality and Fragrance Throw

Maintaining consistent quality and fragrance throw in your candles is crucial for customer satisfaction and loyalty. Establish quality control measures to ensure that every candle meets your predetermined standards. This can include inspecting the appearance, scent, and burn quality of each candle before packaging and shipping. Use a checklist or quality control system to document any deviations and address them promptly. Consistency in quality will build trust and reputation for your candle making business.

Implementing Batch Tracking and Documentation

To maintain control over your inventory and traceability, implement batch tracking and documentation practices. Assign unique identifiers to each batch of candles produced, and keep detailed records of the materials used, production dates, and storage conditions. This information will be valuable for future reference, troubleshooting, and identifying trends. Additionally, it will help you address any customer concerns or inquiries regarding specific batches of candles.

Developing a Brand and Packaging

Designing a memorable and eye-catching logo.

A memorable and eye-catching logo is essential for establishing your candle making brand identity. Your logo should reflect the personality and values of your business, resonating with your target market. Consider hiring a professional graphic designer or utilizing online logo design tools to create a logo that stands out. Ensure that your logo is versatile and can be used across various marketing materials and packaging options.

Creating Branding Materials and Packaging

Branding materials and packaging play a vital role in enhancing the perceived value of your candles. Create cohesive branding materials such as labels, tags, stickers, and business cards that represent your brand consistently. Invest in visually appealing packaging options, such as custom boxes or bags, that protect your candles and provide an excellent unboxing experience. Ensure that your branding and packaging reflect the quality and uniqueness of your candles, leaving a lasting impression on your customers.

Considering Environmentally Friendly Packaging Options

As consumers become increasingly conscious about environmental sustainability, consider incorporating environmentally friendly packaging options in your business. Explore materials like recycled paper, biodegradable plastics, or reusable containers. Clearly communicate your commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices on your packaging and marketing materials. Providing environmentally friendly packaging options can attract environmentally conscious customers and align your brand with sustainability efforts.

Marketing and Selling Your Candles

Building an online presence and selling platform.

In today’s digital age, establishing an online presence is crucial for attracting customers and growing your candle making business. Create a professional website that showcases your candles along with detailed product information. Utilize e-commerce platforms to facilitate online sales and offer a seamless purchasing experience. Optimize your website for search engines and implement effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies to increase your online visibility and attract organic traffic.

Utilizing Social Media and Influencer Marketing

Social media platforms offer powerful marketing opportunities for candle makers. Create business accounts on popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to connect with potential customers. Share visually appealing content, such as high-quality product photos, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your candle making process, and customer testimonials. Collaborate with influencers or micro-influencers in the home decor or lifestyle niches to promote your candles to their engaged audience.

Establishing Relationships with Retailers and Wholesalers

Partnering with retailers and wholesalers is an effective way to expand the reach of your candle making business. Research local boutiques, gift shops, or home decor stores that align with your target market and approach them with a professional proposal. Consider offering wholesale pricing or consignment arrangements to entice retailers to carry your candles. Building strong relationships with retailers and wholesalers can result in increased exposure and consistent sales for your business.

Participating in Craft Fairs and Trade Shows

Craft fairs and trade shows provide valuable opportunities to showcase your candles in person and directly connect with potential customers. Research upcoming events in your area or within your target market and secure a booth or table to display and sell your candles. Use attractive signage, samples, and demonstrations to attract attention and engage with attendees. Collect contact information from interested customers and follow up with them after the event to drive sales and build relationships.

By following these steps and investing time and effort in each aspect, you can establish and grow a successful candle making business. Remember to continuously adapt and innovate to stay ahead in the competitive market, and always prioritize quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. With a passion for candle making and a solid business plan, you can turn your love for candles into a thriving venture. Good luck!

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How to start a candle business.

With an increase in demand for artisan products, starting a candle business from home is an increasingly popular small business idea.

Craft based enterprises are a great, flexible way to make money. The set up costs are low, and the businesses can be run from home.

If you’ve already taken up making candles as a hobby, or if you are interested in taking up a new craft, our guide will take you step by step through the business start up process.

How to Make Candles to Sell

Whether if you are already a very experienced candle maker, or a beginner – you will need to decide how you will make candles to sell.

The candle making process is relatively simple. However, there are still a few factors all would be candle business owners must take into account.

Courses for Beginners

Youtube is your friend when it comes to learning a skill for free in the comfort of your own home.

If you are a total beginner, it’s a great place to head to keep your business start up costs low and learn some skills from experienced makers.

Target Markets for Candles

Before starting to produce candles to sell, you need to consider your target market.

Try to get a sense of what products are selling well, and any market niches that could work well with the direction you’d like to take your candle business.

Look at Candles Sold in Your Local Area

Take a look at what is on the market locally by hitting local makers markets or art collectives.

Consider the packaging and quality. Also look at any unique features and benefits the creators have built into their products. Make a note of their pricing structure too. This will give you an idea of what local customers value, as well as valuable data for making your own business plan and setting those all important product margins.

Look at Etsy and Ebay

Do some research into makers on popular platforms such as Etsy and Ebay.  These platforms offer valuable insight into what other candle makers are selling.

The good thing about using Ebay and Etsy is that the product listings also display sales data. If you find a specialist candle maker on Ebay, you’ll be able to get an idea of their whole product range. On the individual listings, you will also be able to see how many they have sold.

Etsy does not have data on sales at a product level, but it does show how many sales a candle business has made overall.

Check Other Sellers Reviews

You can check reviews of candle sellers products on Ebay and Etsy, this will not only let you see what their customers loved, it will also give insight into complaints.

Seeing complaints customers had about other makers products might give you some ideas for opportunities in your product design or marketing.

Types of Candles to Make

Beginners and experienced makers alike will need to decide which type of candles they will make. Some of this will depend upon the target market you’ve identified for your products.

Different candles will need variations in production methods, and some have regulations around their production and sale.  It’s a good idea to decide what type of candles your business will sell, and then get into the nuts and bolts of learning the right methods to make them.

• Parrafin Wax – Cheap and simple to make, this type of wax is the traditional method for candle making.
• Soy Wax – A new and increasingly popular alternative to petrochemical based candles. From renewable sources, so these appeal to the eco friendly market. Clean burning, and longer lasting than paraffin wax.
• Scented Candles – scented candles are often created using essential oil blends, or other perfumed ingredients.
• Vegan Candles – Another growing market segment, vegan candles do not include beeswax and will make use of plant based waxes such as soy.
• Decorative Candles – Decorative candles are a whole different market. People will not usually burn these candles, but buy them for their pleasing aesthetics. As decorative items, and often works of art in their own right they can command a premium price.

How to Calculate Pricing & Profit Margins

Working out how to price your candles sounds complicated, but it’s very straightforward if you stay organised.

Make a list of all the items that are used making your candles and how much they cost. A spreadsheet with some auto sums will be useful. This will allow you to tweak your costs to see how it affects your profitability.

 This might include:-

• Candle Wax.
• Candle Wicks.
• Scents or essential oils.

Don’t forget to include other costs such as card processing fees, or seller fees from Ebay and Etsy.

How Much Should You Charge for Candles?

To calculate your pricing, you need to know how much each candle will cost to make. After this, add on your desired profit margin. If you aren’t sure of this, try 25% to 30% and see how your numbers look.

Alternatively, If you’ve done some competitor research you may  have a sense of what price similar candles to yours is worth to your target market, use this figure and deduct your production costs from it.

This process will also help you see if the type of candle you wish to sell is going to be commercially viable for you.

What if the Numbers Don’t Stack Up?

If your cost of materials plus profit margin means your product is a lot more expensive than your competitors, you may need a rethink.

If this does happen, don’t give up. Consider if you are adding value with your candles that others aren’t. Perhaps customers would pay more for your innovation.

If you do need to bring costs down, use your calculations to identify areas you can trim down your production costs. This could be through a tweak to your design, or seeking alternate suppliers.

Legal Requirements for Selling Homemade Candles in the UK

There are no specific laws which directly legislate for the sale of homemade candles in the UK. However, there are some general legal requirements you should be aware of before you start out.

The sale of your candles will be governed by The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 .

The regulations are there to make sure the goods any retailer sells to the public are safe.

You can find valuable advice on how to make sure you’re compliant with UK safety regulations that will apply to the sale of candles within the following guides:-

• Legal requirements for selling candles – comprehensive guide from Craftovator with useful insight into safety and different product types you may wish to sell.
• Product safety advice for businesses – the UK Government’s guide to help you interpret the regulations.

Consider Insurance for Candle Makers

Specialist insurance for candle makers can save you financial loss and stress if things do go wrong. An insurance policy will protect you from the burden of costs in the event of a customer taking legal action against you.

Types of insurance you might wish to consider:-

• Public Liability Insurance – this protects you from claims made by members of the public.  This can include personal injuries, loss or damage to property, or death for an incident in your premises or in a public place that arose from your work. This type of insurance usually covers compensation claims and your legal fees.
• Product Liability / Crafters Insurance – These types of policy cover you for legal claims relating to your product. For example, if a customer claimed your candle had caused a fire in their home.
• Insurance for your Stock –If you are holding stock which has a high monetary value, don’t forget to make sure it has been properly covered by an insurance policy. A major stock loss could cause your business trading difficulties.
• Specialist Craft Stall Public Liability Insurance – if selling at markets and fairs is a regular part of your business marketing strategy, a policy to cover you at these events may be worth considering. Many craft fair organisers require public liability insurance to be held before attendance. There are short term policies available for one off events.

Registering as Self Employed in the UK

Once you are ready to start selling, you need to make sure you don’t kick off your new business by getting on the wrong side of HMRC.

This is not something you need to do immediately, but you must register as self employed with HMRC by October 5 th in your second year of trading.

Opening a Business Bank Account

There’s no legal requirement to open a separate business bank account when you are self employed. However, it’ll make your life so much easier if you keep your business and personal transactions separate.

At some point you will need to produce a tax return taking your candle making earnings into account. If you have a separate account for all the expenditure and income, your life will be so much easier. Banks such as Starling, Monzo, or Revolut are all convenient options to open a separate account.

Taking Card Payments

If you’re planning on attending makers markets and similar events to sell your candles, you might wish to look at taking card payments.

 The use of cash in everyday transactions has reduced from 50% in 2010 to 17% in 2020 .

This means you should make sure you have the ability to take card payments if needed, so you never miss out on a sale.

There are some great, low cost options for taking card payments.   Sum Up is a popular choice with many UK small businesses. It has no monthly cost, or minimum transactions.  They have options that can be used in tandem with a smart phone, meaning you don’t need a till or sales system to use them.  

The transaction fees for this option are 1.69%

Don’t forget to include card processing fees in your profit margin calculations.

Promoting Your Candle Business

When you’re still in the early stages of your business, you’ll want to keep marketing spend to a minimum. There are several ways to start bringing in those sales at low or no cost.

Here’s our top ideas to start driving those first candle sales on a budget:-

Easy Marketing Tips

• Set up a Facebook page for the business. There are paid options to create targeted ads for the local area, or boost post visibility. You can also hit all your local pages and shout about your amazing candles.
• Use Instagram . Candles are very Insta friendly and can be a great way to build interest beyond your local area.
• Sign up for local markets – Craft and farmers markets are hugely popular. Make sure you research all the events taking place within a reasonable travel distance from you. Find out how much a stall costs, and don’t forget to ask what sort of footfall the events get. That will give you an idea of what you’d need to sell to make the event worthwhile .
• Investigate craft shops and gift stores – You may be able to find some small independent stores that will either buy your candles wholesale, or sell them for a commission.
• Create a website  or have someone build it for you. There are some great low cost options to build a basic site using online tools. Even a basic site showcasing your candles can help drive those extra sales. 
• Word of mouth . Make sure you tell everyone you know about your new venture.  Ask your friends, family, and neighbours to recommend your new products. Word of mouth costs nothing and can help get those first few sales. 
• Register on Google Business . Create a Google Business listing, you can add images on there, and don’t forget to ask all your customers to give you good reviews. This helps with visibility.
• Flyers and business cards. If you’re going to be out at a sales event, make sure you offer anyone showing interest in your candles a flyer or card. Make sure your flyers and cards have your socials and website address.
• Run a competition to win a free candle. People love a good competition, this is a great way to get the word out when you first start your candle business. Asking people to like, share, and comment on Facebook is a great way to boost visibility.  

Get Out There and Start Your Candle Business

There’s a lot to do to get a new business selling candles up and running, but just break it down into small steps and you’ll soon have a new enterprise.

Whether it’s a full time business, or a side hustle to make money while on maternity leave , the effort will be well worth it.

Starting a craft business means you can make money on your own schedule. Good luck and get started today!

See also: Legal requirements to start a business uk – a look at business structure and compliance.

Kirsty McCubbin

Kirsty McCubbin is the editor at safeworkers.co.uk. She has 20 years of experience owning & running online and offline businesses in the UK and Australia. Her interest in workers' rights was sparked while studying industrial history at Stirling University. Graduating in 1998, her studies fuelled a deep interest in the evolution of the laws that support safe and fair workplaces in the UK. Kirsty undertook postgraduate studies in Business Management at Napier.

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Starting Your Own Candle Making Business

One of the great things about candle making is that if you like it, it can quickly change into a part time or full time business. If you are a candle making crafter and you want to experience the benefits of an entrepreneurial life why not try turning it into a business.

Benefits of having your own candle making business are:

• You are your own boss
• Do the job you like and benefit from keeping the profits
• Build up your own business
• Have the flexibility to spend more time with your loved ones
• Control your own destiny

Candle making and crafting is one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK. Each year sales of candles and  candle supplies  continue to grow and it is easy to understand why candle making is such a great business opportunity. The advantages of starting your own candle making business include:

• Enter a vibrant, expanding market:  A recent survey found that over 65% of all UK households used candles. There is a massive demand for people wanting to buy handmade products that have been locally made. If you sell your own handmade branded candles you will be able to tap into this demand .
• Low start up costs –  It is easy to start up a candle making business because it does not cost too much money. You can start with a small work area and a few basic supplies. 
• Good profit margins –  Candle making has great profit margins – You can sell your candles online, at farmers markets or through local gift stores. 
• You are part of a community  – When you become a candle maker you become part of a massive caring community. People will give you help and advice and you can benefit from other people’s knowledge.

Tips On Setting up your Candle Making Business

The first thing that any new business should do is to create a business plan. It is a great way to plan a clear path forward and helps you focus your thoughts fully on what you want to achieve and where you want to go with the business. Think of it as the platform for deciding upon your brand and it laying the foundations for future success.

A lot of people are scared by the term ‘business plan’ – you should not be. It is simply putting down your business ideas down on paper and how you are going to carry them out. Remember this is not set in stone – as your business evolves so will your business plan – think of it as a ‘flexible blueprint’.

Develop your idea

Think of what you want your business to be and why customers should use you. 

Be Clear What Your Target Market Is

One of the most important things of developing a brand is to determine where your new business will fit in the overall candle marketplace. You must decide where your candle will fit in one of these three segments of the candle market  place:

• Prestigious or top-end:  This is for  luxury stores that are able to charge high prices. In most cases candles sold in the top-end of the luxury market are perceived as prestigious products and have expensive packaging and fragrances. 
• Middle of the market:  Here you will find candles that are at a more affordable price point and sold in locally owned boutiques and local gift shops. These candles also have very good packaging and fragrances and brand and image are also important.
• Mass-market:  Here you will find candles sold in discount retail stores and these candles will usually have less expensive  candle containers   and  candle packaging . 

When deciding which segment of the market you want to target, you need to think who your candle buyer will be. From this you can determine what sort of candles they will buy and more importantly how much they will be prepared to pay. That then gives you a good starting point for what candles to make and what packaging to use. Remember your business will evolve over time and because you are in charge you can change direction whenever you need to. 

What is Unique About your Candles

When you have decided what segment of the candle market that you are going to target, you can then decide on what will make you unique. You can do this by:

• Create your own fragrances
• Brand each candle with its own clever name
• Give back – donate a percentage of your profits to a local charity

What you are aiming for is to develop a unique range of candles that customers identify as being yours and as a result build up brand loyalty.

Have Your Own Candle Brand Name 

Come up with a good name   and logo for your candle making business. Think about what colour schemes you will use and try and carry this through into your packaging.  Make sure that the name you have chosen is available to buy as a domain name and remember to register it as a trade mark. If it is already trademarked you cannot use it.  

Set a Realistic Startup Budget

It is important to set yourself an affordable budget and stick to it. Work out how much your candle making supplies will initially cost, add on any equipment you may need and other overheads. Also remember that you do not work for free – factor in a wage for yourself as well. 

Decide on What You Will Make First and Prices

When you first start making candles you should concentrate on two or three different candles and not make too many different candles. That way you can perfect your candles and keep everything manageable. Use family and friends as sounding boards – ask them what candles they like and how much they would pay for one. Then carefully cost out each candle – include materials and also your time and then decide on what price you would then need to sell it for to make a decent profit. Remember that you are not a charity – make sure that you price your candle at a price that reflects the hard work and effort that you have put into it. 

Work Out Where You Will Sell Your Candles

Now for the fun part – after all of your effort and hard work you can start to sell your candles. The three easiest markets to sell to at first are:

• Farmers markets, craft fairs and local gift shops
• Online marketplaces like Ebay and Etsy
• Your own website store 

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• Oct 5, 2023
• 10 min read

How to start a candle business in 2024: an 8-step guide

This post was last updated on October 5, 2023.

You’ve probably heard the rumors.

The candle industry is thriving. Last year alone, the global candle industry hit $6.8 billion—and it's currently on track to reach $9.9 billion in annual revenue by 2028, according to a report by Vantage Market Research .

Whether you’re looking to take a personal hobby to the next level or dive head-first into a new business venture, you’ve come to the right place. This step-by-step guide for how to start a candle business will outline everything you need to know.

Why should you start a candle business?

There are a number of reasons why a candle business makes for a good eCommerce business idea . To name a few:

Low startup costs - Candle-making doesn’t require a lot of tools or equipment to start. You could essentially run to your local craft store with little startup capital and get started today (though later you might want to upgrade to premium materials). This isn’t generally the case when it comes to how much it costs to start a business . Consider candle dropshipping also.

Easy to learn - There are tons of free online resources, recipes, and tutorials to help you understand the craft of candle-making (including this handy resource hub by the National Candle Association ). You can experiment with fragrances, containers, waxes, and wicks at your leisure and customize your candles however you’d like.

Better-than-average profit margins - What may cost you just a few dollars to make can typically be sold at a 25% to 50% markup , making operating expenses relatively affordable.

How to start a candle business in 8 steps

Master the craft of candle-making

Define your brand

Estimate your startup costs

Write a business plan

Make your business official

Create your startup inventory

Create your online store

Develop your marketing strategy

01. Master the craft of candle-making

The first logical step is to get familiar with the process of creating a candle. One of our favorite types comes from the Armatage Candle Company, which encourages new business owners to heed the "84 Candle Rule"—that is, create 84 candles and give most of them away.

The 84 Candle Rule gives you ample time to get familiar with the candle-making process, test various formulas, and collect feedback from friends and family.

Moreover, as you create more and more candles, you’ll learn to:

Graduate from a candle-making kit. To scale production, you’ll eventually need to invest in more professional equipment, like a 4-lb pour pot or a Presto Pot, that can support a higher volume than a kit.

Master the craft. Rather than splitting your time between learning how to create candles and run a business , you can focus on perfecting (and confirming your interest) in candle-making first.

Test various aspects of your candles. With each batch you make, you can test aspects such as smell, safety, burn time, and more until you develop a formula that you like.

Find suppliers. As you increase production, you’ll need to learn how and where to purchase supplies, whether locally or online—and can afford the time to shop around.

Make a variety of candles. Making 84 candles gives you plenty of room to explore various wax types, dyes, fragrances, and candle types (e.g., pillar candles, container candles, wax melts, etc.) that you can offer as part of your catalog.

02. Define your brand

Before presenting your candles to the market, you must figure out the who, what, and why behind your brand. Ask yourself:

Why are you starting a business ? - What is the story behind your brand, and the overall vision that keeps you motivated?

What is your target market - Are you looking to sell higher-end candles to be sold at luxury boutiques and stores? Or, are you looking to appeal to the masses and create candles that feature more economical packaging and containers?

Who is your ideal customer? - Perhaps you’re looking to sell high-end candles for working men and women aged 20 to 35 who want to spruce up their home offices. Or, perhaps your niche consists of avid campers aged 35 through 60 looking for a better-smelling, bug-repelling candle.

What makes your candles different? - Are your candles non-toxic? Are your scents extra delicious? Do you support a cause? It's important to establish your unique selling proposition (USP) in order to differentiate yourself from competitors.

Once you’ve answered these questions, you can enjoy an easier time figuring out how to bring your vision to life. Between deciding the types of candles you want to offer and how to brand your online store , a clear brand identity can help you to get things off the ground faster.

At this point, make sure to tackle these basic steps:

Decide on a business name - A strong, memorable name is invaluable. Take the time to think of a candle business name that represents your products or brand mission, while ensuring that it’s able to grow with your brand. If you need some inspiration, try the Wix Business Name Generator for free.

Create a logo - Design a logo that you can proudly sport on your product packaging, website, and marketing materials. The Wix Logo Maker can get your creative juices flowing, or find a professional designer on the Wix Marketplace .

Design your labels - Work with your designer to create labels for your candles that are reflective of your brand’s personality. Remember to observe candle label requirements and include essential information like your candle scent, product weight, and your company information.

03. Estimate your startup costs

When it comes to learning how to start a business , there are typically two types of startup costs that you’ll have to be aware of:

Production/manufacturing costs - These include the cost of manufacturing and packaging your products. Factor in equipment like your containers, waxes, wicks, fragrance oils, thermometers, and more.

Business/operating costs - These include any software subscriptions, shipping costs, small business insurance, and other bills you’ll have to pay to keep your business operations running smoothly.

Take the time to list out what items you’ll need to create your first 100 or so candles. At this stage, you’ll also want to get familiar with costs you should expect, both now and in the future.

For instance, you’ll need to budget money for any marketing or advertising that you plan to do around your products. You’ll also need to factor in taxes, plus recurring fees for any website software you want to use or partners (like 3PLs) that you want to team up with to scale and simplify operations.

04. Write a business plan

A business plan helps you plan out all aspects of your business and set yourself up for sustainable growth.

When developing your plan, it’s important to take your time and walk through the various opportunities and challenges confronting your business. Pinpoint your competitors, your differentiators, your distribution channels, and the resources at your disposal (among other things).

Most business plans will include the following sections:

Executive summary

Company name, description, and domain

Ecommerce market analysis

Products you’re selling and why

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

Learn more about creating a strong eCommerce business plan .

05. Make your business official

It's time to turn your business into a legal business entity and take care of other business-essential steps. Don't worry. This part is a lot less scary than it sounds.

Register with your state

It is important to take where you live into account. Learning how to start a business in Massachusetts is very different from learning how to start a business in California , for example. Register your business name through your state and local governments. The easiest way to find where to register is by googling "register a business in [insert your state]."

The search results will contain several links for companies offering to register your business for you (for a fee). However, you can avoid the service fee by registering directly through your state's website. You’ll typically have to pay a small filing fee, which varies by state.

Get a federal tax ID

File for a Federal Tax ID (or EIN) number , which is required to open a business bank account, obtain a business loan, hire employees, and more. Fortunately, the application process is free and only takes a few minutes.

Apply for business licenses and permits

Once you have your EIN, you can complete the last step in making your business legal: apply for a business license . A business license includes your seller's permit and allows you to collect state sales tax on your transactions.

Perform another internet search to find the appropriate website for your state (i.e., google "register for a business license in [insert your state]"). Complete the application steps outlined by your state. Note that some states only require a general business license while others have additional local or county-based requirements.

Apply for insurance

Unfortunately, the reality is that candles are a fire hazard, and accidents can happen. Therefore, applying for insurance is one of the most critical steps in creating your business. Insurance not only protects your business, but it protects you and your family as well.

At a minimum, you'll want an insurance policy that provides general liability coverage. General liability is the most straightforward and covers third-party property damage or injury claims.

There are a lot of online resources about small business insurance. Do some research, consult a professional, and find a small business insurance company that provides the coverage you need and fits your budget.

Get a business bank account

For taxes and bookkeeping, it’s a good idea to keep your business income and expenses separate from your personal finances.

Each bank or credit union has different fees, transaction limits, and balance minimums for business accounts. So take some time to shop around for a local or online bank that will work for you.

Note: to open a business account, most financial institutions require a copy of your business formation documents (obtained when you registered your business), licenses/permits, and either your EIN or your social security number.

06. Create your startup inventory

Build your first products to list for sale. Start with a fragrance lineup that best fits your business and your purpose, and then every couple of months, launch a new fragrance and get feedback from your buyers.

This can help to keep your customers engaged and excited about new fragrances or product lines.

A good place to start is by launching a handful of fragrances, spanning a range of different categories, such as:

For example, Renee Candle Co. offers several distinct scents within these categories: Unwind, Noir, Tropix, Spiced, Lush and Cozy.

07. Create your online store

Here comes the fun part. Build a business website where you can collect orders for your candles.

Learn more: How to make a website

At this stage, it’s crucial to pick a reliable eCommerce platform. A platform like Wix’s eCommerce website builder offers a wide range of features and capabilities, including built-in catalog management, inventory management, and marketing tools that will be useful in the future.

All Wix websites are also built with SEO, reliability, security, and performance in mind. Meaning, you don’t have to worry about your site crashing when there’s a surge in traffic. And you can rest assured that your site is mobile-friendly and backed by the best security measures.

Read More: Proof that Wix is good for eCommerce

Thanks to these capabilities, you can focus most of your attention on designing the best, user-friendly site experience.

First, pick a layout design that best suits your brand. Most website builders provide several pre-made templates to help get you started. For example, Wix eCommerce includes more than 500 professionally designed online store templates , which can be further customized.

Build out your pages and pay special attention to the following best practices:

Use high-quality product photos - Offer a range of studio and lifestyle shots, and photos that show your candles at various angles. Heed these product photography tips in order to take pictures that are both compelling and informative.

Include detailed product descriptions - For each candle, clearly state the available size(s), fragrance, approximate burn times, and appropriate warnings or usage tips. The more detail you can include, the better for mitigating returns due to “item not as described.”

Make sure your products are easy to find - Ensure that your site is easy to navigate. As a general rule of thumb, all of your products should be accessible within three clicks. Leverage breadcrumbs, menus, and features like “related products” to encourage product discovery on your site.

Offer multiple payment options - When connecting a payment provider to your store, keep in mind that some customers may want to pay with a credit card while others may prefer PayPal or buy-now-pay-later services like Affirm. Reduce friction at checkout by offering a variety of payment options. Wix Payments can make this possible on any Wix store—or you can choose from 50+ other payment options.

08. Develop your marketing strategy

You've done a lot of work up to this point. Now it's time to create an eCommerce marketing strategy and figure out how to spread the word about your store. As a Wix merchant, you can automatically access tools for business email marketing, social media marketing, blogging, and more.

Social media is a great place to start promoting your product, though you’ll want to avoid taking the spray-and-pray approach. Engage with social channels one or two at a time (there’s no need to create accounts everywhere just for the heck of it). Experiment with various types of posts—like videos and livestreams—and observe how people respond.

Pro tip : When talking about your product online, avoid subjective buzzwords like “amazing” or “best.” Instead, focus on your purpose and your story, and aim to demonstrate how your products are superior.

Other marketing tactics worth trying:

Create a newsletter to regularly engage with customers and recommend products

Start a blog as part of a larger SEO strategy, and to attract organic traffic to your site

Run ad campaigns that retarget your site visitors and/or help you get in front of new audiences

Incentivize customers to refer a friend to your website by offering special rewards

Collect user-generated content and social proof to display on your site

Run contests and giveaways to generate interest in your products

Participate in craft shows or other local events where you can demonstrate your products in person

Time to launch

So, you've laid the groundwork for your business, stocked up on supplies (plus equipment), built an amazing eCommerce website, and created your initial inventory. Now it’s time to put it all together and launch your candle business.

Remember to never stop being curious, even after you’ve opened the (virtual) doors of your business. Analyze your business regularly. Talk to your customers. Optimize and pivot as necessary.

Ready to start your new candle-making business? Create your online store with Wix eCommerce today.

Looking to start a candle business in a specific state

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How to start a candle business FAQ

What are some of the challenges of starting a candle business.

There are a few challenges that you may face when starting a candle business. These include:

Competition: The candle industry is very competitive, so you'll need to find a way to make your candles stand out from the competition.

Costs: Starting a candle business can be expensive, especially if you plan on making your own candles. You'll need to factor in the cost of supplies, packaging, marketing, and shipping.

Time: It takes time to build a successful candle business. Don't expect to become an overnight success.

What are some tips for starting a successful candle business?

Allison Lee

Editor, Wix eCommerce

Allison is the editor for the Wix eCommerce blog, with several years of experience reporting on eCommerce news, strategies, and founder stories.

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Candle Making Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Candle Making Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their candle making businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a candle making business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Candle Making Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your candle making business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Candle Business

If you’re looking to start a candle making business, or grow your existing business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your business in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Candle Making Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a candle making business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

Personal savings is the other most common form of funding for a candle making business. Venture capitalists will usually not fund a candle making business. They might consider funding a candle making business with a national presence, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an investment, and an individual location could never achieve such results.  With that said, personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for candle making businesses.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for your candle-making business.

If you want to start a candle making business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Each section below is a key component of a solid candle making business plan:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of candle making business you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of candle making businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the candle industry. Discuss the type of candle making business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of candle making businesses:

• Scented Candles : this type of business will focus on making scented candles. This type of business can focus on traditional scented candles, or can specialize in creating unique scent combinations.
• Specialty Wax Candles: this type of business specializes in making candles from ingredients that differ from traditional paraffin wax. Other waxes include soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, special blends, etc.
• Novelty Candles: this type of business focuses on creating candles in novelty shapes, or around specific themes such as holidays or birthdays.

In addition to explaining the type of business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, number of positive reviews, recipes tested, etc.
• Your legal business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the candle industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the candle industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your own candle business plan:

• How big is the candle industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your candle business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: men, women, families, couples, professionals, teenagers, religious groups, party planners, homeowners, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of candle making business you operate. Clearly, couples would respond to different marketing promotions than religious groups, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most candle making businesses primarily serve customers living in their surrounding geographic area, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your potential customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other candle businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes major retail stores, craft stores and decoration stores. You need to mention such competition as well.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be retailers located very close to your location who sell candles and other local candle makers.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What types of candles do they specialize in?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide a wider variety of candles?
• Will you provide a rewards program or special discounts?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a candle making business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of candle making company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to candle making, will you provide a rewards program or another service such as adding personal messages on the candle/ jar of candle?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your candle making company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your candle business located in a busy retail district, shopping plaza, mall, etc.  Discuss how your location might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your candle making marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local websites
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your candle business, including tracking inventory, marketing your business, researching new scent combinations or designing new novelty options, pouring candles for inventory, and preparing for upcoming orders.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sell your 1,000th candle, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your candle making business to a new city, or launch an ecommerce site.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your candle business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing candle making businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in small-scale manufacturing of consumer goods or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you specialize in a limited variety of scents and shapes, or will you offer a broad array of traditional candles? And will candle sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your candle business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a candle making business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your manufacturing facility lease or invoices of upcoming orders you are working on.  

Putting together a business plan for your candle making business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will have an expert candle business plan; download it to PDF to show banks and investors. You will really understand the candle making industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful candle making business.  

Candle Making Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my candle making business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Candle Making Business Plan.

Where Can I Download a Candle Company Business Plan PDF?

You can download our candle company business plan pdf .

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of candle making business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a candle making business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of candle making businesses?

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Candle Making business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.  

Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.  

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Business Start-up Plan

With 24/7 access to content and media, which enables us to buy almost anything from the comfort of our own home, it’s no wonder online businesses have become a key part of the retail world, and starting your own online business at home couldn’t be easier. The home fragrance market is more popular than ever. With the market size valued at $5,628.9 million in 2018, and is expected to reach $9,122.6 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 6.3% from 2019 to 2026,  now is the perfect time to start your business. (Especially as you can make your own candles and wax melts easily at home in your own kitchen!) We know starting your own business can be pretty daunting, but no need to stress about getting everything right straight away. As time goes on you’ll learn what works for you and your business, so view this as a flexible guide to get you started. Check out our  Business Plan Templat e and  Small Business Checklist  after reading this guide!

Choose Your Platform

So you’ve decided to start your own online business, now it’s time to choose your selling platform. Traditionally setting up an e-commerce website is the standard way of running an online store (See our Want to go further with your business? section for more detail). However, if you want to keep it simple and don’t want to deal with the hassle of building your own website then there are other options available. Ebay and Etsy are perfect examples, all you have to do is set up an account and create your shop and you’re ready to go. Plus, as already established shopping platforms they have a constant influx of customers, so you won’t have to worry about advertising. Alternatively, you could set up a store on Facebook or Instagram (or both). You heard right, social media is not only for promoting your store and products! Both platforms have the option to add a ‘shop section’ where you can list all your products and people can purchase them directly through the platform. Facebook has clear instructions that walk you through every step, including how to connect payment providers (see our Marketing your products section for instructions on how to create a social media business page).

The difference between Facebook Shop and Facebook Market Place

Facebook Shop is a section included within your Facebook Business page where customers can browse your catalogue and purchase products. Facebook Marketplace is meant for individuals as a virtual tag sale to sell used items. With Facebook Marketplace, you have to upload each item for sale individually. With Facebook Shop, you can connect with an e-commerce platform that makes it easier to sell multiples of the same item and integrate with your other sales channels. You can also run ads to have your products from your Facebook Shop appear within the Facebook Marketplace.

Setting up your Instagram shop

To set up your Instagram shop you need to make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app and have converted your account to a business profile. Next, make sure your Instagram and Facebook page are linked (your Facebook page should have a catalogue as mentioned above). Once you have completed these steps, Instagram will automatically review your account for approval. Approval might take a few days, but be patient—you’ll get a notification when you’re officially approved.

Choosing Your Online Payment Service

After you have set up your platform you need to choose how you will accept payments. The most popular online payment service is Paypal as it can be added to multiple platforms and also used alone through its independent app and site. There are many other online payment services to choose from such as Google Pay, World Pay, and Stripe etc. However, if you are solely accepting payments through social media PayPal is the most recommended form of payment. 

Setting A Starter Budget

We suggest creating a budget for your first two months in business, so you have a basic idea of what to expect and don’t have any nasty scares. You’ll need to estimate the cost of supplies, equipment, and overhead. You should also budget in a wage for your time and effort as a business owner as well; after all, this if for you. Check out our Start-up budget template included with this guide.

Creating Your Brand

Now for the fun part. It’s time to decide what to call your business, design a logo, colour scheme, aesthetic, and brand identity. Make sure you’re original and as different as possible to potential competitors. Focus on what makes your brand unique and what you’re passionate about. It’s okay to look at other businesses for inspiration and to see what resonates with customers, just make sure you focus on being personal and authentic. (You want to make yourself noticed and stand out from the crowd!) Pro Tip: If you’re thinking of starting a website, it is important to check that a website domain is available to use for your business, as well as running a trademark search (a UK URL such as .co.uk is essential). You don’t have to register a trademark right away, but you’ll want to have the option available as your business grows and it is very important to check there are no other products within the same industry with registered trademarks similar to your brand. You can search for trademarks at:  https://www.gov.uk/search-for-trademark

Find your niche

So, you’ve come up with an amazing brand identity, the next step is finding your brand’s individual “niche”. You need to decide what makes your candles unique and separates them from the competition. Here are a few common ways candle makers find the perfect niche: • Special Packaging • Unusual or ‘funky’ names for your candles • Unique scent combinations • Vegan/cruelty-free made • All-natural products • Profit donations to charities to support a good cause • Add on products such as:  Aromatherapy candles  Reed diffusers  Car air fresheners  Electric plug-in air fresheners  Wax melt snap bars  Soaps  Bath bombs  Bubble bars  Creams  Lip balms In the end, your niche should distinguish your candles and make them so unique customers won’t be able to find them anywhere else.

Define your market

The next step is deciding where your business fits in the candle marketplace. Is your aim to stay small and local? Sell to friends and family? Perhaps the local boutique shop in your town? Or are you planning on conquering the whole of the country (why not?) Either way you should consider developing your product line around one of these three areas: Mass-market: Your standard affordable candles found at many retail stores. These candles often use economical containers and packaging and feature traditional scents like vanilla with prices ranging from £1-£5. (As a start-up business it would be very difficult to compete in the mass market.) Mid-market: Candles with broad appeal like Yankee candles. They are usually a little higher in price ranging from £10- £23 however you can expect slightly higher quality packaging, and a lot more scent combinations like lemon and lavender, clean cotton etc. High-end or “prestige”: A great example here would be “Jo Malone “ candles where luxury stores command a premium price. Candles in the high-end market are typically prestige-level products that place a premium on packaging, fragrance, and the story behind the brand. Price range: starting from £23 all the way up to £120! To help identify which market suits you best, think about the people you will be selling to, how they will buy your candles (what’s your platform), and how much they’re willing to pay. You will then have a better idea of what materials you want to use, and it might help craft your brand and niche in the process! 

Develop an initial product line and prices

Now you have your brand, niche, and market you can start developing your products. In the beginning, it’s best to keep your product line small and manageable. Think about the candles and scents you like, what’s most popular with your friends and family, and also what fits your chosen target market. When pricing your products there are a variety of different types of pricing strategies you could use. However, there's no one guaranteed formula-based approach that suits candles and other home fragrance products. Usually, pricing your products involves considering certain key factors, including pinpointing your target market, tracking how much competitors are charging, and understanding the relationship between quality and price. This may sound a little daunting in the beginning but don’t worry. To simply put it, when setting up your initial pricing you need to add up all of the costs involved in bringing your product to market and set your profit margin on top of those expenses, that’s it. A good starting point is the below formula which has been tried and tested over the years: Cost of Raw Materials (inc. packaging)  +  Your time / Labour  x 2-2.5 ie: Materials £2 + Your time £2   = Selling Price £8 - £10

Why this pricing approach works

The most important element of your price is that it needs to sustain your business. If you price your products at a loss, or an unsustainable profit margin, you’re going to find it challenging to grow and scale. There are also other important factors that your pricing needs to account for, like how you’re priced compared to your competitors, and what your pricing policy mean for your business and your customers’ expectations. Pricing isn't a decision you only get to make once. In the early days testing the market with different price points is critical and will be very helpful in guiding you as to where your products fit into the market. 

Marketing Your Products

Whether you’ve decided to sell your products on eBay, Esty, Social media, or a website, you still need to market your products. The best way to do it (for free) is social media. It is such a brilliant modern-day tool where potential customers can sit scrolling, looking for something new. So, even if you’ve created a store on platforms such as eBay and Esty, you still need to launch social media channels.

One of the most popular social media sites, and with over 1.2 billion users each day there’s no wonder Facebook has 60 million active business pages! Having a Facebook business page allows your small business to dip into a huge pool of potential customers in a familiar way– through one of the most influential social media platforms in the world. Brilliant right? To create a Facebook business page, you must also have a personal profile: • Create a page – select the type based on what your business does • Fill in the additional details – input your business address, contact information and the category which suits your business. • Click ‘get started’ – read the terms • Choose the right profile and cover photo – profile picture should be your logo or something that’s associated with your brand (like your candles) • Discover your page – be guided around your new page • Complete the short description – add a few sentences about your business • Create a username – type an address for your page; like a URL •  Update the ‘about’ section – include essential information for customers

The other most influential social media platform is Instagram with over 500 million active users a day, Instagram is definitely another channel you should utilise for your business! Follow the below steps to set up your Instagram Business page: • Create an account- Sign up with your email address or phone number, and then enter a username. You can log in with your Facebook account details however we suggest NOT doing this as it will create an account based on your personal Facebook page. Since this is for your business, you should use your business email address. • Create a username and password- If you’re setting up Instagram for your business, the username should be the business name, or as close as you can get it. • Picking the right profile photo- profile picture should be your logo or something that’s associated with your brand (like your candles) if you don’t have a logo. No selfies please! • Complete your profile- Fill out bio and contact information fields. This is the only place on Instagram that allows you to use a clickable URL so you can add a link to your eBay/Esty shop or website if you have one. • Instagram for Business- Click “Try Instagram for Business Tools” and follow the instructions to complete your profile and take advantage of the tools offered. Here is a  walkthrough from Instagram about getting started with their business tools. • Link your account to Facebook- Instagram will ask you to link your business Facebook page or create one. Why? Facebook acquired Instagram a few years ago so the platforms are more integrated than ever! (to get the most out of Instagram business we recommend you do this). And that’s it, you’re ready to start sharing your work on social media!

Start Posting

There’s no incentive for people to follow you with an empty page, so start sharing! You could curate a feed of beautiful images related to your brand to get you started and once you’ve made your candles, stage photos of them to show off to customers and reach a larger audience. Make sure all your photos are high quality, no-one will like a photo they can barely see! Don’t forget to add captions and hashtags to your posts. Hashtags are one of the best ways to get your posts seen by non-followers. The most popular hashtags (#love, #happy, #tbt) range in the hundreds of millions of times used and your posts will most likely be skipped over, so if you’re targeting a particular niche, consider using a more specific hashtag, such as #candles #candlemaker #handpouredwithlove. Be consistent. People like to see constant new content, so keep posting. Try mixing up your feed every now and again by providing a behind-the-scenes peek at how you make your candles and maybe post a video every so often. You could also use some of your products as prizes in a series of giveaways and contests. (Not only can these contests help you gain followers and build brand awareness, but you also have the opportunity to show off how well your products work). Pro tips: (1) add a little card in your packaging thanking people for purchasing your product and ask them to follow your branded social channels for new products, discounts, and giveaways. (2) Don’t be afraid to follow fellow candle business makers. Following and meeting other merchants can inspire you with new ideas and help you come up with new solutions to shared problems. Once you’ve got comfortable with your social media marketing you could consider using  Facebook ads and  Instagram ads to boost your following and get you in front of more potential customers, regardless of whether they are in your network or not. 

Ensure compliant to General Public Safety Regulations

Under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 , it is required that all producers and distributors of any potentially dangerous product must be fully labelled with information and warnings relating to that product.  Our candle safety labe l and  wax melt safety label contains all the relevant information and warnings your customers need to know about safely using your candles and wax melts. As well as a candle safety label your candles or melts must also be CLP compliant. The CLP Regulation (for “Classification, Labelling, and Packaging”) is a European Union regulation from 2008, which aligns the European Union system of classification, labelling, and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). This article explains CLP in great detail in how to be compliant:  http://www.cirs-reach.com/CLP/Labelling_Packaging.html This area of labelling can be very confusing, but we have made it easy for you. Fragrances contain a range of different chemicals which are classed as potentially harmful and need to be displayed on the packaging. The chemicals in each fragrance are all different. We have a data sheet available for every fragrance we supply. A candle can hold generally 10% fragrance oil, so we provide a 10% datasheet for each fragrance. Simply go to the fragrance product page on our website, and click the data sheets tab. Under the datasheet tab, you will see ‘Download 10% MSDS.’ Once downloaded, open the datasheet and scroll to section 2.2 ‘Label Elements. Everything in this area needs to be put directly onto your candle label. For most fragrances, we have already created a CLP label template for you. Simply print off, add your company details, print using a label printer and stick to your candle or wax melt. You can use this CLP label for anything from 10% and under. It is also your responsibility to keep a copy of the 10% data-sheet if a customer or doctor ever requires it, in case of a medical emergency.

Register at HMRC with all earnings reported as self-employed

Once you’ve set up your business you will then need to register with HMRC as a sole trader by the end of the new tax year, this means you’re self-employed. You can be both employed and self-employed at the same time. Benefits of being a sold trader • Be your own boss! Work hours that suit you. • No need for formal accounts, all you need to do is keep all business-related receipts and a record of sales, and your accountant will do the rest! • You will receive tax relief on all goods purchased for the business, such as pots, pans, scales and even claim office space from home as an expense, all of which increase profits! How to set up as a sole trader To set up as a sole trader, you need to tell HMRC that you pay tax through Self Assessment. You’ll need to file a tax return every year. Register for Self Assessment. For more details see  https://www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader Please note, once your turnover exceeds £85,000 in revenue, you must register for VAT. This means you no longer have to pay VAT on any purchases such as stock, equipment and any other business-related goods. But it does mean you must start charging VAT on the products you sell to the customer. You then pay the difference between the VAT not paid on supplies to the VAT received from sales to HMRC More details about VAT and how to register can be found here:  https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration

Want to go further with your business?

You may decide you want to host your store on your very own website, which can be great as your customer base grows and you get more and more orders. But how do you create a website? You could build it yourself. However, this is extremely hard work, and you’ll need all the right coding knowledge – but you would have full control of your website and save you money. You could use a website building tool. Simple to use, many of these tools will take you through the entire website building process, from registering a domain name to designing your site’s layout using templates or drag-and-drop tools. You could hire a professional. The guidance of an expert to help you build the best website possible may be the solution for you. They are there to make sure everything is the way you want it, and if you have any issues or questions they are there to support you.

Print out our quick Business Plan Checklist:

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Candle Making Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a candle making business is a great way to turn your creative passion into a rewarding business venture. Having a comprehensive business plan is key to successfully launching and growing your business. This article will guide you through the process of creating a business plan with the help of the #1 Candle Making Business Plan Template & Guidebook.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Candle Making Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Candle Making Business Ideas [2023]

How to Write a Candle Making Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your candle making business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your candle making business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a candle making business:

Our mission at (Name of Candle Making Business) is to create luxurious and beautiful handcrafted candles that bring light, warmth, and joy to our customers. We strive to infuse our creations with the highest quality materials, in order to provide a luxury candle experience that surpasses expectations.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Candle Making Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your candle making business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your candle making business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your candle making business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your candle making business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

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4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a candle making business?

• Candle Making Supplies: Wax, wicks, dyes, fragrances, molds, and other ingredients
• Equipment: Melting pots, thermometers, pouring jugs and stirring tool
• Permits: Depending on the local regulations in your area you may need to apply for a business license or register with the local municipality.

5. Management & Organization of Your Candle Making Business.

The second part of your candle making business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your candle making business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Candle Making Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a candle making business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a candle making business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your candle making business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your candle making business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your candle making business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candle Making Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a candle making business.

A business plan is an essential document for anyone launching a new business or looking to expand an existing one. It serves as a roadmap to ensure that all aspects of the business are clearly laid out before beginning operations. A business plan for a candle making business should include details about the target market, product lines, competitive advantages, potential risks and growth potential. The plan should also contain financial projections and a pricing strategy to help guide the development of the business.

Who should you ask for help with your candle making business plan?

You should ask for help from a professional business consultant or a Small Business Administration (SBA) representative. They will be able to provide you with the resources and guidance necessary to create an effective business plan. Additionally, you could look into online business planning tools, including Business Plan Pro and LivePlan, which can help guide you through the process of creating your plan.

Can you write a candle making business plan yourself?

Writing a business plan for a candle making business can be complex, especially when factoring in the details. It is possible to write a business plan yourself, but there are many helpful resources available that can provide guidance. An effective business plan should include industry analysis, market research, product description and pricing, management and operations plans, financial plans, and marketing plans. Consulting with professional business advisors or online services can help provide the necessary structure and skills to write an effective business plan.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Candle Making Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Candle Making Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Candle Making business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Candle Making businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Candle Making business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

The Countryroad Candle Company is a startup candle manufacturing company located in Augusta, Georgia. The company is founded by Emily Reynolds, a creative and driven individual who wants to turn her favorite pastime into a thriving business. Emily has a background of seven years in marketing housewares to the retail sector and she has a keen eye for design, which brings her to the startup phase of her candle making company.

Countryroad Candle Company will provide a wide array of candles in scented, decorative and pure iterations of the concept Emily Reynolds is bringing to the company. Each candle will have unique properties, including a small candle within each large candle, which doubles the light and beauty of the decoratives on the candles. This unique feature has not been shared or adopted by anyone else, hence Emily has the drive to get this unique candle making product line into the market.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Countryroad Candle Company will provide:

• Small to large uniquely-designed candles, in sizes of 3 to 8 inches in diameter and in height up to 17-inches.
• A selection of carefully curated candle holders, glass bases, and other complementary items to highlight the candles.
• Candle accessories, including candle snuffers, long decorative matches, and scented bottled oils to add to the fragrance of the candles.
• 12-pack cartons for sale at retail; 6-pack boxes for sale to smaller shop or outlets.
• Single candle pricing for sale online, in addition to 12-pack cartons
• Special discounts for disabled or elderly individuals who will use candles for healing properties

Customer Focus

Countryroad Candle Company will target all consumers in the greater Atlanta area. They will target retail stores and store chains. They will target gift shops, flower shops and other related independent stores in the region of Atlanta. They will target event venues, party planners and event coordinators.

Management Team

Countryroad Candle Company will be owned and operated by Emily Reynolds. She has recruited Sarah Thompson, the former production manager of her last employer, a large candle making company called Glow & Co.

Emily Reynolds is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She previously was employed by Glow & Co., but decided to branch out and create unique candles that would offer new designs and new fragrances to the boutique candle offerings of the area. Emily’s stellar marketing efforts and courtesy with clients led her former employer to win the 2022 title of “Best Customer Service in Atlanta.”

Sarah Thompson has been creating and overseeing the manufacture of candles for over thirty years. She specializes in long-burn candles and produces the combination of ingredients that lead to fragrant, high-end candles with a beauty that cannot be surpassed. The new company offers her an opportunity to create distinctive “candle within a candle” design and manufacturing experience and she’s excited to begin the tasks ahead. She has the expertise and extensive background in candle-making to produce superior candles with the practicality of high burn time combined with stellar beauty.

Success Factors

Countryroad Candle Company will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team at Countryroad Candle Company
• Extensive product line of unique candles, with properties that are highly-desirable.
• Curated candle accessory assortment prepared and vetted for retail sales
• Packaging in quantities that will support all retail customers, small to large
• Industry knowledge and contacts that are extensive and international
• Countryroad Candle Company will offer the best package pricing for the highest-quality candles offered. Discounts will also apply to disabled and elderly customers who use the candles for healing properties.

Financial Highlights

Countryroad Candle Company is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its Countryroad Candle Company. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the various marketing strategies to be employed. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Countryroad Candle Company.

Company Overview

Who is countryroad candle company.

Countryroad Candle Company is a newly established candle design and manufacturing company in Atlanta, Georgia. Countryroad Candle Company will offer unique candles, designed with beauty and carrying delightful fragrances, to the retail markets of the Atlanta region. The candles will be a proprietary offering by Countryroad Candle Company and the production of the candles is a patented process. Countryroad Candle Company will provide a mix of carton and box packaging assortments so that customers can purchase in bulk or in smaller configurations to suit their retail outlets. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive price structure and delivery options to suit every buyer.

  Countryroad Candle Company will be able to bring a new aspect of candle-making to the candle customers within the housewares and giftware industry sector, providing a superior product line and one that contains both practicality and beauty combined. The team of professionals are highly-qualified and the production manager is a seasoned veteran at candle-making and all aspects of packaging and shipping products. Countryroad Candle Company offers everything that other candle manufacturers cannot: a unique product line, beautiful decor on each candle, fragrances that complement each candle and packed cartons in a variety of sizes for all levels of retail.

Countryroad Candle Company History

Since incorporation, Countryroad Candle Company has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Countryroad Candle Company, LLC to transact business in the state of Georgia.
• Has a contract in place at one of the Atlanta area buildings to set up its candle-making production line and office space within 10,000 square feet.
• Reached out to numerous former buyers and associates to announce the establishment of the new business and discuss advance orders.
• Began recruiting a staff of six and office personnel to work at Countryroad Candle Company.

Countryroad Candle Company Services

The following will be the services Countryroad Candle Company will provide:

Industry Analysis

• The candle manufacturing industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $190 million.
• The growth will be driven by an increased number of consumers using candles for self-healing and stress-relieving properties.
• The growth of the demographic strata of Gen Z, Millennials, and other younger-aged groups who will use candles extensively in homes, offices and areas of relaxation.
• The growth of fragrances with known healing properties and their use in candles.
• The increased number of wedding and party planners looking for unique lighting.
• Costs will be reduced by lower-priced candles imported into the U.S.
• Costs will also be reduced by sales online, reducing the need for transport of goods.
• The industry sector of candle manufacturing is on the rise and outsourcing of materials, marketing strategies, procurement, etc. will lower the costs overall, as well.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Countryroad Candle Company will target residents within the Atlanta, Georgia region. This includes outlying communities and targets in the general Georgia area. They will target consumers in age from 12 years to 99 years. They will target those individuals who use candles as part of self-healing exercises or as naturopathic wellness support. They will target event planners and party coordinators. They will extensively target retail buyers and retail chain buyers to purchase quantities of candles at reasonable prices.

Customer Segmentation

Countryroad Candle Company will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Small to large retail buyers for gift stores, flower shops, large chains
• Event planners and wedding coordinators
• Disabled and elderly who use candles for wellness
• Spas and med spas; natural health clinics

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Countryroad Candle Company will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Karlan’s Gift Supply

Karlan’s Gift Supply is a large wholesale company that supplies retail stores with products made in local or regional manufacturing companies. This is an indirect competitor to Countryroad Candle Company, as Karlan’s Gift Supply does not carry candles or candle accessories. However, the wholesale company does carry a variety of related gift products and is well-known for advantageous pricing.

Bridget Karlan started Karlan’s Gift Supply twenty years ago and has grown the company into a 2M wholesale business. She is frugal in purchasing her wares and she is rigid in demanding prices to cover her targeted profit margins of 55% and up. She has very wisely created a powerhouse wholesale supply company.

Glow & Co.

Glow & Co. is the former employer of Emily Reynolds and Sarah Thompson. As a direct competitor, Glow & Co. sells candle assortments and individual candles into the retail gift and specialty markets throughout the southern region of the U.S.

Glow & Co. is a ten-year-old company founded by Nick Parsons, the son of a candlemaker father who engaged his family of fifteen in the business with him. The father passed the company on to his son ten years ago and, during the ensuing time, the son changed the name of the company and expanded it exponentially by selling candles of all kinds in several configurations and pack sizes. All current offerings are imported from Asia and carry low price points as a result. There are no unique designs or fragrances in the current product line.

Hanson’s Tabletop Company

Hanson’s Tabletop Company is a high-end design company that sells multiple gift and houseware products into retail. The company does not manufacture candles, but acquires candles and all other products via importing. The company holds a design office in the large Atlanta Gift Market in downtown Atlanta and sells curated product lines to national chains in addition to local retailers who want to place small orders.

Hanson’s Tabletop Company sells a variety of candles and candle accessories. The company owners, Teri and Craig Walters, are enthusiastic about the trend-forward designs in candle manufacturing and rarely purchase standard candles in case packs. They purpose one-of-a-kind candles and hope their suppliers can fill any voids when designs become popular.

Competitive Advantage

Countryroad Candle Company will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Countryroad Candle Company will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who are able to provide a unique product line that is both decorative and fragrant to be sold into the retail market.
• The team of employees will also offer a variety of packaging sizes and pricing that adjusts with quantity sizes.
• Discounts for disabled and elderly customers who use candles for self-healthing or wellness.
• Reasonable pricing for retail clients that enables everyone in any sized retail business to purchase on a regular basis with profitable outcomes.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Countryroad Candle Company is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Countryroad Candle Company has built up an extensive list of client contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to their former clients. With the announcement of the new company launching soon, these clients were approached and have agreed to purchase retail candle supplies from Countryroad Candle Company. The wide range of packaging plus the unique properties of the candles has encouraged buyers to make initial orders early.

Professional Associations and Networking

There are several professional associations which Emily Reynolds and Sarah Thompson have already joined. Their networking efforts will intensify with this new company and they will offer special packages for first-time buyers.

Print Advertising

Direct mail efforts will be employed in the two weeks prior to the launch. Every buyer will receive a promotional package announcing the launch of Countryroad Candle Company and will be offered special discounts for purchases made in the first month of the company.

Website/SEO Marketing

Countryroad Candle Company will utilize their website as an informational outlet and as a place for smaller retail establishments to order. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all their products and services that Countryroad Candle Company provides. The website will also list their contact information and list their available candles in stock or on hand. Their website presence will contain SEO marketing tactics; anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “candle company selling to retail” or “candle company near me”, Countryroad Candle Company will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Countryroad Candle Company will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Countryroad Candle Company. Operation Functions:

• Emily Reynolds will be the Owner and President of the company. She will oversee all staff and manage new client relations. She has spent the last year recruiting the following staff:
• Sarah Thompson will be the Production Manager of the company. She will curate, plan and oversee operations of the candle-making process at the company and will work with Emily Reynolds to effectively add decorative and fragrance elements to each candle design.
• Tad Newsom will be the Production Facilities and Maintenance Manager, overseeing the maintenance and any needed repairs of the facility.
• Shelia Abramson will be the Shipping Manager. As such, she will oversee the packing and shipping process as cartons and packages are prepared for shipment to retail.

Milestones:

Countryroad Candle Company will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease manufacturing and office space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Countryroad Candle Company
• 6/1/202X – Finalize buyer orders for Countryroad Candle Company
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Countryroad Candle Company facility and office
• 7/1/202X – Countryroad Candle Company opens its doors for business

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Countryroad Candle Company are the wholesale prices they will charge to the buyers for their products and services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Countryroad Candle Company. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Countryroad Candle Company is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its candle-making business. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the manufacturing facility and office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the marketing strategies and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Purchase Orders Per Month: 56
• Average Sales Revenue per Month: $53,000
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, candle making business plan faqs, what is a candle making business plan.

A candle making business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your candle making business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Candle Making business plan using our Candle Making Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Candle Making Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of candle making businesses , some examples include: Scented Candles, Specialty Wax Candles, and Novelty Candles.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Candle Making Business Plan?

Candle Making businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Candle Making Business?

Starting a candle making business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Candle Making Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed candle making business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your candle making business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your candle making business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Candle Making Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your candle making business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your candle making business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Candle Making Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your candle making business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your candle making business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful candle making business:

• How to Start a Candle Making Business

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How to start your own candle business in 2022 (steps and tips).

As the world moves more and more online, the demand for physical goods has decreased. However, some product categories are still immune to this trend – one of them is candles. People love buying candles for their homes, gifts, and themselves. 

If anyone is passionate about candles and is looking for a business idea, then starting the candle business may be the perfect option! The candle industry is booming and is only expected to grow in the coming years. If anyone is thinking about starting their own candle business, now is the time! In this article, we’ll show  how to start a candle business  in 2022 with tips and advice from industry experts.

• Why Start Your Candle Business

Ever thought of  candle making as a business ? With the improvement of the living standard, people are pursuing more and more handmade goods and decorations. The rise in searches for candles suggests that the market is profitable. Perhaps this is an excellent idea for a new product or service, but it is always not quite sure how to get started. No matter what, looking for a way to earn some extra income and be my boss. If so, then  starting a candle business  might be the perfect option.

Candles are popular for various purposes, from decoration to fragrance. And with the proper marketing and business strategy, anyone can build a successful candle business that meets the customers’ needs.

So why  start making candles to sell?  Here are a few reasons:

• Candles offer a great way to earn extra income and a great sense of independence.
• Candlemaking is relatively simple to learn and can be done in a short amount of time.
• Candles are low-cost products that can be sold at various price points.
• Candles are the easiest way to promote the business by giving them away as promotional items or using them as part of marketing campaigns.
• The candle industry offers opportunities for growth and expansion to build a successful business over time.

Step 1: Choose Your Types Of Candle Business

Step 2: do market research and select your niche, step 3: create and register your brand, step 4: work out your business plan, step 5: customize your candle jars, step 6: make candles for sale, step 7: promote your candle stores/brand.

There are many types of  candle making business  one can start. The type of business start will depend on the interests, budget, and time devoted to the new venture.

• Candle-Making Business At Home

Candles are a popular home decor item, and many people enjoy the act of making them. Starting a candle-making business from home can be a great way to earn extra income, with several benefits.

For one, candles are relatively inexpensive to make, so the business can sell them at a reasonable price point and still make a profit. They also have a relatively low entry barrier, so a lot of expensive equipment is not needed to get started. And since candles are often used for special occasions, they are always demanded.

If considering  how to start a candle making business at home , be sure to research the market and understand the costs involved. But with some planning, anyone can set up a small candle business to run a successful business.

• Candle-Making Factory

When starting a candle business, there are many benefits of candle-making at a factory. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the increased production capacity that a factory can provide. This can be a significant factor when starting a candle business, as it can help to meet customer demand.

Finally, candle-making at a factory can also provide a higher-quality product. When candles are made in a factory setting, they are typically made with more precision and care. This can be an essential consideration when starting a business.

• Private Label Candle Selling 

Private-label candles can help build a brand, create a unique product, and generate higher profits. Selling private-label candles means selling a branded product manufactured by another company. This means businesses can focus on marketing and selling the candles without worrying about the manufacturing process.

Finally, private-label candles typically generate higher profits than candles that are sold under a generic label. This is because personalized  decorating and labelling  candles are perceived to be of higher quality, and customers are willing to pay more for a product that they feel is better made.

• Reselling Candles

In reselling candles, business owners sell products made by other companies to their customers. This can be done through online platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, or brick-and-mortar stores. Businesses may also create custom-branded candles to sell.

Invest some time to study the competition, learn about trends and do market research. This will help to understand what’s selling, who’s buying, and, more importantly, where opportunities exist in the target industry. Before starting your own candle business, it is essential to do market research and select the niche. This will help to determine the type of candles to make, the target market, and how to price the products. 

Once businesses know their target market, they can begin to research what type of product they would be interested in purchasing. After selecting a product, it is essential to find a niche market within the broader market that can target.

There are a few different ways to conduct market research. Use online surveys, focus groups, or interviews to gather information about the target market. Once gathered, businesses can narrow down the target market and find a niche into which the product will fit.

Creating a business plan that includes financial projections and marketing strategies is also essential. By doing research and planning, businesses can increase their chances of success and make the candle business more profitable.

Starting a candle business is an exciting endeavor. But before start selling candles, businesses need to create and register the brand. This process may seem daunting, but we’re here to help!

First, Businesses need to come up with a name for the brand. This name will be used on the website, social media accounts, and marketing materials. Next, create a logo, this logo will be the face of the brand, so it must be eye-catching and memorable.

Next, register the brand name. This will protect the brand name and logo from being used by anyone else. There are a few different aspects to consider when creating a brand, such as a name, logo, and tagline. Once all these things are sorted out, the register of the brand is with the USPTO (the United States Patent and Trademark Office). This will protect the brand and ensure that no one else can use it without the owner’s permission.

So, when starting a candle business, creating and registering the brand is essential. This will help build a strong reputation and ensure the candles are known for their quality. Here are a few tips to get started:

• Choose a catchy name for a business brand that will be easy to remember.
• Design a logo that represents the brand identity.
• Register the brand name and logo with the USPTO.
• Develop a solid social media presence.

Now that decided to start my very own candle business, and it’s time to start working out the details. This includes creating a business plan. A business plan is a crucial document that will help determine the business’s feasibility and set long-term goals. This document will serve as a roadmap for the business and help set clear goals and objectives. It will also help secure funding from investors or lenders.

When starting a candle business, it is crucial to have a business plan in place to be successful ans also know the  legal requirements for selling wax melts  earlier. This section will outline the steps startups need to take to create a business plan to help achieve their goals.

• Define the business. What are the goals and objectives? What are products and services?  What do you need to make candles?  What is the target market?
• Conduct market analysis. Do Research on the candle industry, its competition, and the target market.
• Create a sales and marketing plan. How will new start-ups reach the target market? What are the marketing and sales strategies?
• Create a financial plan. How much money do required to start the business? How will you generate revenue? What are the expenses?
• Put it all together. Write the business plan and ensure it includes all the information from the  market research , sales and marketing plan, and financial plan.

When starting your own candle business, it’s essential to customize the branded candle containers to reflect the unique brand  (Knowledge:How to Make Custom Candle Jars for Branding) . Customers will be drawn to the candles because they are different from the generic candles they can find at the store. And customization gives a personal touch to the candle experience.

There are a few things to keep in mind when customoze  best glass jars for candle making . First, decide on the size and shape of the container. Then, choose the suitable material. Glass is a popular choice for candle containers, but other options are available, like clay, metal, or even wood. When done with the material, choose a color that reflects the brand. And finally, add a logo or other branding elements to make the candles unique.

There are many different types of  glass vases  or jars available on the market, and the choice will significantly impact the overall look and feel of the candles. While new startups usually may be tempted to choose the cheapest option, it’s important to remember that the jars will be one of the first things potential customers see. Therefore, it’s worth investing in high-quality personalized jars to make the candles stand out from the competition.

There are a few things that one should need to know about how to make candles for sale. Homemade candles are a great way to start, but if anyone is looking to scale the business, they need to find an  OEM factory  to help them produce candles in mass quantities.

• Homemade Candles

Making homemade candles is a fun and rewarding hobby that can also be turned into a profitable business venture. There are a few things steps on  how to start a candle business  at home.

• Choose the wax. Many different types of wax are available for making candles, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Paraffin wax is the most popular type for making candles, but beeswax and soy wax are also popular choices.
• Choose the mold. Using just about any container as a mold for the candles is advisable, as long as it is heat-resistant.  Glass jars , metal tins, and silicone molds are all excellent choices.
• Melt The wax. Place all wax in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir the wax until it is completely melted.
• Add fragrance (optional). To make scented candles, add a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil to the melted wax and stir to combine.
• Pour the wax into the mold. Slowly pour the wax into the mold, careful not to spill any. Tap the mold lightly on the counter to help release any air bubbles that may have formed.
• Allow the wax to cool and harden. Set the mold in a cool, dry place and allow the wax to harden completely. This can take several hours or even overnight.
• Remove the candle from the mold. Once the wax is hard, gently remove the candle from the mold if it is difficult to remove and place the mold in the freezer for a few minutes to make it easier to release the candle.
• Find an OEM Factory

There are many factors to consider when finding an OEM factory to make candles for sale. Here are a few tips to help get started:

• First, decide on the type of candle, and research various OEM factories that specialize in making that type of candle. Do this by searching online or contacting trade associations.
• When founding a few potential factories, contact them and request quotes. Find out how much shipping will cost, what the  minimum order quantity  is, and how long the lead time will take.
• Once received quotes from several factories, compare them and choose the one that offers the best price and terms.

The candle industry is currently booming. A 2019 report showed that the global candle market was worth over $4 billion and is expected to grow even more in the coming years. This is good news for anyone considering starting their own candle business.

One of the essential things startups can do when starting their own candle business is to promote the brand. This can be done in various ways, from using social media to creating marketing materials.

Promoting a brand is essential because it helps to attract customers and build loyalty. It can also help stand out from the competition and make the business more successful.

There are many different ways to promote the brand. Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Use social media to promote a brand. This can be done by creating a solid social media presence and sharing interesting content to capture people’s attention.
• Create marketing materials such as  business cards , flyers, and posters. Startups can distribute these in local businesses and online.
• Use word-of-mouth marketing to promote the brand. This is one of the most powerful marketing tools because it is free and comes from a trusted source.

Creating a strong brand is essential for any business but significant for small businesses. A strong brand can help to attract customers, build loyalty, and stand out from the competition.

While the candle business may not be as easy to break into as it was a decade ago, it is still possible to be successful. With the proper steps and tips, you can start your own candle business in 2022. First, you need to research the market and find a niche. Then, you need to develop a business plan and secure funding. Next, you will need to purchase supplies and develop a marketing strategy. Finally, Owners will need to get their businesses up and running by finding customers, developing a sales process, and shipping their products. Also, for buying wholesale class candles jars and containers,  contact us  to explore our wide range of containers.

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How To Start A Candle Making Business: Step By Step Guide

Everyone wants to work for themselves. If you put some time and effort into it, you have a chance. You can start candle making business as a side hustle and then turn it into a full-time job.

Making stuff at home and selling it is realistic. Many people go from their first few sales to quitting their day jobs and making more than they ever did before faster than they thought possible. Even if it takes you longer to start making a lot of money than you had hoped, it is worth it.

Have you ever thought about making candles? There is a market for homemade candles, and if you can become a well-known candle maker, you can make a full-time living at it.

Candle-making is not easy to master, but it is easy to learn, so you can get started right away. It may not take long to make your first sale, which can boost your confidence enough to help you keep going and make a lot more.

How To Start A Candle Making Business?

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to start a candle making business.

1. Learn To Make Candles

If you do not already know how to make candles, this is the point where you learn how to make them. Watch some videos, signup for a class, make a few dozen candles and give them out to your friends and family. Ask your friends and family for feedback and make any necessary adjustments.

Our Candle Making Calculator can help you learn to make candles.

2. Write A Business Plan

Most people overlook this step of starting a business but this is one of the most important steps to starting and running a successful business. As your business grows this step becomes even more important if you ever want to see financing or apply for a loan from the small business administration you will need a business plan.

What To Put In A Candle Making Business Plan

• Executive Summary
• Company Description
• Market Analysis
• Management / Legal Structure
• Product Description
• Marketing Plan
• Financial Projections

Not only is it smart to have a business plan but as someone that is selling candles doing the market analysis and marketing plan can help you really hit the ground running when it comes to promoting your business.

3. Get Required Licenses and Insurance

Meet all of the legal requirements in your city or state and obtain any necessary business insurance that can help protect your assets. While liability insurance is not always required, it is a must for any small business owner.

4. Establish Your Brand

Think of a name that is easy to remember have a logo made that suits your brand and make sure the name is available legally and on social media. Make a product that is going to stand out in the marketplace and gain a following.

Are you going to use the best ingredients? Ornate candle containers? Catchy and cool candle names people will want to show off and share?

5. Start Producing Your Product Line

You want to create an inventory of products before you start promoting your business because candles need to cure before they can be burned properly. You do not want to be creating candles and sending them out the same day you get an order because depending on how you tested your candles they might not burn properly.

6. Launch Your Online Candle Store

You can start listing products on eBay, Etsy, Shopify, WordPress or create a site with Wix or another website building service. Where ever you choose to launch your store this is the point you start listing products and finish the site.

7. Establish Social Media Presence

Create your Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook accounts. Start producing content that will advertise your brand and your product. It can take time to gain a following, just try to make genuinely helpful content or take aesthetically pleasing photos that people want to like and share.

As your social media following begins to grow, the traffic to your online candle shop will begin to grow.

Candle Making Profitability

Is Candle-Making Profitable? Candle making is profitable with profit margins between 50% and 80%. The profit you earn is dependent on what price tier you want to list your candles and how many supplies you order at once. If you order a lot of supplies from a wholesaler, you can get big discounts which increase your profit margins.

Yes, you can sell candles for a lot more than it costs to make them. You can spend a few dollars on materials to make a candle that sells for $10 to more than $30. You can sell your candles for more and more as you become better known.

You can learn more about candle-making profitability by using our custom Candle Making Profit Calculator.

There is also plenty of free information about how to get your business started. You won’t have to take a course; there is plenty of information online for free. You can find a community of candle makers to learn how to make and market candles from.

There is also no huge startup cost for you to risk losing. With some home-based businesses, you have to buy equipment that you might never make enough to pay for. Candle making requires only basic materials and a bit of space to work on them.

People use candles (7 out of 10 people use them) and are becoming more interested in buying hand-made goods, buying local, and supporting small businesses. Not enough people are into making candles for there to be too many suppliers. In most places, there won’t be any shortage of customers.

Candle Prices

How Much Can You Sell Candles For? You can sell candles for anywhere from $10 to $30 each depending on the size and the container. It depends on the market you are trying to meet and the quality of the candles you are making. Ornate candle containers with quality essential oils will cost more to produce and demand a premium price.

Anywhere from less than $10 to more than $20. You can choose to focus on cheaper, mid-priced, or higher-end candles.

While you can sometimes make more money selling lower-end candles that take less time to make, your candles need to be different from cheap mass-market candles bought in stores. Higher-end candles are probably a better idea for most people.

Your customers need to notice the difference between what you are selling and what they can buy for $5 or $8 in stores. Low-end candles cost less than $9, mid-priced candles $9 to $14, and high-end candles $15 to more than $20 or $30.

Figure out who your customers are and what they think is a fair price. If you are making higher-end candles, which is usually the best idea, use different packaging and different materials.

Learn To Budget

You want to make sure you are getting paid, but you also want to make sure you are leaving money in the business . If you spend $500 on supplies to make 200 candles then once all those candles are sold and you pay yourself you should have $500 or more left in your account to order more supplies.

Keeping a bit extra will help allow you to create new products such as wax melts or design new styles and fragrances for the different seasons. Always leave a little bit extra in the business for future expansion and to help deal with rising prices for materials or difficulty getting materials

Make Your Business Distinctive

Your brand needs to stand out for people to buy your products. You might stand out by using unusual scents, using distinctive packaging that makes people notice your candles, or giving some of your profits to charity. Make your candles a special product that people can only buy from you and can’t find elsewhere.

Pick a good name for your business, and make sure the name isn’t taken. Use colors that fit together. These things matter and affect your sales.

How To Make Your Candle Business Stand Out

• Unusual Scents
• Distinctive Packaging
• Give To Charity
• Unique Products
• Good Business Name

When picking a website name, make sure it ends in .com – not .net or anything else. If it ends in anything other than .com, it is harder for people to remember. Using a .com address increases traffic to your website, which increases sales.

Don’t Pay Yourself Too Little

It is easy for people who get into part-time home-based businesses to pay themselves too little. This is not a good idea even in the short run. If you pay yourself too little, you may end up giving up on your business.

If you make a reasonable amount of money on it right from the start, this will motivate you to keep going. You may be able to turn a part-time business into something you do full-time if you feel motivated. To feel motivated, you may need to make money, so don’t pay yourself too little.

If you want to underpay yourself in the very short run because you are learning how to make candles faster, then that might be ok. However, you should not continue to pay yourself very little after you get faster at making candles.

Once you can make candles fast, pay yourself a fair wage. Think hourly. Don’t you deserve a reasonably good hourly wage for your time?

Don’t Start With A Huge Number Of Different Products

Keep things simple in the short run. Don’t have dozens of different kinds of candles for customers to try. Make a few good ones and make sure you can sell all of them.

In the long run, you might diversify what you offer – but make sure that at least most of what you offer sells. Don’t waste your time making candles that no one wants to buy.

Especially in the short run, you should aim for one price range and not many different ranges. Keep things simple. Starting out with some candles that cost $5 and others that cost $30 isn’t the right way to go.

Candle Business Startup Costs

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Candle Business? You can start a candle making business for as little as $500, however, if you are buying supplies in bulk the price can be as high as $1000 or more. The price ultimately comes down to how many of the legal requirements you will be doing yourself or if you will pay for a service.

Sometimes, it costs almost nothing to start a candle making business. You might be able to make your first candles with stuff you already have, plus a few small purchases.

However, if you want to get a business going, you may have to spend more than a little, possibly over $1000. You do not have to spend that much right away and can take things slow and spend a little at a time.

You need candle molds, wicks, and wax to make candles. If you don’t have these things already, these are your bare minimum initial expenses. As well as these things, you might buy a lot more before you start making money:

• A website. You probably won’t be able to get the address you want for free. Look around and find a good address that doesn’t cost a great deal. A business with a better website address makes more money.
• Labels. You will need attractive labels if you want people to buy your candles.
• Dyes and fragrance oils
• Different molds for different types of candles
• Different types of wax, such as beeswax, paraffin, ext

If you insist, you can start making money without much of an investment. Start selling candles right away, and then buy more materials with the money you make from selling.

You can make more money if you make candles that are shaped like different things. You could make a candle shaped like an animal, a Christmas tree, or countless other things.

The more distinctive your candles are, the easier they are to sell. However, it can cost money to buy the materials needed to make unique candles. There is no simple answer to what the minimum startup cost is, because it depends on how distinctive your candles have to be before people will buy them.

You might also buy measuring instruments right from the start. A scale, a thermometer, and a measuring tape can help you.

Some people start with a bare minimum of equipment; others buy more than a few things before the business pays for them. You might spend less than $200 to start your business or spend more than $2000.

Many people pay for these small startup costs out of their savings. Other people look for grants or even borrow money, but you should probably not go into debt to get started.

Make sure you can sell candles before you spend thousands of dollars. Use up a lot of your savings only after it seems very likely that you can make your money back.

You Can Save Money If You Buy In Bulk

You might get your candle-making supplies from local stores at the start, or you might order small quantities online. After you are past the early learning state, you should try to start making money. Start buying your materials in bulk – it is much cheaper that way.

Online stores such as Candlechem and Candle Making Supplies give you discounts if you buy supplies in bulk. You can get lots of different molds, containers, waxes, wicks, and containers from these stores.

Know Your Local Competition

Since other local candlemakers have a head start over you, you should aim to make better candles than they do. Making candles that are the same or almost as good isn’t enough.

You might also make candles that are different rather than straightforwardly better. Don’t make candles that are the same as what the local competition offers. The first thing to keep in mind is that your candles have to stand out – give your customers something they can’t get anywhere else.

Learn New Tricks Online Or Join An Organization

Candle cauldron is one of the best free websites to learn about making candles. There is also the national candle association which has plenty of information for free online and is an organization you can join.

Even after you start making and selling candles, keep learning more. You can learn much through practice, but you can also learn much from others. If you don’t know any other candle makers in person, discuss how to make candles with people online.

Selling Online

Do I Need A License To Sell Candles Online? You do not need a license to sell candles online. However, you may be required to have a vendor’s license to operate and sell locally. In addition, you still need to meet some legal candle making standards even if you do not need a license.

Usually, you do not need a license to sell candles. There is no “candle sellers license” required to sell candles online.

In some places, you might need some sort of a vendor’s license for tax purposes . Find out what the local laws are and whether or not you can start selling a product without having to do anything first.

While you do not need a candle maker’s license, candles can be a health and safety hazard, so there are some laws to watch out for.

Any candles you sell have to meet National Candle Association standards to be legal. These standards have to do with fire safety, labeling, and not emitting dangerous fumes when the candles burn.

Obey All Trademark/Copyright Laws

Don’t sell candles under a name that another company uses or use packaging almost identical to that of another company. Make sure your company’s name is not taken.

It takes a lot of time and effort to develop candle designs, and another company will take it seriously if you copy them. Use other company’s ideas as general inspiration only.

If you accidentally break copyright laws, you probably won’t be in serious trouble. They will probably only send you a cease and desist letter and not press charges. You don’t have to be paranoid, but be careful.

List The Terms And Conditions If You Sell Candles Online

If you are selling candles over the internet, have a terms and conditions page. It should mention that prices can change at any time, that you are not liable if anything goes wrong, and that your products are copyrighted.

Again, look up the laws in your state/country. You might have to do a few things differently in your area to remain within the law.

Sell Candle Supplies As Well As Candles

As well as selling candles, you can make money selling supplies to other candle makers. This is, in some ways, even better because you do not have to make anything yourself.

Opening a brick-and-mortar candle supplies store is a financial risk, and you might not make any money if you open an online store. However, you might make more money with candle supplies than you ever made from candles. You might start with candles and move into candle supplies later on.

If you are selling candle supplies, the first things to offer are:

• Different kinds of wax
• Different fragrances
• Books and guides

You might also sell scales, thermometers, and whatever else you think of. You might even write a candle-making guide and sell it.

Start by selling candles and then move on to selling supplies later on. Once you have a website that people regularly buy your homemade candles from, add candle-making supplies.

Insurance Requirements

Do I Need Insurance To Sell Candles? You are not legally required to have insurance to sell candles, however, insurance can protect you and your business financially should one of your candles malfunction and cause an injury or destroy someone’s property.

While you are not legally required to have insurance as a candle seller, it can protect you from trouble. Merely having a warning label on your candles is not always enough.

If someone makes a mistake and starts a fire, they might find a way to argue it was your fault. You could end up in court. This scenario may sound far-fetched, but people do sue each other when they get the opportunity, and a court might take their case seriously.

Insurance companies do cover candle makers. You will have to pay something like $500 or $1000 per year. This can save you from a much greater loss.

Different people have different amounts of risk tolerance. If you are just starting out and not willing to spend $1000 on insurance, perhaps you can sell candles without it assume nothing bad will happen. Once your business gets going, you are better off with insurance.

Corporate Structure Requirements

Do I Need To Start An LLC To Sell Candles? You should start an LLC for your candle business because an LLC will protect you and your personal assets from lawsuits should someone sue your company due to a candle that has caused an injury or damage to property.

However, you are not required to start an LLC (limited liability company), but it has some advantages. You might start an LLC after you are past the very early stages, and you have more of a business than a hobby.

Your candle-making business may seem more professional and credible if you start an LLC. You will have to worry about taxes, and you can pay a lot less if you start an LLC.

The biggest advantage of an LLC is that it protects you from being sued. “Limited Liability” means you don’t lose as much if your business fails or runs into legal problems.

You may be protected from losing your house, car, or savings if you start an LLC. Even if you can’t pay a debt, your personal possessions might be safe if you start an LLC. The only disadvantage is a small fee , which can be up to $500 but can be less than $50.

If you want to start selling candles before you spend much money, don’t worry about the LLC just yet. Start an LLC after it is clear that you are going to be making at least a part-time income for a long time.

Where can I sell candles?

You should have your own website even if you are fairly new to the business. Being able to process online sales is easy if you use a platform such as Etsy or eBay.

You can also sell candles out of your house or sell them at farmers’ markets. Selling locally often works better than selling online. If there are any craft fairs nearby, you can grow your candle business startup there.

Etsy.com is another great choice. It is an online marketplace for small business owners. For a small 3.5% cut of your profits, you can show your candles to a lot of potential customers.

In conclusion, there are several things you must consider when planning to start a candle making business. You want to separate your business assets from your personal assets and get some liability protection, in addition, you want to ensure your products in the event of a mishap with one of your products.

In addition, making your candles and testing them to make sure you have the best and safest product possible is a huge part of running a candle business. You should make and test a few dozen candles minimum before selling them to anyone else.

You want to expose your candles to any kind of extreme situation at home that you can think a customer may do, just so you know how the candle reacts and that it remains safe. Try burning one for 20 hours straight without trimming the wick, try lighting it and extinguishing it 35 minutes at a time.

These are not ideal burning practices but still, you need to make sure the candle is reasonably safe because some of your customers may use your candles in this way.

Carl Adamson

Hi, I'm Carl Adamson, one of the founders here at Candleers. A few years ago I got really into the art and craft of candle making, initially with soy wax container candles. My friends started asking me to make candles for them and pretty soon it turned into a nice side-business. I started this website as a way to document what I've learned over the past few years and hopefully help others in the process. I still love candle making but I'm learning that what I enjoy even more is the business side of things - and for this reason I've started consulting others on how to start and grow their own candle-making businesses and side-hustles.

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Money blog: 'Extremely worrying' mortgage trend revealed in new report; a third of people make this mistake when booking their holiday - and how to avoid it

A third of travellers are making the same mistake when going on holiday, figures show. Read about this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Thursday 16 May 2024 12:26, UK

• 'Extremely worrying' mortgage trend revealed by new government data
• Almost a third of travellers make this insurance mistake - here's what you need to know
• How much the price of packed lunches has soared - and the cheapest supermarkets to buy a healthy one
• Major firms release financial updates
• UK economy in safe hands 'whoever wins' election, top bank chief tells Sky News

Essential reads

• How much do buskers actually make - and what's it like?
• The best bank accounts for your kids
• Basically...  What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• Cheap Eats:  Michelin-star chef reveals his top steals in London - including an unbeatable sub sandwich
• Money Problem: My workplace wants to pay us by the minute - what can I do?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Mortgage possession actions have continued to rise and are currently above the previous year's levels, according to data from the Ministry of Justice .

The latest data shows mortgage claims, orders, warrants and repossessions have continued their gradual upward trend and claims are at their highest since 2019.

When compared to the same quarter in 2023, mortgage possession claims increased from 4,035 to 5,182 - this is a rise of 28%.

Meanwhile, mortgage orders increased from 2,532 to 3,019, warrants from 2,636 to 2,881 and repossessions by county court bailiffs from 729 to 759.

Landlord possession claims also increased from 23,389 to 24,874 when compared to the same quarter last year.

Craig Fish, director at Lodestone mortgages and protection, told Newspage things "need to change and quickly before it's too late".

"Though this data makes hard reading and is extremely worrying, it's not unexpected due to the significantly higher interest rate environment in which borrowers now find themselves," he said.

And Ben Perks, managing director at Orchard Financial Advisers, said he was "concerned these figures will continue to rise". 

He told Newspage: "The Bank of England seems totally oblivious to the plight of the average mortgage borrower, but hopefully this data will kick their hesitancy to drop the base rate firmly into touch. The time to act is now."

Tesco has recalled its sandwich pickle over fears it may contain glass.

The supermarket has pulled its 295g jars of Tesco Sandwich Pickle with the batch code 3254 and best before date of 11 September 2025 due to the concerns of glass traces.

The Food Standards Agency has said on its website: "This product may contain pieces of glass which makes it unsafe to eat."

Last year, the supermarket chain had to recall pastry products, including sausage rolls and steak and ale pies, over fears they contained pieces of metal and plastic.

A Tesco spokesperson told Sky News: "We've been made aware that a specific date/batch code of Tesco Sandwich Pickle may contain small pieces of glass. Therefore, this product could pose a safety risk if consumed.

"Please do not consume this product and instead return any affected product to store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required.

"Tesco apologises to our customers for any inconvenience caused."

By Ed Clowes, news reporter

The FTSE 100 has remained stable out of the gate this morning after hitting a record high on Wednesday as better-than-expected inflation data in the US raised hopes of an interest rate cut in September.

It's been a busy start to the day with financial updates from BT Group, Premier Foods, Sage Group, and easyJet.

We'll start with easyJet, after the airline announced that its chief executive officer, Johan Lundgren, would step down in January 2025.

Mr Lundgren, who has served as CEO since 2017, will be replaced by the carrier's finance boss Kenton Jarvis.

In a financial update on its performance throughout the first half of the year, easyJet reported slightly higher revenues than anticipated, while cutting its losses compared to the same period last year.

The airline's share price fell by 6% in early trading this morning.

Elsewhere, telecoms giant BT said it had completed a £3bn cost-cutting programme ahead of schedule, and announced a further £3bn in planned savings by 2029.

The company told Sky News that the planned reductions in spending would not lead to more job losses, after BT announced last year that it would eliminate 55,000 roles.

Incoming boss Allison Kirkby said she wanted the business to prioritise the UK, with some analysts expecting BT to look at the futures of its Italian, Irish, and American divisions.

And last but not least, one of Europe's largest sellers of Rolex watches has said that sales in the UK are still down because some tourists don't want to buy here "due to the lack of VAT free shopping".

Nice for some.

The price of a healthy packed lunch has soared by around 45%, according to new research.

A lunch of wholemeal bread and fruit is more expensive for parents to put together than less nutritious versions with chocolate spread and crisps, The Food Foundation charity has found.

Unhealthy lunches for the research were made up of white bread with chocolate spread instead of wholemeal with cheese, flavoured yoghurt rather than a plain, unsweetened version and snacks such as crisps as opposed to the four portions of fruit and vegetables incorporated into the healthy lunch.

And when it came to the cheapest supermarket to buy a healthy packed lunch, Tesco topped the list with a weekly cost of £8.56 as of this month.

Morrisons was the most expensive retailer, with the price of a healthy packed lunch per week coming in at £11.72, although this was down slightly from £11.80 in October.

The equivalent cost at Sainsbury's was £10.47, Aldi was £10.08 and Asda was £9.18.

Research also showed the largest price rise in recent months was at Sainsbury's, where customers have to spend 9% more than they did at the start of the academic year in September (£9.61) for the same packed lunch.

Shona Goudie, policy and advocacy manager at The Food Foundation, said, the government's stringent eligibility criteria to qualify for free school meals was "leaving hundreds of thousands of children" who are living in poverty "at risk of malnutrition".

"No one should be priced out of being able to provide healthy food for their children and retailers need to do more to support families to afford the food they need," she said.

By Bhvishya Patel , Money team

We spoke to three buskers to find out what it's like performing on the street in the UK.

Amir, 29, came to UK from Pakistan with passion for music

Amir Hashmi moved to the UK in 2022 to study, said he began busking in central London 10 months ago because "music was his passion".

"In Pakistan there are many problems so I decided to leave and move to London. I feel I can do better in London than my country," he said.

He said busking was now his primary income but at times he did jobs at warehouses to get by.

"I never started this for money, I started because it is my passion but now this is my main job as well," he said.

Amir, who often performs in the capital's Piccadilly Circus or along Oxford Street, said often he returned home with just £10-15 in his pocket after a day's busking.

He said: "Many times I sleep without food and sometimes I sleep on the floor of the road when I have no shelter.

"I don't have my own place to live but I have friends who often let me stay with them. They don't charge me any rent - they look after me.

"Sometimes I do private shows for income but it's very hard because the cost of living is increasing. If I go somewhere then most of the time I prefer to walk. I walk with my speakers and carry my gear."

Despite his financial struggles, Amir said he wanted to continue performing on the street as his "goal was to make people happy".

He said: "With busking, there is no stage and you can just start performing. Whenever I am performing, I connect with the people who have come to listen. If I feel people are not enjoying it, I change the song and try and make them happy."

Earlier this year, Amir recorded a song with Neha Nazneen Shakil, a Malayalam actress from India, who approached the singer three months ago in Oxford Street.

"I wrote that song 12 years ago and after all these years my song has been recorded now in London," he added.

Jade, 24, quit retail to busk

Jade Thornton, from Amersham, started busking in 2017 with a friend after leaving college at the age of 17 and quickly realised it was something she enjoyed doing and could make a living from.

She began doing it full-time at the end of 2018 but when the pandemic hit she described becoming "unemployed overnight" and having to take up retail jobs to support herself.

"I chose not to go to university - I just thought it wasn't for me so I went straight into some part-time retail jobs," she said.

"I take my cap off to anyone who does retail - it is one of the most gruelling jobs. People who do retail don't get nearly as much respect as they deserve. 

"Some of the customers I was facing were not that kind and I thought this is making me miserable, so I just thought 'if I don't leave now then when?'"

As the global economy slowly began to recover, she decided to leave retail and pursue music full-time in 2022.

"It is hard to switch off - I do busking but I am constantly messaging clients, writing set lists and learning songs," she said.

When it came to finances, Jade said there was no average to how much she could earn but it could fluctuate from £15-100 day-to-day depending on a number of factors.

"It relies on the time of month, whether the sun is out, if people have been paid, if Christmas is on the way or if Christmas has just passed," she explained.

The musician said she did struggle initially when she began busking but her parents were always supportive.

She said: "You obviously get a few questions from people asking 'are you sure you want to quit your job and sing on the street?'

"I lived at home for a long time and I'm grateful my parents could support me in that way because I know not everyone has that opportunity."

While performing outdoors is now Jade's full-time job, she said some months were more difficult to make money than others.

"If I'm being brutally honest in months like January and February it would be super difficult. This year I had enough gigs in December to cover me for January," she said.

"Last year from June-July and December I did not have to go busking because I got so many gigs through busking. I'm part of a lot of online agencies and I also do lots of pub gigs, weddings, birthdays and other events."

Jade noted though that the cost of living crisis had made things harder.

She said: "A few pub gigs I've had have been cancelled because they've had to rethink their strategies but if somebody cancels then I can just go out busking. There has been a slight dent when it comes to finances but that's from COVID as well - with COVID I was unemployed overnight."

The young musician went on to say she was "very grateful" when somebody did tip her and even small gestures like sitting, listening or just a smile were "currencies in themselves".

"It's escapism for me as a singer and then it's escapism for the audience as well," she added.

"Children also have such a great time listening to buskers and some may not have an opportunity for many reasons to go and see live music so if they can come across it in the street and that can spark something that's a wonderful thing to think I'm a little part of that."

Charlotte, 34, long-time busker

Charlotte Campbell, 34, who usually busks along the Southbank or in the London Underground, said she started busking during the 2012 London Olympics and while "busking used to be enough", more recently she has had to take on more gigs in the evening.

"A typical day is usually busking until around 6pm and then a gig in the evening - 8pm onwards," she said.

"I could still probably make a living from busking but I've taken on more paid gigs since the pandemic because everything became so uncertain. I think that uncertainty has just carried through now - that seems to be the way of life now."

The musician said tips for her CDs, which she puts on display during her performances, ranged between £5-10 and in the current cashless climate a card reader was "essential".

She said she pre-sets her card reader to £3 when playing on the Southbank and £2 when busking inside the London Underground "because people are rushing".

While she described her earnings as a "trade secret", she said the busker income had "definitely gone down" but this was due to a few factors - the pandemic, people carrying less cash and the cost of living crisis.

"Also, a lots of pitches have closed which means there are a lot more buskers trying to compete for one spot so all of those things have impacted my living as a busker," she said.

"I would say even though my income is primarily from busking I have had to subsidise it with more paid gigs than before. I just haven't felt as secure in my living from busking in the last couple of years.

"Most of the gigs I have are booked by people who have seen me busking so indirectly busking is my entire career- if I don't busk I wouldn't get the gigs I play in the evening. So directly and indirectly busking is my entire income."

In spite of uncertainty, she said it was freeing to be able to go out and perform for people in an intimate way.

"You are not up on a stage and there is no separation between you and them.  It's a really great connection you can make - I want to be able to hold onto that," she added.

Every Thursday  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  gives us an insight into the savings market and how to make the most of your money. Today she's focusing on children's accounts...

While the rates on adult savings accounts have risen and fallen over the course of 2024, the top rates on accounts for children have remained stable - but are pretty competitive once again, as other account rates have started to fall. 

And there are plenty of different types of savings accounts to choose from, from the tax free Junior ISA, to children's regular savings accounts, fixed term bonds and easy access accounts.

Those who are able to start saving for their children early, could significantly improve their financial health in the future – especially when taking compounding interest into consideration.

If you were to save £50 a month from birth, you could give them a gift of more than £17,250 at age 18, assuming a tax-free interest rate of 4.95% - which is currently the top Junior ISA rate available.

If you, your friends and family were able to gift a total of £9,000 a year to a child (the current Junior ISA allowance), at the same rate, you could give them almost £265,000 when they reach 18. 

Now that's a gift worth having!

Children have their own personal allowance, so for the majority there will be no tax to pay on their savings interest. 

However, parents should be aware that there may be a tax liability to themselves on the interest earned on any money they gift to their children, until they reach the age of 18. 

If the gross interest earned is less than £100 for each parent's gift, it will be treated as the child’s under a 'de minimis' rule. 

This means that provided the interest earned does not make the child a taxpayer, they will be able to offset this against their personal tax allowance, so it will often be free of tax. 

But if the interest is more than £100 for each parent's gift, then it will be treated as that parent’s interest for tax purposes and therefore they may need to pay tax at their marginal rate - if it takes them above their Personal Allowance and/or Personal Savings Allowance.

Gifts from any other family members or friends will not be viewed in the same way. Instead, any interest earned will be treated as belonging to the child themselves and therefore can be earned tax free if they are non-taxpayers.

The exception to this rule is on funds deposited into a JISA, Child Trust Fund or NS&I Premium Bonds.  The returns from these are tax free for all.

Almost a third of people are making the mistake of buying their travel insurance on the day of their trip, data from Go Compare has shown.

The figures found that just 17% of people took out their policy within six months of their holiday.

While you can buy travel insurance right up until the moment you leave the UK, doing so risks some key areas being missed off your cover.

Go Compare's Rhys Jones says it can result in cancellation cover not being included, and this is one of the main reasons people claim on their insurance policy. 

Pre-existing conditions might be missed off as well. 

"If you have a pre-existing condition that could flare up and cause complications, a last-minute travel insurance policy may not cover it," he said. 

"So while you can buy insurance right up until the moment you travel, it's often best to get it earlier so that you have more options and more cover available." 

If you are looking to buy travel insurance while you're already abroad, you may have to purchase a specialist post-departure travel insurance policy instead. 

This type of cover is only available from a few companies, so there are fewer options available, and they are generally more expensive. 

It's also worth noting that if you do buy this policy, you may have to wait 24, 48 or 72 hours before it begins. 

Rhys recommends organising your insurance as soon as you have booked your trip, saying it "could save you considerable money and stress". 

A record 3.1 million emergency food parcels have been handed out in just a year, according to a charity.

The Trussell Trust says 3,121,404 were distributed by its network of 1,300 food banks in the year to the end of March.

Some 1,144,096 were for children and nearly two million for adults. The total is nearly double that of five years ago.

The number of parcels given out during the 12 months to March 2023 was just under three million.

You can read more here...

Nearly 40% of money laundering around the world is flowing through London, overseas territories and crown dependencies, the deputy foreign minister has said.

In a speech at the Bright Blue thinktank, Andrew Mitchell said the dirty money was passing through the capital and that "crown dependencies and the overseas territories have not yet done as much as they must do", The Guardian reports.

"If these overseas territories and crown dependencies want to have our king and our flag, then they must also accept our values, which is why we are so intent on ensuring dirty money cannot flow in and from there," he said.

The comments come a month after Mr Mitchell promised to work with the international community to tackle illicit flows of money "through increased transparency of company ownership".   

Feel like you've been on hold to the taxman for hours? You're not alone.

Customers spent around seven million hours collectively waiting to speak to HMRC in 2022/23, the spending watchdog has revealed.

That's more than double the time spent waiting in 2019/20, which was around 3.2 million hours.

It's the equivalent of 798 years.

Once answered, calls more than doubled to over 23 minutes in 20022/23, up from just over 11 minutes.

Advisers also answered 22% fewer calls.

HMRC's strategy is to encourage customers to turn to its digital services first - but it is not clear how far and fast digital services will reduce demand for telephone and correspondence services, the National Audit Office said.

And the move to digital services has not eased pressure on traditional services as much as HMRC expected.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: "HMRC's telephone and correspondence services have been below its target service levels for too long.

"While many of its digital services work well, they have not made enough of a difference to customers, some of whom have been caught in a declining spiral of service pressures and cuts. HMRC has also not achieved planned efficiencies.

"HMRC must allow more time for these services to bed in and understand the difference they make before adjusting staffing levels."

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